29 January 1998

Characters: Jill, John, Kenton, Nigel, Phil, Shula

• The family are gathering to see Kenton off, Jill’s sad to see him go and, after he’s left with Shula for the airport, his parents worry about his future – especially for Mel.
• At the airport, the twins part. Shula tells of her disappointment over his lack of communication, real communication, and he promises to do better. He asks her to pop into Underwoods to pick up a christening present for Josh that he ordered and didn’t have time to collect.
• Nigel’s received a letter from Nelson, who asks that he supervise an international shipping firm who will be visiting Honeysuckle Cottage next week. No more news than that (and, when ringing Spain, they only get through to Ellen’s answer machine). Everyone is intrigued: is he staying in Spain? Is marriage to Julia (or Ellen) on the cards? What about the antiques shop and the café-bar? What about Charlie (current chez Marjorie)?
• John calls round as Shula returns and the truth about Kenton starts seeping out. John’s after payment for some pork for New Year’s Eve and Nigel had mentioned earlier that Kenton hadn’t settled up at the café-bar either. Shula paid John off, making is if Kenton hadn’t forgetten and had given her the money, and, when alone with Phil and Jill, mentioned Josh’s present and wondered if that had been paid for.

Summarised by: Chris Harrison