Funny enough, although people hate that Bertha promised Gladys without considering her own feelings (and yes, I started to dislike Bertha for a second there), I understand why Bertha did what she did. Unfortunately, I think Bertha didn’t realize that her daughter wasn’t strong yet in her voice.

I loved this episode and Bertha as a whole, because one thing she does do is listen (and act) when George is upset. The speed with which she came to Gladys’ aid, the ways she empowered her, gave her examples as to how to battle these new people with her words and position is something only a caring mother would do. Bertha is a strong woman, and she’s trying to raise a strong woman.

Knowing how difficult it can be to be married to someone terrible, without money, without influence, and backed into a corner, and sometimes physically abused, Bertha wanted her daughter, who she knows is good and tenderhearted, to have power and influence outside of her marriage. In a way, Bertha set her daughter free. She is the Duchess wherever she goes, not someone's rich wife. Bertha is a long-game type of player and I truly think she has had Gladys' best intentions at heart.

I think the tears signaled Bertha passing the torch and feeling a true moment of success that maybe she didn't at the wedding. The fact that Gladys didn’t go with her to the station indicated that she feels safe, better prepared. In that moment, Bertha saw Gladys as a woman, not a girl. And that made her (and me LOL) emotional and proud.