Chapter 9 Summary

Although Meg has become quite the accomplished hostess and housekeeper after ten years' practice, the small luncheon she holds for Mrs. Wilcox is not a success. Meg's invitation has included a few people to welcome Mrs. Wilcox to London, but the guests have very little to talk about. Mrs. Wilcox's tastes are simple and do not gravitate to those of the other guests, which include art, music, culture and politics. Mrs. Wilcox has lived her life in service to her husband and sons and even believes that women should not enter into conversations on topics that should be left to the male gender. Furthermore, Mrs. Wilcox does not have much interest in any country outside of England and would have preferred to stay at Howards End, though she has come to London at the request of her husband.

In the middle of a...