Among themselves, they had figured out how to go about marriage so as to accomplish the least damage. The husbands lived two hours away...
In "Nightwoods" by Charles Frazier, the characters have navigated the complexities of marriage in a way that minimizes conflict and harm. They have developed practical strategies that allow them to coexist with reduced emotional turmoil, indicating their desire for a stable relationship despite challenges.
The husbands residing two hours away suggests a physical and perhaps emotional distance that enables a form of coexistence. This arrangement highlights their attempt to manage the institution of marriage while striving for personal peace and harmony, reflecting the broader struggles individuals face in relationships.