What might be a reason why Mother Shipton and the Duchess treat Piney Woods as a beloved child? Piney is about to make a bad decision in marrying Tom Simson, who cannot support her. They appreciate Piney's youth, innocence, and hope for the future while their lives have been spent in a disreputable profession. Piney has no family, so Mother Shipton and the Duchess want her to be their child. Mother Shipton and the Duchess think Piney would make a good prostitute.