Mary Grant becomes Mary Seacole in 1836 and quickly becomes a widow, and never marries again. She keeps the name Seacole and writes and travels under the name. Although she had plenty of suitors, Mrs. Seacole decides to be an "unprotected woman" and travel the world without a man looking after her. Her marriage was something expected of her, but her widowed status gave her greater license to do what she wished.