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Lots better news this time - I guess we just had to run out the clock. The older mare is still grumpy, but accepting the new gelding more and more every day. The gelding has learned to mind his manners and how to act cautiously around her as well.
They are spending time in pasture together, and standing closer and closer by the week. The other mare has unfortunately been diagnosed with Lyme disease, and is understandably not energetic. Hassle is getting the antibiotics into her, but she is improving.
Worst problem came when they were being separated, between two fence lines. We came back and found all three together, with the gelding sporting a gash on his left fore and several bite marks. No evidence of fence damage, so we suspect some kindhearted or foolish neighbor kid opened a gate so they could "hang out" together! Bad move. But after some vet bills and more antibiotics, he is expected to make a full recovery. Pain wrapping the leg every day though.
So I will guess all will be back to normal (or as normal as it is possible to be with horses) within a few months or by Spring at most.

Sincere thank you to all for your advice and tips. Gotta love Mudcat!

Mark