13 December 1998

Shula’s having second thoughts about her dress for the wedding, but Lizzie’s not sure if she has the time to go shopping to look for something more appropriate. Despite this Shula would rather Alistair not see her in it as he moves his wardrobe (which she doesn’t appreciate) into her, sorry, their, bedroom.
Even a still-ill Mrs Antrobus declines Jill’s invite to Christmas dinner (she’s being taken out by an old friend from Kenya).
A full family Sunday lunch at Brookfield – although without Nigel, who’s looking after Julia who’s been driving Lizzie to distraction with her economising, the stories of which cause much hilarity, like turning off Nigel’s mobile to save money and trying to catch a bus into Borchester (a service which hasn’t run for 30 years), because she thinks the prices in the shops are cheaper on Sunday!
Ruth apologises to Jill for assuming that she would help with the child-minding if she gets the consultancy job. Jill is appalled at the prospect of leaving the kids with strangers and wonders if the money is really required. Neither Phil nor David deny that the money would be useful at the moment, David though, admits that it’s not his place to approve, and if Ruth wants to walk, then he won’t stand in her way.

Summarised by: Chris Harrison