Need the name of a classic book set in new england winter?

Question

a husband and wife (with a stomach/headache powder dependency) drift apart, especially when a new younger woman comes to live/work there....an L is missing from the house frame.

Answer 1

"Ethan Frome" by Edith Wharton

http://www.amazon.com/Ethan-Frome-Signet...

"This story takes place in the cold, bleak winter farmlands of Massachusetts. Ethan Frome, a poor farmer, has a hard life tending to his land, trying to make a meager living, and also taking care of his ungrateful, demanding, sickly wife, Zeena. When her cousin, Mattie, comes to help her, Ethan's life changes completely. He falls deeply in love with Mattie. This being the 1800's, he must endure the stifling conventions of that era's society also. There love for each other proves to be a fascinating story."

"The initial description of Ethan’s house is sadly appropriate for the unlucky man. The house is missing the typical New England “L”-the center of the house. His house is missing a “heart”-plausible when his wife is introduced because there is no humanity, compassion, or even life in her eyes. The house is only inviting when she is gone. It is understandable why Ethan’s affections have turned toward Mattie."

http://www.nt.armstrong.edu/ALITresource...