Rash Decisions Abound in 'Howards End's Penultimate Episode

Last week’s episode of Howards End ended with the Schlegels’ vote to take Wilcox’s London house if it is suitable. This week begins with his arrival to drive Margaret there. As she leaves, Helen says, “Don’t do anything rash.” Be warned — there is plenty of rashness ahead.

Mr. Wilcox, and I think it’s permissible for me to call him Henry now, has a snazzy new motorcar. He’s a bundle of nerves, about to blunder into one of English Literature's worst marriage proposal scenes in English Literature. Henry mentions on the drive over that it is lonely in the evenings (his daughter, Edie, is about to marry), which is quite sweet, but his opening statement sounds like he’s planned an abduction. In an almost incoherent exchange, Henry and Margaret somehow manage to communicate that she’ll send him her answer by mail, and if she says no, of course, he’ll still offer the family the house (which is a vast, chilly Georgian beauty and entirely unsuited to the Schlegel’s bohemian clutter).

Her final response, “Mr. Wilcox, you quite take my breath away”—really, Margaret?— took mine away too, but not in a good way. The house tour is curtailed, and Margaret returns home and faces Helen, who finds it impossible and repulsive that her sister is in love with Henry.