A Happy Ending (of Sorts) at 'Howards End'

Still reeling over the all-points collision of the Schlegels, the Wilcoxes, and the Basts in Howards End? Brace yourself; there’s more coming in the finale, along with some melodrama, coincidences, toxic masculinity, and inexplicable decisions. (In other words, business as usual.) We last saw Margaret writing a letter, which turns out was to Henry. Surprisingly, she tears it up and, even more surprisingly, writes to Leonard Bast, telling him she can offer no more assistance. She has decided to throw her lot in with Henry, all or nothing, and informs him that they are still engaged. Henry tries to explain himself in a rare moment of vulnerability, and Margaret assures him he is forgiven.

Helen is not at the small wedding, which isn’t surprising since she is somewhere in Germany, evasive about where. Tibby is the only person who has seen her since she left after Edie’s wedding. He was home (teaching himself Chinese because, well, Tibby) when she arrived, deeply upset, announcing that she was leaving the country. She asked Tibby to arrange a check for £5,000 — a massive amount of money and half of her capital — to be sent to the Basts. (The check is returned.) Without Helen, the Wilcox’s Ducie Street house is a good fit for Tibby. All the Schlegels’ furniture and books go to Howards End. Again, Margaret walks through the rooms of an empty house, this time saying goodbye.

Dolly Wilcox, Charles' wife, visits Margaret, who’s looking over the plans for the new house she and Henry plan to build in Sussex. Dolly mentions that the charwoman, Miss Avery, has started to unpack the Schlegels’ belongings, including the books, which alarms Margaret. She's pretty sure Dolly’s visit was at her husband's request, who still believes the Schlegels are trying to steal Howards End. Margaret travels to the house, and we enter Rebecca territory, with Miss Avery as a Mrs. Danvers in reverse. Margaret is torn between delight at seeing her beloved possessions, including a family sword, and frustration at Miss Avery, who has her own opinions.