Toby strikes a deal and the ladies spend an afternoon reminiscing at Grey Gables, which raises some unsettling questions.

Radio Times: There is a time for remembrance at Grey Gables, resulting in a revelation.

Characters: Carol, Christine, Hester, Ian, Jill, Peggy, Toby

• Hester, Carol, Jill, Christine and Peggy reminisce at Grey Gables, over cocktails and a tea dance. Hester is overwhelmed with all the new faces and changes in Ambridge and, privately, the friends express concern over her failing memory. The group toast Grace, who died 60 years ago today. Jill confides in Hester that Grace’s memories are everywhere which, coupled with the imminent move from Brookfield, serve to compound her feelings of being second-best. Hester offers words of comfort and sound advice.
• Toby meets Ian to try to persuade him to include goose on the Grey Gables Christmas menu. Some of the suggested trimmings are not quite his style, but if Ian can select his own accompaniments, and if Toby can guarantee that goose will not feature on other menus within a 10 mile radius of Grey Gables, then Toby has a deal. They shake on it.
• While Carol is absent searching for Hester’s lost earring, the group collectively empathise with Hester over the recent loss of her husband. They have all experienced what she is currently going through. In turn, Hester announces that it is different for Carol, as she killed John. The comment is hurriedly brushed aside before Carol’s return, but Peggy and Jill later reflect and are baffled by the mixed picture of Hester’s mental state. True, she gave a very muddled account of her recollections, but then she also had a lucid and thoughtful conversation with Jill.