Imagine...

[Donna McCreary]

Elizabeth Edwards tried not to discuss Mary's shopping habits with anyone as she found it to be a painful subject. Elizabeth considered Mary's shopping a form of mania. In a letter to Robert written in 1876, Elizabeth wrote:

I think that she was nearly a week in New York spending much of the time in dining – and I presume as is her unfortunate custom, too much time, and money in shopping. I never refer to that painful point – in her monomania without a sigh and a tear.
Her recovery from it, seems so utterly hopeless – any exclamation of surprise at a purchase that seemed useless, on my part invariably called forth angry words from her. Thus I was prevented concerting any influence. As many as six trunks were added to those you sent down. I have been surprised to learn of the statements of merchants and dress makers. It is lamentable, but what can be done in so difficult a case?