"New Year's Day" is the last of four novellas in Edith Wharton's collection "Old New York". Set in 1870s New York City, it shows the predicament of Lizzie Hazeldean, a young woman in high society who has no way of earning her own money. Her husband is weak with a heart condition. Lizzie is seen coming out of a hotel on New Year's Day and society matrons start to talk about her. Lizzie's story is scandalous and sad, but it is also filled with a great love. Edith Wharton is known for her writings about women making difficult decisions while dealing with the unwritten laws of high society.