A formidable Carol Tregorran is introduced. Roy is determined to argue.

Radio Times: There is a funeral at St Stephens. Meanwhile, Roy becomes irritable.

Characters: Carol, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Jill, Peggy, Roy, Susan

• At John Tregorran’s funeral Susan continues to bang on about her favourite topics: Jennifer and John’s relationship and Jennifer’s party. She adds on some remarks about how expensive the widow’s outfit must be. Carol Tregorran (played by the marvellous Eleanor Bron) reveals herself to be the mistress of subtle belittlement because at first she claims not to recognize Susan; when reminded, Carol then refers to her as Susan Horrobin which is the first time Susan is silenced this week.
• Elizabeth tries to get Roy to go home and not stay for the funerary reception but Roy feels the Prosecco is best served by him. In genial conversation with Jill about changes in the village, Carol notes that John would hate the thought of the proposed road. She and Jill have a giggle over Christine’s horsey tweeds.
• The widows Carol and Elizabeth discuss grief. Carol tells Elizabeth that John used to say that life is a series of chapters. Roy intrudes to ask a question about the wine and Carol compliments his good looks. Elizabeth reacts by dismissing Roy and introducing Carol to another group.
• Carol finally finds Jennifer and thanks her for helping with the flowers. A seemingly cordial Carol continues the conversation by asking a stilted Jennifer about the farm. Carol then throws Jennifer off kilter by inquiring about Brian and his roving eye. When Jennifer feigns ignorance, Carol brings up Ruairi. Susan gets a whiff of the hunt and hurries over. Jennifer uses this opportunity to slip away and poor Susan is peremptorily dismissed by the smooth widow.
• Carol delays Peggy over her early attempted departure and gently tries to find out why Peggy doesn’t have that old sparkle in her eye. Carol reveals her exceedingly good grasp of Ambridge gossip and mentions Tom’s near marriage. Peggy seems at a loss until Jack is brought up. Carol offers to bring over some old photos of Jack and Peggy perks up.
• When Roy finds Elizabeth alone, he explodes and objects to being her ‘skivvy’. He seems to resign and storms out.