Alice takes a major step forwards. Lilian and Usha look back.

Radio Times: Alice plans to take to the skies.

Characters: Alan, Alice, Lilian, Usha

• Lilian finds Alan rubbing down rusty gates when she calls to ask about Alice’s RAF interview. When she hears that Alan took her to Felpersham because Alice’s car had a fault, Lilian is touched. She gives him a bottle of 5* brandy, and in return is asked to lunch, prepared by Usha.
• Alice gives a good account of herself at the recruiting office, and decides she definitely wants to apply for sponsorship through university. She’s delighted that Southampton, her first choice, is one of the participating institutions. The Flight Lieutenant explains exactly what they would require of her, and Alice tells him she’s fully committed. Now she has to prepare a presentation for an assessment board in August.
• While Alan goes to The Laurels, Lilian and Usha enjoy the lunch. They compare notes about being eighteen, and Lilian feels quite nostalgic. The two women get on remarkably well, and soon it’s time for Lilian to pick Alice up.
• On the way back, Alice tells Lilian all about her day. Lilian is very supportive, and Alice points out that if she were to get sponsorship, she would be fully independent of her parents.