A sparkling BBC Radio dramatisation of E M Forster's classic comedy of manners, set in Edwardian England and Italy

Young, naive Lucy Honeychurch is visiting Italy for the first time, accompanied by her older cousin and chaperone, Charlotte Bartlett. On arrival at the Pension Bertolini, a mix-up over rooms leads to a meeting with the eccentric Mr Emerson and his brooding son, George.

Frank, free-spirited and lower-class, the duo are not respectable companions for a lady - but as Lucy tentatively explores Florence and the beautiful Tuscan countryside, she discovers a land of freedom and sensuality, where rigid social barriers are meaningless. Constantly thrown together with George, she finds herself increasingly attracted to him: much to her confusion and Charlotte's dismay.

Back in England, she becomes engaged to the dull, domineering Cecil Vyse, but is haunted by memories of George - and when he reappears unexpectedly in her life, Lucy must choose between propriety and passion. Will she follow convention, or follow her heart?

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