The Country Wife begins with Mr. Horner, a wealthy single man, talking to his doctor who he has asked to spread the rumor that he has had a eunuch. Sir Jasper Fidget has heard the voices and entrusts his wife, Lady Fidget, to Mr. Horner as a chaperone. The couple leaves. Soon after, Mr. Pinchwife, a jealous newlywed husband, enters and the men begin to discuss his bride. During the discussion, it is revealed that Mr. Horner saw Mrs. Pinchwife, the attractive young "country wife", at the theater the night before. Mr. Pinchwife is worried about becoming a cuckold, so he leaves. The second act takes place at Pinchwife's house. Mrs. Pinchwife and her sister-in-law, Alithea, are discussing the dominant nature of Mr. Pinchwife and the theater. Mr. Pinchwife enters and stands firm that Mrs. Pinchwife will not be allowed to leave the house. She says someone in the theater fell in love with her. She was ecstatic. Alithea was engaged to Sparkish. Sparkish wants to show off her boyfriend, so she brought her friend Harcourt along. Harcourt continually tried to woo Al...