A Room with a View

Persuading Mrs. Honeychurch to Approve the Trip

Mr. Beebe and Miss Bartlett hurry home through the dark, stormy evening, discussing trivial topics to pass the time. When they arrive at Windy Corner, they find Mrs. Honeychurch and Freddy struggling to secure the garden flowers before the storm worsens, and Mrs. Honeychurch complains that she does not understand Lucy’s desire to go to Greece. Mr. Beebe insists the trip is necessary, and asks Mrs. Honeychurch if she objects to Lucy breaking her engagement to Vyse; she expresses immense relief at the prospect. The group moves into the dining room, where Mr. Beebe uses his tact, common sense, and influence as a respected local clergyman to persuade the initially hesitant Mrs. Honeychurch to approve the Greek trip. Mrs. Honeychurch ultimately concedes, saying she does not understand the need for Greece specifically but trusts Mr. Beebe’s judgment, and calls Lucy to share the good news.

Lucy’s Piano and Song Scene

When the group goes to find Lucy, she is playing and singing a somber song gifted to her by Cecil Vyse, with lyrics about resisting temptation and living a quiet, uncomplicated life. She is quietly glad to receive her mother’s approval for the Greek trip, though her reaction is more subdued than Mr. Beebe anticipated. The scene of Lucy, her mother, and Freddy gathered together around the piano reminds Mr. Beebe of a classical Santa Conversazione painting, a peaceful scene of loved ones discussing noble things, and he wonders why Lucy would ever want to marry Cecil or travel far from her happy home when she has such close, caring relationships nearby. The warm, casual moment is broken when Freddy teases Lucy about the song’s lyrics, and Mr. Beebe takes his leave, with Freddy quoting more of the song’s lyrics as he departs into the stormy night.