Alice drives a hard bargain to achieve financial independence.

Radio Times: Jennifer puts Brian out of pocket.

Characters: Alice, Brian, David, Jennifer, Ruth, Usha

• David still does not need Ruth’s help and declines to join her and Usha this evening, though he will look in to say hello. Brian turns up to inspect “Archer’s folly”.
• Alice is getting down to her homework early. She is quite keen to help out on Sunday by sitting with granddad but then remembers that she has an appointment at Grey Gables. What? Jennifer implores her to think again: she must put all her effort into her college work.
• Brian surveys the tractor and is envious. He would love to take on such a project instead of sitting in meetings all day – except of course for his back. He suggests involving Adam (as if he hadn’t enough to do) but David wants to do it all himself, with a bit of help from Bert.
• Ruth and Usha are indulging in a chocolate fondue. Ruth expresses some misgivings about taking on the herd; it is much larger than when she used to do it.
• Brian joins in pressurising Alice but she is adamant that she needs more money to be independent during her gap year – isn’t that what it is all about? Jennifer weakens: what if they increase her allowance? Alice drives a hard bargain, pointing out what Jonty has told her about the extra money from tips. No prizes for working out where she gets that knack from.
• Usha assures Ruth that she believes David’s behaviour is not about rejecting her. He needs space to work out his own feelings. She suggests doing something special for Valentine’s Day. Ruth is sceptical: she believes that David cannot stand five minutes with her.