19 Room With A View - Guided Literature

In E.M. Forster's classic novel A Room with a View, the 'view' symbolises personal freedom and authentic living, while the 'room' represents the rigid social expectations of Edwardian society. This chapter marks the start of Part Two. The chapter features Lucy accepting Cecil's marriage proposal, Cecil's arrival at Windy Corner, and his snobbish views on society.
In this episode, there are tears, and regrets.
Music by Jean-Miles Carter
All rights reserved. This audio file contains a hidden watermark. Individual use only. Copyright Neworld Books.

Transcript

Welcome to sleep stories with Steph your go-to podcast. That offers you a calm and relaxing transition to sleep. Into a great night's sleep. It is time to relax and fully let go. There is nothing you need to be doing now. And know where you need to go. Close your eyes. And feel yourself sink into the support beneath you. And let all the worries of the day go. Drift away. This is your time. And your space. Take a deep breath in through your nose. And let it out with a long sigh. That's it! There is nothing you need to be doing now. And know where you need to go. Happy listening. Chapter 19 Lying to Mr. Emerson The Miss Allens were found in their beloved Temperance Hotel near Bloomsbury. A clear, Airless establishment much patronised by provincial England. They always perched there before crossing the great seas and for a week or two would fidget gently over clothes, Guidebooks, Macintosh squares, Digestive bread and other continental necessaries. That there are shops abroad, Even in Athens, Never occurred to them. For they regarded travel as a species of warfare, Only to be undertaken by those who have been fully armed at the hay market stores. Miss Honeychurch they trusted would take care to equip herself duly. But of course you know all about these things and you have Mr. Weiss to help you. Mrs Honeychurch, Who had come to town with her daughter, Began to drum nervously upon her card case. We do think it's so good of Mr. Weiss to spare you, " Miss Catherine continued. It's not every young man who would be so unselfish. Perhaps he will come and join you later on. Or does his work keep him in London? " said Miss Teresa, The more acute and less kindly of the two sisters. However, We will see him when he sees you off. I do so long to see him. No one will see Lucy off, " interposed Mrs Honeychurch. She doesn't like it. No, I hate seeing Zoff. Said Lucy. Really? How funny! I should have thought in this case. Oh, Mrs. Honeychurch, You aren't going? It's such a pleasure to have met you. They escaped and Lucy said with relief, That's all right, We got through that time. But her mother was annoyed. I should be told, Dear, That I'm unsympathetic. While I cannot see why you didn't tell your friends about Cecil. . . There were all the time we had to be sit, Fencing and telling lies and seeing through, I dare say. Lucy had plenty to say in reply. She described the Miss Allen's character. They were gossips, And if one told them, Their news would be everywhere in no time. But why shouldn't it be everywhere in no time? Because I settled with Cecil not to announce it until I left England. I shall tell them then, " said Lucy. It's much pleasanter that way. How wet it is let's turn in here Here was the British Museum. Mrs Honeychurch refused, If they must take shelter, Let it be in a shop. Lucy felt contemptuous for she was on the tack of caring for Greek sculpture and had already borrowed a mythical dictionary from Mr. Bean to get up the names of the goddesses and gods. Oh well, Let it be a shop then. I'll buy a guidebook. You know Lucy, You and Charlotte and Mr Beeb all tell me I'm so stupid, " said her mother, But I shall never understand this hole-in-the-corner work. He's got rid of Cecil, Well and good, And I'm thankful he's gone. But why not announce it? Why this hushing up and tiptoeing? It's only for a few days. Why at all? Lucy was silent. She was drifting away from her mother. It was quite easy to say, Because George Emerson has been bothering me and if he hears I've given up Cecil, He might begin again. Quite easy! But she disliked confidences, For they might lead to self-knowledge and to that king of terrors. Light. Ever since that last evening at Florence, She had deemed it unwise to reveal her soul. Mrs Honeychurch too was silent. She was thinking, My daughter won't answer me. She would rather be with those inquisitive old maids than with Freddie and me. Any ragtag and bobtail apparently does, If she can leave her home. Your Tide Windy Corner. She burst out. This was perfectly true. Lucy had hoped to return to Windy Corner when she escaped from Cecil. But she discovered that her home no longer existed. It might exist for Freddy who still lived and thought straight, But not for one who had deliberately warped the brain. She did not acknowledge her brain was warped, For the brain itself must assist in that acknowledgement. She only felt, I do not love George. I broke off my engagement because I did not love George. I must go to Greece because I do not love George. It's more important that I should look up gods in the dictionary than I should help my mother. Everyone else is behaving very badly. Oh mother, What rubbish you talk! She said, Of course I will tie the windy corner. Then why not say so at once instead of considering half an hour? Lucy laughed faintly. Half a minute would have been nearer. Perhaps you would like to stay away from your home altogether? Hush mother, People will hear you. Of course I want to live at home but we're talking about it so I might as well say I want to be away in the future more than I have been. I come into my money next year. Tears came into her mother's eyes. Driven by nameless bewilderment by what is in older people termed eccentricity, Lucy determined to