A very proper middle class english woman in the 1700s takes in an orphaned wealthy child that has no idea how to live in this lifestyle.. Some see her as too harsh on the girl, but unbeknownst to them, Mother Patty had started to grow very fond and protective of this girl, and would do anything to protect her, her love and personality is just stern and sometimes harsh She's a now widow after the death of her husband in war, but she doesn't talk about him much She holds the girl to high standards, seeing the potential in her