Mathilde’s husband stated that.
Text Evidence:
Instead of being delighted, as her husband hoped, she threw the invitation on the table with disdain, murmuring:
"What do you want me to do with that?"
"But, my dear, I thought you would be glad. You never go out, and this is such a fine opportunity. I had awful trouble to get it. Everyone wants to go; it is very select, and they are not giving many invitations to clerks. The whole official world will be there."
Answer:
The answer is in the pictures, "The weather was a powerful force in the lives of the Norse". Being at the mercy of something means that you are being over-powered by the force.
Explanation: