In her mother’s petticoats!

Desmond grew up under exclusive maternal authority. Exceptionally cajoled by the latter, he will end up confusing maternal love and the love of a wife. Unconsciously the mother will let her son torment her as he pleases. Her son's obsession was growing. One would think, that she went so far as to love and take pleasure in the troubles that her only son imposed on her. Consciousness will come when it is pointed out. She will be virtually unable to shake it off. On the other hand, Desmond will pay dearly for his sick obsession.