The Silent Wife

Jodi receives a call from Daphne, Harry LeGroot’s assistant. Daphne asks for the name and number of Jodi’s lawyer. Jodi is confused, and Daphne, realizing that she may have spoken out of turn, clarifies that Jodi—“Mrs. Gilbert”—needs to find herself a divorce lawyer. Jodi resolves to avoid thinking about the situation while she sees two patients: “Cinderella” and “the prodigal son.” Late that afternoon she gets a call from Todd, who says they should let their lawyers sort it out so they can still be friends. Jodi asks why they made love the other night if they’re getting divorced. Todd says he’d like to “see” Jodi every once in a while, implying that they could continue sleeping together.

Todd is concerned about the amount of money the wedding is costing him. The wedding guest list is mostly Natasha’s extended family, with Todd only inviting a few friends and their wives. Dean refuses to come, and says he’d “rather die than see her married to the likes of Todd Gilbert” (211). Todd wonders when Natasha is going to “settle down” and become more like Jodi. He tries to accept what he experiences as her controlling tendencies. He is gratified that she hasn’t lost interest in sex but thinks that it’s becoming more like “standard fare.