Howards End - Episode Guide

Spring 1907 in England, Margaret Schlegel is at home with her dear but overbearing Aunt Juley and her hypochondriac brother Tibby when she receives a letter from her younger sister Helen, currently visiting with the Wilcoxes at their country house, Howards End.

On hearing that Helen has fallen for the youngest Wilcox son, Paul - Aunt Juley is swiftly dispatched to Howards End to represent the Schlegel family - slightly prematurely as the engagement does not come to pass. Leaving the social awkwardness of the Wilcox encounter behind them, the Schlegels attend a concert in London with visiting German relatives. During the performance Helen strikes up conversation with Leonard Bast, a struggling young bank clerk, and accidentally leaves the concert with his umbrella.

On discovering the mix up Margaret gives her card to Bast and implores him to stay for tea with them at their Wickham Place home, but he quickly becomes uncomfortable in their company and leaves. In a twist of fate the Wilcoxes move up to London and end up renting the apartment across the street from the Schlegels, and Margaret strikes up a friendship with enigmatic but ailing Mrs. Wilcox.

After the death of Mrs. Wilcox in the winter of 1906 her family is thrown by her final request regarding Howards End.

As 1907 dawns the Schlegels also face seismic changes to their world, as they are given an eviction date for their house, which is due to be demolished and replaced by luxury flats.

When Jacky Bast appears on their doorstep the Schlegel sisters take up the cause of her husband, with unintended consequences.

Still searching for a new home, Margaret receives an offer from Henry which changes her plans significantly.

While Margaret becomes more involved with the Wilcox family, Helen is incensed by the unfair fate of the struggling Basts. In a dramatic encounter at Evie Wilcox's wedding the three families collide, and Henry's past is thrust into the present.

Refusing to punish Henry for his past transgressions, Margaret resolves to uphold their engagement.

Helen leaves for Europe with no explanation for her absence, only agreeing to return to London on hearing that Aunt Juley has fallen seriously ill.

Desperate to reconnect with their sister, Margaret and Tibby appeal to Henry who suggests a plan to resolve the issue at Howards End - where the Schlegels, the Wilcoxes and Bast have a final encounter.