The onlookers who understood nodded their heads, among whom were many who had their own mothers or sisters remarry and serve as stepmothers. They knew all too well how difficult and awkward such a position could be for a woman.
It was somewhat easier when the children were too young to remember, for if raised from a young age, they may not be as close as one's own flesh and blood but would at least not purposely trip up their stepmothers. Some, while being raised, would constantly be compared by elder relatives with those who came before. Any slight slip was met with accusations of being heartless. Stepmothers would wish nothing more than to display their hearts for all to see, to prove their compassion, suffering countless indignities in silence.
