Bertha's entire arc through Season 1 is all about joining the most exclusive social circles of New York City. It takes her a while to get there, with her earliest attempts failing miserably due to society's disdain for her and her husband's industrial fortune. Fortunately for Bertha, she has the unwavering support of her railroad baron husband, George, and together, there's nothing they can't do.
After leveraging the Faynes to help her get a foot in the door, Bertha slowly works her way into more and more acceptance among the old money elites. By the finale, she's even managed to strong-arm the formidable Mrs. Astor into attending her grand ball, and she seems well on her way up in the world.
