So, what if Betty takes an aggressive stand and fights tooth and nail for Joseph? How does this attitude
affect the actions/reactions of her daughters?

Joseph seems so easily influenced that I wondered what would happen if Betty HAD fought for him. Yours is a good question. I think he would have come back to her, and I think Annie and Miranda would have supported her in her more aggressive stance. Both Annie and Miranda are strong women who are used to getting what they want, or at least - in the case of Annie - standing up for themselves, so I think Betty would have had their full support.

Sara, I certainly appreciate the positive response. Although I appreciated and even admired Betty's gentle
lady-like manner through her ordeals, I wanted Betty to fight, and if the truth be known, my money would
have been on her! I believe Betty would have been a positive role model for her girls and other women who "lose" husbands to other women if she had fought for Joseph. Maybe that story is another
novel??? Thanks for the thoughtful response.

I think the story woiuld have been more interesting. Because Betty did nothing, Felecity was able to influence Josie. I think Josie really loved Betty but might have been bored with the relationship. To me, he didn't show that much interest in Felicity.

I also feel that if Betty had fought for him she would have won Josie back. We see brief moments in the book where Josie seems to reflect back on what he has lost and see Felicity for the gold digger that she is. You can't help but wonder if she would have died by the end of the novel if she had stood her ground and refused to leave the apartment.

Scottishrose-
Like you, I felt the official end of the marriage, indeed ended Betty's life as well. Without the fight, there
was no will to continue-it sounds a bit elementary, but I believe it to be so true. The apartment did seem to be Betty's "root", her life line.