Dowager - 1. An elderly woman of stately dignity, especially one of elevated social position.2. A woman who holds some title or property from her deceased husband, especially the widow of a king, duke, etc. 3. Noting, pertaining to, or characteristic of a dowager:
Lily was terrified the day James took her home. She worried that Dowager Lady Potter would think she was intruding on the family grief. James's father had died only a week earlier.
It was why they were going home. James was Lord Potter now, and he had to put in an appearance at the funeral. Preferably with his future Lady on his arm. Lily worried that she wouldn't be good enough.
But then she realised what people meant by a true Lady. Martha Potter greeted her kindly, as though they were equals. Lily couldn't wait to become her daughter in law.