A Room with a View

Mr. Emerson Reveals George’s Despair at the Rectory

At the Rectory, Lucy finds old Mr. Emerson sitting by the fire in Mr. Beebe’s study. He approaches her with concern, explaining that George is deeply sorry for his behavior and has gone “under”—not physically ill, but spiritually in despair. Mr. Emerson reveals the family history: his wife died after their son’s typhoid fever, when she became convinced it was divine judgement for not having George baptized. Mr. Emerson held firm against superstition, but his wife succumbed to religious fear. He explains that George is his mother’s son—he has her eyes and forehead—and may not find life worth living. The old man must leave the house and go to London to be with George.

Confrontation Regarding Lucy’s Feelings for George

Mr. Emerson asks Lucy directly about her feelings and whether she and Mr. Vyse are leaving together because of George. Lucy lies, claiming Mr. Vyse is staying in England. Mr. Emerson senses her deception and gently exposes the truth: she loves George, just as he loves her. He warns her about the dangers of muddle—confusion and indecision—and declares that “love is eternal,” something impossible to pull out of oneself. He urges her to marry George, saying it is “one of the moments for which the world was made.” Lucy breaks down in tears, torn between her desire for George and her fear of disappointing those who trust her.

Lucy’s Resolve to Pursue George

Lucy confesses she is caught in a tangle and cannot break her whole life for George’s sake. Mr. Beebe returns and learns from Mr. Emerson that Lucy has been pretending not to love George. He urges her to marry George, saying he will “do admirably.” When Lucy calls for help, Mr. Beebe expresses deep disappointment, calling the situation “lamentable, lamentable—incredible.” Lucy turns to Mr. Emerson, who gives her a kiss—his benediction giving her courage. He explains that in gaining George, she would gain something for the whole world. Lucy accepts: “You kiss me. I will try.” His blessing remains with her throughout the squalor of her homeward journey, robbing the body of its taint and showing her the holiness of direct desire.

CAPÍTULO XX.

The Miss Alans journeyed to Greece alone, visiting Athens and Delphi before proceeding to Constantinople and traveling around the world, while the narrative returns to the Pension Bertolini.

The Miss Alans’ Travels and the Return to the Pension

The Miss Alans alone of the company traveled to Greece, visiting the shrines at the Acropolis and under Parnassus, proceeding to Constantinople and around the world. The narrator declares a return to the Pension Bertolini as a less arduous but satisfying destination.

George and Lucy’s Domestic Bliss

George and Lucy settle in what Lucy insists is her room from the previous year. She tends to mending his sock while they share tender, playful banter. George kneels at her feet and asks for kisses, displaying boyish affection. When he looks out the window, he sees the cypresses, the river, and San Miniato church. A cabdriver calling outside recalls Phaethon, who set their happiness in motion twelve months prior. George feels passionate gratitude toward those who helped them arrive at this contentment.

Reflections on Friends and Family

Lucy shares that she received only a brief note from Freddy. She expresses bitterness that the Honeychurches have not forgiven them and are disgusted by her past hypocrisy, fearing she may have permanently alienated Windy Corner. She worries that Cecil has become cynical about women and that Mr. Beebe will never be interested in them again. George gently reminds her that he acted truthfully and she returned to him, suggesting perhaps she understands love better than she thinks.

Reassessing Miss Bartlett’s Motives

They discuss the evening at the rectory when Mr. Emerson was in the house. Lucy insists Charlotte did not see him, believing she was upstairs with Mrs. Beebe before going to the church. George maintains his father’s account that Miss Bartlett was briefly in the room as he dozed. They puzzle over why she would risk the meeting if she knew. George proposes an incredible possibility: that Miss Bartlett always hoped, deep in her mind, that Lucy and George would end up together. Though she fought them on the surface, she may have secretly wanted their happiness. Lucy admits this seems just possible.

Love Attained

Youth and passion surround them as the song of Phaethon announces requited love. They recognize a more mysterious love beyond this moment, the river bearing down winter’s snows into the Mediterranean. Their embrace holds a depth beyond words or conscious intention, a love that transcends their understanding.