The Other Two by Edith Wharton
"The Other Two" by Edith Wharton is a nuanced exploration of marital dynamics, societal expectations, and the complexities of blended families. The narrative centers on Waythorn, a successful New York investor, and his newly married wife, Alice, who is twice divorced and has a daughter, Lily, recovering from typhoid. Their honeymoon is interrupted by the need to manage Alice’s interactions with her ex-husbands: Haskett, the father of Lily, and Gus Varick, her second husband. As Waythorn navigates his discomfort with their presence in his life, he grapples with feelings of insecurity and the evolving dynamics of his relationships.
The story is enriched by moments of humor and irony, particularly as Waythorn observes interactions between Alice, Haskett, and Varick. He finds himself scrutinizing Alice's behavior and the implications of her past relationships, which leads to a deeper understanding of both her and his own insecurities. Wharton deftly captures the complexities of social interactions, allowing readers to witness how the characters adapt to their intertwined lives. The conclusion reveals a blend of acceptance and camaraderie, symbolized through shared moments, such as tea, which transform the initially awkward encounters into a more comfortable coexistence. This work offers insights into the challenges of modern relationships and the ways individuals navigate shared histories.
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The Other Two by Edith Wharton
First published: 1904
Type of plot: Wit and humor
Time of work: The early twentieth century
Locale: New York City
Principal Characters:
Mr. Waythorn , a Wall Street brokerMrs. Alice Waythorn , his wifeHaskett , Alice's first husbandGus Varick , Alice's second husbandLily Haskett , Alice's daughter
The Story
A successful New York investor named Waythorn and his twice-divorced bride, Alice, cut short their honeymoon because her twelve-year-old daughter, Lily, has fallen ill with typhoid. Awaiting them at home is a letter from the lawyer of Alice's first husband, Haskett, requesting that his weekly visitation rights be continued at the Waythorn household because Lily cannot be moved. Waythorn reluctantly agrees but, not wishing an embarrassing scene, leaves early the following day for work. While on a crowded train, he runs into Alice's second husband, the well-connected but boorish Gus Varick, who asks for his help with an important business transaction. Waythorn's partner Sellers has been handling it but is currently ill with the gout. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, Waythorn agrees. A few hours later, at lunch, he spots Varick at a nearby table, pouring cognac into his coffee cup. Eschewing direct contact, Waythorn wonders whether Varick ever was put in embarrassing situations with Haskett while married to Alice.
That evening, Waythorn inquires about Haskett's visit. Alice replies that the nurse showed him in, implying, to Waythorn's relief, that she had no direct contact with him. After dinner, Alice pours liqueur into his coffee cup, just as Varick had done at lunch. When Waythorn exclaims that he does not take brandy, she blushes.
Ten days later, with Sellers still ill, Waythorn confers with Varick, who is pleasant and even alludes to past financial problems that, rumor has it, caused his rupture with Alice. Meanwhile, as Lily recuperates, Waythorn grows less uneasy about Haskett's visits, although a chance face-to-face encounter is awkward for him. Although Haskett seems unimpressive and undistinguished, wearing a "made-up tie attached with elastic," Waythorn comes to respect his concern for his daughter's welfare. When Haskett complains about Lily's French governess, Waythorn resents the criticism but has the servant dismissed.
The increased contact with Haskett and Varick causes Waythorn to scrutinize and analyze his wife's behavior. He learns, for example, that, despite her denial, she conversed with Haskett during his first visit. At a ball, "wandering through the remoter rooms," Waythorn comes on Varick and Alice sitting together. "She colored a little, and faltered in what she was saying; but Varick nodded to Waythorn without rising, and the latter strolled on." Later, however, when Waythorn expresses surprise that she talked to Varick, she claims that it has not happened before and will not again, if he so desires. Wearily, he replies, "It's better to speak to Varick."
Thereafter, Alice's behavior is irreproachable, as she neither initiates nor avoids contact with Varick at social functions. Observing his wife's tactful behavior, Waythorn comes to appreciate the bizarre humor in the situation.
One afternoon, finding Haskett in the library awaiting a meeting with Alice, Waythorn offers him a cigar. Their blended smoke creates a symbolic bond of intimacy. Soon Varick joins them, and then the footman brings in a tea table. Finally Alice enters the room and nonchalantly proceeds to serve tea with such ease and charm that "the situation lost its grotesqueness." After the "other two" accept cups, Alice glances at Waythorn, and he takes the third cup "with a laugh."
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