make this point clear. I've seen so little of the world, Mother. I've felt so out of things in Italy. I've seen so little of life. I want all to come up to London more. Not a cheap ticket like today, But to stop. I might even share a flat for a little while with some other girl. And mess with typewriters and latchkeys exploded Mrs Honeychurch and agitate and scream and be carried off kicking by the police and call it a mission when no one wants you and call it duty when it means you can't stand your own home and call it work when thousands of men are starving with the competition as it is and then to prepare yourself find two doddering old ladies and go abroad with them I want more independence, " said Lucy, Lamely. She knew she wanted something, And independence is a useful cry. We can always say that when we have not got it. She tried to remember her emotions in Florence. Those have been sincere and passionate, And suggested beauty rather than short skirts and latch keys. But independence was certainly her cue. Very well then, Take your independence and be gone! Rush up and down the world, Come back as thin as a lathe with the bad food and despite the house that your father built and the garden he planted and our own dear view, Go and share a flat with another girl. Lucy screwed up her mouth. Perhaps I spoke hastily. Oh, Goodness, Mother Flash, How you do remind me of Charlotte. Flash Lucy in her turn. More every moment. I don't know what you mean, Mother. Charlotte and I are not the least alike. Well, I see the likeness. The same eternal worrying, The same taking back of words. You and Charlotte trying to divide two apples among three people last night? Might be sisters. And if you dislike Charlotte so, It's a pity you asked her to stop. I warned you about her, I begged you, Implored you not to, But of course it was not listened to. There you go again. I beg your pardon? Charlotte again, My dear. That's her very words. Lucy clenched her teeth. My point is you want to have asked Charlotte to stop. I wish you would keep to the point. Then the conversation died off into a wrangle. She and her mother shopped in silence, Spoke little in the train, And then little again in the carriage which met them at Dawking Station. It had poured all day, And as they ascended through the deep surrey lanes, Showers of water fell from the overhanging beech trees and rattled on the hood. Lucy complained the hood was stuffy. Leaving forward, She looked out into the steaming dust and watched the carriage lamp pass like a searchlight over mud and leaves. The crash when Charlotte gets in will be abominable, She remarks. For they were to pick up Miss Bartlett at Summer Street. Then pay a call on Mr. Beebe's old mother. We shall have to sit three aside because the trees drop. Yet it isn't raining. Oh, For a little air! Can't we have the hood down? " she demanded. Her mother with sudden tenderness said. Very well, Stop the horse. And the horse was stopped. And when the hood was drawn down, She did see something she would have missed. There were no lights in the windows of Sissy Villa. And round the garden gate. She fancied she saw a padlock. It's the house to let again, Pal, She called. Yes, Miss, He replied. Have they gone? It's too far out of town for the young gentleman and his father's rheumatism's come on, So. . . He can't stop on her own. They're trying to let furnished. Was the answer. Lucy sank back. The carriage stopped at the rectory. She got out to call for Miss Bartlett. So the Emersons had gone and all this bother about Greece had been unnecessary. What a waste. Was it possible she had muddled things away? It was quite possible she had wasted money, She had wasted love, And she had wounded her mother. When the maid opened the door she was unable to speak and stared stupidly into the hall. Ms Bartheter once came forward. Mr Beeb and his mother had already gone, But she refused to start until she obtained her hostess's full sanction, For it would mean keeping the horse waiting a good ten minutes more. Certainly, Said the hostess wearily. I forgot it was Friday. Let's all go. Powell can go round to the stables. They all went up to the church and Lucy followed the maid into the rectory. Would she object to sitting in Mr. Beebe's study? There was only that one fire. She would not object. Someone was there already for Lucy heard the words a lady to wait sir There was old Mr Emerson sitting by the fire with his foot upon a gout stool. Oh Miss Honeychurch, That you should come, He quavered. Lucy had seen an alteration in him since last Sunday. But not a word would come to her lips. George he had faced and could have faced again. But she had forgotten how to treat his father. Miss Honeychurch dear, We're so sorry. George is so sorry. He thought he had a right to try. I cannot blame my boy. Yet I wish he'd told me first. He ought not to have tried. I knew nothing about it at all. If only Lucy could remember how to behave. Mr. Emerson held up his hand. But you must not scold him. Lucy turned her back and began to look at Mr. Beeb's books. I taught him he quavered to trust in love. I said when love comes, That is reality. I said passion does not blind. Passion is sanity and the woman you love is the only person you will ever really understand. Miss Honeychurch, Do you remember Italy? Lucy selected a book, A volume of Old Testament commentaries. Holding it up to her eyes, She said. I have no wish to discuss Italy or any subject connected with your son. But do you remember it? He has misbehaved himself from the first. I only was told that he loved you last Sunday. I never could judge a behavior, And I suppose he has. Feeling a little steadier, Lucy put the book back and turned to face him. His face was drooping and swollen, But his eyes, Though they were sunken deep, Gleamed with the child's courage. He has