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