Pip seeks more milking work, unaware that she will soon have none.

Radio Times: Pip makes a point, while Helen helps Pat see a way through.

Characters: David, Helen, Pat, Pip, Ruth, Tom, Tony

• Any chance of a lift to Lower Loxley? Pip draws a blank hitching with Tom but instead asks for more milking shifts: she needs the cash. Tom ducks the question.
• Pat is upsetting herself about holding the sale on the farm. Helen understands and suggests that Pat unwinds with a walk to the river with her and Henry.
• Ruth met Brenda in the village; she’s keeping it together and trying to move on. It’s worse for Tom. David feels that perhaps he should give Tom a ring, though he does have enough family problems of his own just now. Ruth reports that Rickyard Cottage is now on a holiday let website. Pip arrives with Spencer to collect her things; she plans to sleep on a friend’s sofa for a few days as it’s the only way she can get to university on time.
• The river works its magic. Pat relaxes and accepts that it would be best to have the sale on the farm. Helen has a plan: if it gets too much they can go away for a few days at the time of the sale.
• David is hopeful that Pip will come down to earth and accept an affordable car. Ruth thinks this is unlikely but urges David to calm down. His stance is that she has dug a hole and she can get herself out of it.
• Tony having done the milking, Tom has prepared his pitch for the meeting on Wednesday. He reports Pip’s request for more work, which highlights the fact that they need to tell Pip soon, and Trevor. There’s Clarrie and Susan too; they will wonder what is going on when Alistair comes on Friday. Pat reluctantly accepts that she must tell them but will need to pick the right moment.