behaved abominably, She said. I am glad he's sorry. Do you know what he did? He only tried when he should not have tried. You have all you want, Miss Honeychurch. You're going to marry the man you love. Do not go out of George's life saying he's abominable. No, Of course. Lucy was ashamed at the reference to Cecil. Abominable is much too strong. I'm sorry I used it about your son. I think I will go to church after all. My mother and my cousin have gone. I shall not be so very late. Especially as he has gone under. Said Mr. Emerson quietly. What does that mean? Go London Naturally. He beat his palms together in silent. His head fell on his chest. I don't understand. As his mother did. Mr. Emerson, What are you talking about? When I wouldn't have George baptised, Said he. Lucy felt frightened. She agreed baptism was nothing. But he caught that fever when he was 12 and she turned round. She thought it was a judgement. And our boy had typhoid because no clergyman had dropped water on him in church, She said. Is it possible, Miss Sunny Church? Can we slip back into the darkness forever? I don't know, Gasped Lucy. I don't understand this sort of thing. I was not meant to understand it. But Mr. Eager, When he came, I was out. And he acted according to his principles. I don't blame him or anyone. But by the time George was well. My wife was ill. He made her think about sin and she went under thinking about it. It was thus Mr. Emerson had murdered his wife in the sight of gold. Oh, How terrible, Said Lucy, Forgetting her own affairs at last. He was not baptized, Said the old man. I did hold firm. My boy shall go back to the earth untouched. Lucy asked whether young Mr Emerson was ill. Last Sunday. He went under. He's never ill. But he is his mother's son. Her eyes were his, And she had that forehead I think so beautiful, And he will not think it worthwhile to live. It was always touch and go. He will live, But he will not think it worthwhile. Do you remember that church at Florence? Lucy did remember and how she had suggested George postage stamps. After you left, Florence, It was horrible. We took the house here and he goes bathing with your brother and he becomes better. You saw him bathing. I'm so sorry, But it's no good discussing this affair. I'm deeply sorry about it. Then there came something about this novel. I didn't follow it at all. He minded telling me he finds me too old, I suppose. Ah well, One must have failures. George comes down tomorrow and takes me up to London for he can't bear me to be about here and I must be where he is. Oh, Mr. Ramerson! Lucy suddenly took hold of his hand. You mustn't! I've been bothering enough to the world by now. I can't have you moving out of your house when you like it. Perhaps losing money through it on my account. You must stop. I'm going to Greece. All the way to Greece. Lucy's manner altered. You must stay here. You won't talk about this business, I know. I can trust you both. Certainly you can. We either have you in our lives or leave you to the life you've chosen. I shouldn't want. . . I suppose Mr Vise is very angry with George. It was wrong of George to try. We've pushed our beliefs too far. I fancy we deserve sorrow. Lucy looked at the books again. Black, Brown and that acrid theological blue. They surrounded the visitors on every side, Piled on the tables, Pressed against the very ceiling. To Lucy, Who could not see that Mr Emerson was profoundly religious and differed from Mr B, Chiefly by his acknowledgement of passion, It seemed dreadful the old man should crawl into such a sanctum when he was unhappy and be dependent on the bounty of a clergyman. More certain than ever, She was tired. He offered her his chair. No, Please sit still. I think I will sit in the carriage. Miss Honeychurch, You do sound tired. Not a bit, " said Lucy, With trembling lips. For you all. And there's a look of George about you. What were you saying about going abroad? You were to be married this year, I thought. Not till January, I wasn't, " said Lucy. Would she tell an actual lie when it came to the point? I suppose Mr. Vice is going with you. I hope it isn't because George spoke you're both going. I hope that you will enjoy Greece with Mr. Weiss. Thank you. At that moment, Mr. B came back from the church. His cassock was covered with rain. Oh, That's all right, " he said kindly. I counted on you two keeping each other's company. It's pouring again. The entire congregation, Which consists of your cousin, Mother, And my mother, Stands waiting in the church till the carriage fetches it. Did Paul go round? I think so, I'll see. No, No, Of course I'll see. How are the Miss Allens? Very well, Thank you. Did you tell Mr Emerson about Greece? I did. Don't you think it very plucky of her, Mr. Emerson, To undertake the two Miss Allens? Now, Miss Honeychurch, Go back. Keep warm. I think three is such a courageous number to go travelling with. Then he hurried off to the stables. He's not going. She said hoarsely. I made a slip, Mr Vice does stop behind in England. Somehow it was impossible to cheat Mr. Emerson. To George, To Cecil, She would have lied again. But he seemed so near the end of things, So dignified in his approach to the gulf of which he gave one account, And the books that surrounded him another. So mild to the rough pass he traversed. That the true chivalry, Not the worn-out chivalry of sex, But the true chivalry that all the young may show to the old, Awoke in her. And whatever risk she told him, That Cecil was not her companion to Greece. And she spoke so seriously. That the risk became a certainty. And he. Lifting his eyes said, You are leaving him, The man you love. I had to. Why, Miss Honeychurch? Tara came over her again and she lied again. He heard her in silence and said, My dear. I'm worried about you. It seems to me. . . You really are. In a model.