Ruth pours out her feelings to Usha. Pat’s feelings are at odds with Helen and Tom’s.

Radio Times: Tom and Rob are of one mind, and Usha is there for Ruth.

Characters: Helen, Pat, Ruth, Tom, Usha

• As Pat and Ruth shelter from torrential rain, Pat talks excitedly of Tony’s progress and possible return home. She comments that Ruth and David may well have moved by then; Ruth is understandably vague in her reply. As Pat heads home, Usha appears, and agrees to make time for Ruth after lunch.
• Today is the day of the family (minus Rob) meeting to discuss the shop. Tom asks Helen how she feels about Peggy’s news; Helen calmly says she is fine about it, but admits that Rob felt very differently. It is, of course, simply that he is over-protective, and after a chat he now sees things Helen’s way. Of course.
• Ruth pours out her anger and distress to Usha. She feels betrayed, she feels there has been a conspiracy, she is dreading having to tell Heather, she can no longer trust David – and then admits a part of her never wanted to go, because so much of her life has been at Brookfield. Usha is sympathetic, but tries to make Ruth see things from David’s point of view. Suppose Heather were to die? Ruth would be stranded hundreds of miles from all that is familiar. Ruth is not persuaded; it’s OK for David.
• Helen drops her bombshell, to Pat’s horror. She can no longer commit to the shop because Rob and Henry need her, and anyway she is exhausted. In vain, Pat turns to Tom for support, but little is forthcoming. He thinks they should close the shop for good. Pat shrieks that it is an integral part of the family business, but Helen and Tom are emphatic that the shop has had its day and needs to close. They should cut their losses and get out, but he does at least agree to consult Tony first.