How did Enid Turner turn into Mrs. Winterton in The Gilded Age? Details explored

How did Enid Turner become Mrs. Winterton in The Gilded Age? (Image via HBO)
How did Enid Turner become Mrs. Winterton in The Gilded Age? (Image via HBO)

Enid Turner, played by Kelley Curran, has had one of the most exciting journeys in The Gilded Age. Once a maid, she quickly rises through the ranks in society, becoming the noble Mrs. Winterton in the second season.

Though Enid has always been an ambitious woman, her sudden transition from a maid to a Lady surprised the audience. She had previously been ousted from the Russell household when she proposed to be the mistress of George Russell.

When her plans do not go as planned, Enid Turner marries the wealthy Joshua Winterton, becoming Mrs. Winterton. By the end of The Gilded Age Season 3, Enid has another opportunity to cement her high rank in society as she gets a proposal from Oscar van Rhijn.


Enid Turner becomes Mrs. Winterton by marrying Joshua in The Gilded Age

Enid Turner is introduced in The Gilded Age Season 1 as Bertha Russell’s maid. Before that, she served Mrs. Griswold, an old-money woman who died of a heart attack. Turner does not enjoy working for Bertha, whom she sees as a flashy woman desperate to fit in with high society. She often gossips about her boss to the other servants.

However, she soon crosses the line with her ambition. nid starts flirting with Bertha’s husband, George Russell, and finally sneaks into his room one night, offering to be his mistress. George refuses her and says he loves his wife. This ends her time in the Russell household, but it motivates her even more to have a better life.

In The Gilded Age Season 2, Enid Turner returns as Mrs. Winterton, the much younger wife of rich and elderly Joshua Winterton. Bertha is shocked to see her and quickly tells Mrs. Astor about Enid’s past as a maid, damaging her social standing.

The two women turn into arch rivals and compete for influence at the opera house. Enid tries to beat Bertha by showing off her connections, including her friendship with the Duke of Buckingham. But Bertha always manages to get the upper hand. Enid even plots to ruin a fancy dinner for the Duke, but her plan fails, leaving her embarrassed.

Enid returns again in The Gilded Age Season 3 for Gladys Russell’s wedding. She is still ready to stir up trouble, but things are not going well in her personal life. Mrs. Fish asks why her husband is not there, and Enid’s reaction hints that he may be seriously ill. If she becomes a widow, her life will change again. She would still be wealthy, but society would expect her to follow strict rules of mourning.

By the end of Season 3, Enid is not ready to give up her status in society. Oscar van Rhijn, who knew her back when she was a maid, sees this as a chance to join forces with her. Both of them live with secrets as Oscar hides his sexuality, and Enid hides her past.

Oscar suggests they marry for practical reasons: she brings her fortune, and he brings his family’s name and connections. They could become a powerful pair in New York society while keeping their personal lives private. Hence, Enid might be using her marriage again to keep her riches, power, and influence in The Gilded Age.

The Gilded Age is available to stream on HBO Max.

Edited by Jashandeep Singh