Rebecca married quite early, her father found her a husband on her eighteenth birthday. Their family had more than enough money what else could possibly be missing for happiness? The wedding was a grand affair, the entire village turned up to dance. But the new couple felt like awkward guests at their own feast.
Rebecca didnt know much about her husband, Lawrence, but she thought he was pleasant enough. Her sister Margaret, by contrast, ended up marrying a forty-year-old man from the next village over. Everyone believed Margaret would turn into a hopeless spinster, but their father managed to secure her a match and promised a hefty dowry.
The newlyweds moved into Lawrences family cottage. It wasnt spacious, but at least it was theirs. The patriarch assured them that when grandchildren arrived, theyd build an extension.
Rebeccas mother-in-law wasnt overbearing, helping her settle into the daily habits of a proper young wife. Her sister-in-law, though, was another matter. Judith, Lawrences older sister, lived at home despite being married off once. Her own husband had returned Judith, suitcase and all, after a year. She was a real troublemaker. She wanted nothing to do with housework or continuing the family name. Thus, she lingered restlessly in her childhood bedroom.
In old tradition, a daughter-in-law only became mistress of her home after bearing her first son. Until then, she was expected to keep to her place and say little. So, every girl moving in sought to conceive as quickly as possible.
Rebecca didnt see a better plan. Until she was with child, Judith forced her to do the hardest, dirtiest chores. It was just senseless they even had gardeners and a maid on the estate. But Judith took pleasure in tormenting Rebecca.
When Lawrence learned he was to be a father, he beamed with delight. His parents celebrated, swelling with pride at Rebecca, their daughter-in-law. That very day, Lawrences father left for town to buy bricks and timber for the new wing. Judith fumed, wild with envy. She realised shed be cooped up forever in the small back room, burdened with her parents demands, and no husband would come for her again. No house would ever be hers.
Six months trickled past. One morning, Rebecca was startled awake by a pounding on the door. It was Judith.
“Why are you just lying around? Have you finished every last bit of work?”
“I have in the house, but Lawrence doesnt want me doing anything outside.”
“Of course he doesnt. Youre just idle!” Judith sneered.
“What is it that you want?” Rebecca asked.
“Who do you think youre talking to? Are you practising giving me orders? Dont forget, youre not even the lady of the house until you produce a child!”
“Id never ” Rebecca stammered.
“Youre nobody here and that brat of yours means nothing, do you hear?” Judiths voice curled with venom.
Judiths face twisted, her anger uncontained. She hurled trinkets at Rebecca and shouted until their father burst in, dragging Judith out with a tight grip. Rebecca, heart pounding, placed both hands on her belly and breathed deeply, trying to quiet the tremors inside. This is just a strange patch, she told herself. Soon, all will be set right. Everything would, surely, turn out fine in the end…
