She’s got it from her mother.
Seeing a young woman’s life becoming currency in her own family’s political games isn’t surprising in the least, especially for those who have seen and read a lot of historical romance. Stories of arranged and even forced marriages are often the basis for conflict in the genre, but we fall for it every time.
The Gilded Age is no exception to this trend and hastens to introduce a story of its own. This time, the woman who is likely to fall victim to her mother’s schemes is Gladys, as her hand has been promised to the Duke under some mysterious conditions.
Although viewers aren’t sure what exactly happened and what the deal was, all that is known for now is that Bertha is actively trying to sell her daughter. The only problem is that Gladys won’t take it lying down and is likely to put up a fight.
Will Gladys Marry The Duke In Season 3?
While the show doesn’t claim to be completely historically accurate, it’s no secret that the Russels are heavily inspired by the real-life New York preeminent family, the Vanderbilts. Looking at Gladys’ historical counterpart, Consuelo Vanderbilt, it is quite obvious that the marriage will somehow go through but then fall apart.
But it’s hard to believe that Gladys, the daughter of Bertha Russell, who happens to be just as stubborn, would ever agree to such a match. With her father’s support, which he has already declared, she can easily avoid such a fate, if she doesn’t get anything other than status out of it.
What some fans suggest is that the Duke can promise Gladys what she most desires: freedom. She wants to get away from her mother, her household, and her never-ending schemes in which she’s always being used as a tool, and the status and money of this marriage would be just enough to get her there.
Of course, there is no real answer to the question of whether the Duke will be able to keep his promise or whether Gladys will have to run away from him in the future as well, but the sweet talk might as well work. After all, it was long overdue for Gladys to take part in all the intrigues and social games herself in order to be a worthy opponent to her mother.
If you are interested in seeing what The Gilded Age season 3 has in store for Gladys, keep an eye out for more news and behind-the-scenes updates.
