 How did Matilda's mother feel about Matilda?
The best that could be said for Matilda Penshaws was that she was something of a paradox. The fact that in all probability such a man did not exist disturbed Matilda not in the least. The first thing the widow Penshaws did was to take Matilda's left hand in her own and examine the next-to-the-last finger. Matilda admired her mother's use of the word osmosis, but she found nothing which was not objectionable about being unaware of the impact of love. Matilda switched her bed lamp on and dabbed some citronella on each ear lobe and a little droplet on her chin (how she hated insects!).
 she loves her daughter but wishes she'd settle with a man
 she wanted Matilda to get married and finally move out  she loves her daughter but wishes she'd settle with a man  she was jealous of how her daughter handled the men she met  she thinks Matilda is very wise in the decisions she makes