This is a woman who is living the life of a wealthy widow although she is in fact barely making ends meet. She lives on the charity of a deceased friend who has agreed to allow her the use of a house until the friend's niece marries. Francesca lives in constant fear that the niece's engagement will be announced. It is noted that Francesca doesn't want to live a life of stress and worry and that she desires that her life would be smooth, but that she has a great many things to worry about. One of her biggest concerns is her son Comus. Francesca's attitude toward her son, who is her only child, is not very motherly. She realizes that she misses him when he is away at school but dreads his visits. In fact, she feels sad when the time comes for Comus to leave the country but is also relieved. The most interesting aspect of the relationship between Comus and Francesca is seen when Francesca arrives home to find a telegram waiting. She knows without looking at it that it is a notice of her son's death. This is a fact that indicates a stronger relationship between the two than is seen in any of their interactions. Francesca truly wishes for a good life for Comus and tries on several occasions to direct him on a path that would provide that. However she does not seem especially surprised when Comus does not follow any of her instructions.
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