The Country Wife begins with Mr. Horner, a wealthy single man, talking to his doctor who he has asked to spread a rumor that he had a eunuch. Sir Jasper Fidget has heard the rumors and entrusts his wife, Lady Fidget, to Mr. Horner as chaperone. The couple leaves. Soon after, Mr. Pinchwife, a jealous young husband, enters and the men begin discussing his wife. During the discussion, it is revealed that Mr. Horner saw Mrs. Pinchwife, the pretty young "Country Wife," at the theater the night before. Mr. Pinchwife fears he will become a cuckold, so he leaves. The second act takes place in Pinchwife's house. Mrs. Pinchwife and her sister-in-law, Alithea, discuss the controlling nature of Mr. Pinchwife and the theater. Mr. Pinchwife enters and remains firm that Mrs. Pinchwife will not be allowed to leave the house. He says someone at the theater fell in love with her. She was delighted. Alithea was engaged to Sparkish. Sparkish wants to show off his fiancée, so he brought his friend Harcourt with him. Harcourt continually attempted to woo Al...