Rebecca marries young, just as she turns eighteen. Her father, a well-to-do farmer from the Cotswolds, arranges the match for her birthday. The family is wealthywhat more could anyone ask for in life? Their wedding is a grand affair, with everyone from the village joining the celebration. Yet, despite all the festivities, both Rebecca and her new husband feel a bit uncomfortable as the centre of attention.
While Rebecca doesnt really know her husband, she finds him agreeable. Her sister, however, isnt so fortunateshe is wed off to a forty-year-old bachelor from a nearby village. Some had whispered shed be left a spinster, but her father managed to secure her a match and promised a handsome dowry.
After the wedding, Rebecca moves into her husbands family home. Its not large, but at least they have a place to themselves. The family patriarch promises to make the house bigger once grandchildren are on the way.
Rebeccas mother-in-law is kind and helps her settle into her new role as a young wife. Her sister-in-law, on the other hand, is another story. Margaret, older and still living at home, was married once, only for her husband to send her back after a year, suitcase and all. She does little around the house, shows no interest in starting a family again, and is quick with harsh words.
Traditional ways hold strong here: only once a daughter-in-law gives birth to a son does she gain real authority in the house. Until then, she is expected to mind her place. Thats why its common for a newly married young woman to do everything she can to become pregnant quickly.
Rebecca follows suit. Until she is with child, Margaret makes sure she is saddled with the most tiring and unpleasant choresthough there are enough servants in the household for Rebeccas labour to be unnecessary. Still, Margaret seems to enjoy tormenting her.
When Edward, Rebeccas husband, finds out hes going to be a father, he beams with pride. The whole family is delighted, boasting of Rebeccas good fortune. That very evening, her father-in-law sets off to order building supplies; the extension will begin at once. Margaret, by contrast, is furious. She realises that shell spend the rest of her days in a cramped room, stuck looking after their parents. No one is going to marry her now, nor will anyone build her her own home…
Half a year passes. One morning, Rebecca is woken by a sharp banging at the door. Its Margaret.
Lazing about again, are we? Have you finished all your jobs? Margaret snaps.
I have inside, but Edward wont let me near the garden, Rebecca replies.
Of course he wont, youre just bone idle! Margaret retorts.
What do you want, Margaret? Rebecca asks quietly.
Who do you think youre talking to, miss? Practising being the boss now, are you? Let me remind you youve not had a child yetnot in a position to give orders! Margaret spits back.
I never meant Rebecca tries.
Youre nothing in this house, and sos that baby of yours! You get that?
Margaret is frantic, hurling anything she can get her hands on and screaming at Rebecca. The father-in-law rushes in and drags his furious daughter away. Rebecca strokes her stomach and takes a deep breath. Everything will be all right. Everything truly will work out fine.
