Rebecca married fairly young; her father had lined up a suitable chap for her on her eighteenth birthday. Her family was well-to-dowhat more could you want for a perfect life? The wedding was a grand spectacle, the whole village turned up. Oddly enough, the only ones who felt out of place were the stars of the show: the bride and groom.
Rebecca rather liked her new husband, even if she barely knew him at all. Things werent nearly as rosy for her sister. Poor Marianne ended up wed to a chap from the next village over who was pushing forty. Everyone thought Marianne would be left on the shelf, but, naturally, their father sniffed out someone and promised a respectable dowry to sweeten the deal.
The newlyweds set up home in Edwards house. Cosy, a tad snug, but entirely theirs. The family patriarch declared that once grandchildren started appearing, theyd simply extend the place.
Rebeccas mother-in-law was a far cry from the typical dragon. She helped Rebecca settle in and get her bearings as the new missus. The same could not be said for her new sister-in-law. Olivia, who was a few years older, still lived under her parents roof. Shed been married off before, but her husband returned her, luggage and all, barely a year later. Olivia was a proper handfulnever lifted a finger to help around the house, and didn’t even pretend to be interested in family life. So there she lived: grumpy and alone.
According to age-old tradition, a daughter-in-law only becomes the real lady of the house after shes produced a son. Up to that point, shes expected to keep her chin down and her opinions to herself. Unsurprisingly, every young wife was eager to get pregnant as soon as possible.
Rebecca employed the same strategy. Until she was expecting, Olivia had her scrubbing floors and tackling all the most hideous chores, despite the fact that the family had staff to do just that. Olivia, however, seemed to have made it her mission to torment poor Rebecca.
But when Edward heard the pitter-patter of impending tiny feet, he absolutely beamed. The in-laws were over the moonproperly chuffed with their daughter-in-law. The very same day, they headed out to buy supplies to start building the extension. Olivia, on the other hand, looked as if someone had told her shed have to live in the garden shed forever. She knew, at that moment, her future was sealed: forever tucked away at home, tending to her parents. No husband, no house extension in her future…
Six months rolled by. Suddenly, Rebecca was jolted awake by a thunderous banging on her door. It was Olivia.
Why are you lounging about? You finished all the chores already? Olivia sneered.
In the house, yes. Edward doesnt want me lifting a finger outside, Rebecca replied.
Oh, right, Im sure. Youre just bone idle, Olivia retorted.
What do you want, exactly?
Who do you think youre talking to? Think youre the boss of me already? Might I just remind you, until you pop out a son, youre not in charge of anything round here!
I hadnt the foggiest intention Rebecca began.
You and your sprog mean nothing, understand? Olivia shouted.
At that, Olivia completely lost her composure. She started hurling all sorts about and bellowing so loudly the neighbours probably heard. The father-in-law charged in and carried the rampaging Olivia away. Rebecca placed a calming hand on her belly and took a slow breath. Everything would turn out just fine. Absolutely splendid, in fact.
