Even though this would make her daughter unhappy, she is still willing to follow it as it is the way it is expected to be done by society. This implies if her husband wanted dominance over her, he could have it and she would comply, also showing that although she has the upper hand, her husband is the one allowing her to have it, so he is still in control. .
Another example of gender reversal is in Act one, as Jack confesses his love for Gwendoline and suggests the idea of marriage, she responds with "But you haven't proposed to me yet. Nothing has been said at all about marriage. The subject has not even been touched on.", this shows that Gwendoline is trying to be assertive enough with Jack that he understands what she wants, but is vague enough that she is still being proposed to, rather than proposing herself. By stating "you havent", this actively shows Gwendoline is aware that she has practically proposed but he hasn't. Gwendoline is implying that Jack needs to formally propose to her in order for them to be engaged, as that is what she has been taught is what is socially expected of her. This however, means that Gwendoline already starts off without the upper hand, as society has already put her below men in terms of control of her life. At this point however, Jack is being more rational, "You know what I have got to say to you." perhaps implying there is no point in formally asking her, as she already knows what he is going to say. Gwendoline however does not accept this, as her comments reveal that she thinks marriages (and proposals) should be organized. Her insistence on a proper proposal also reveals her coy nature, and the general triviality of her character. .
This is a major gender reversal, as women of Gwendoline's class at this time were expected to be proposed to, not take charge and offer it themselves. This gives Gwendoline the upper hand as she is able to get the proposal she wanted whilst adhering to the social etiquette and conventions of the Victorian era, subtly letting Jack believe he was in control the whole time.