18 May 1998

Characters: Debbie, Greg, Jennifer, Neil, Susan

• Jennifer’s worrying about Kate, not that she’s not eating well or that she’s unprepared, just that she’s still set on a home birth, which her mother is convinced is a bad idea. Debbie feels unqualified to talk about it, so Jennifer plans to involve Richard.
• Greg spots a potential problem with an area of, at present, long grass, he suspects it will be a means of escape for some of the birds and he wants it drilled with corn. Debbie refuses because it’s a great spot for dealing with sheep. Greg would rather take it to Brian than leave the decision in the hands of the boss’ daughter.
• Susan’s getting very stressed with the situation. She feels too reliant on Home Farm, that Brian delighted in telling her that her old job was filled, that Jennifer delights in playing the lady of the manor and that Neil’s only getting casual work because of Debbie’s pity. Neil’s birthday is coming up soon and Susan almost comes out and tells him he has nothing to celebrate because he’s a failure and that anything he earns is a bonus, as her’s is the family’s major income.

Summarised by: Chris Harrison