Charlotte married quite young; her father arranged a match for her on her eighteenth birthday. The family was well-offwhat more could one wish for to be content? The wedding was extravagant, the entire village turned out to celebrate. Oddly enough, only the bride and groom seemed out of sorts.
Charlotte had a fondness for her new husband, even though they were practically strangers. Her sister wasnt nearly as fortunateshed wed a man in his forties from a nearby village. Everyone had assumed shed become a spinster, but their father managed to find her a husband and even promised her a decent dowry.
The newlyweds moved into Olivers family home. It wasnt spacious, but at least it was theirs. The patriarch of the household announced that, once there were grandchildren, plans would be made to expand.
Thankfully, Charlottes mother-in-law wasnt overbearing; she was helpful, guiding her daughter-in-law in the adjustment to married life. Her sister-in-law, though, was another story entirely. Margaret was older, yet still lived in the family home. Shed been sent off in marriage by her father, but her husband had brought her back a year later, all her belongings in tow. She was a real troublemaker. She refused to help with the housework and had no interest in starting a family. Thus, she remained at home by herself.
According to old English custom, a daughter-in-law only became the true mistress of the household after giving birth to a son. Until then, it was her place to keep quiet and mind her spot at the table. So every new bride aimed to become expectant as soon as possible.
Charlotte followed suit. Until she was with child, Margaret had her doing the most tiring and grubby chores. Not that it was necessary, there were servants about, but Margaret relished making life difficult for poor Charlotte.
When Oliver heard he was to become a father, he was positively beaming. His parents were delighted as well, immensely proud of their daughter-in-law. That very day, they began buying materials to start building a house. Margaret, on the other hand, was livid. She realised shed be stuck in that cottage with her parents for good. No one would marry her now; no one would build for her a place of her own…
Six months later, Charlotte was woken by a loud rapping at her door. It was Margaret.
Why are you in bed? Finished all the work, have you?
In the house, yes, but Oliver wont have me in the garden, Charlotte replied.
Wont have you? More like youre just bone idle!
What are you after?
Dont you take that tone with me! Planning on ordering me about, are you? Just remember, youve yet to have a childso youre not in charge here!
That hadnt crossed my mind…
Youre nothing in this house, and neither is that child of yours! Do you get it?
Margaret went to pieces, shrieking and throwing things at Charlotte. Their father-in-law stormed in and pulled his enraged daughter away. Charlotte soothed her bump and breathed steadily. Everything would be all right. She was certain of it.
