Mrs. Wilcox attends a luncheon-party that Margaret hosts, but she does not fit in with Margaret’s friends, who find her dull and uninteresting. While the others excitedly debate art and current affairs, Mrs. Wilcox has little to say in response. As Mrs. Wilcox takes her leave, Margaret implores her to come again so that the two of them can spend time together alone. Mrs. Wilcox ascribes her not fitting in with Margaret’s friends to generational differences, and the two part warmly.

Several days pass, and Margaret has not heard anything from Mrs. Wilcox. She is eager to make Mrs. Wilcox her friend and is frustrated that Mrs. Wilcox is not responding to her overtures. Finally, Margaret is invited by Mrs. Wilcox to go Christmas shopping with her.

The two of them go from shop to shop. Margaret tells Mrs. Wilcox of the Schlegels’ Christmas traditions and makes a comment about what she hopes is in their “next house.” This mention of a “next house” gets Mrs. Wilcox’s attention, and she expresses that she is sad to hear that they will have to move. 

Mrs. Wilcox spontaneously invites Margaret to Howards End, but Margaret declines, saying that the weather is bad.