Helen hears an uncomfortable truth. Phoebe hears from Oxford.

Radio Times: Helen feels hopeful, while Phoebe calls for moral support.

Characters: Clarrie, Helen, Ian, Jennifer, Phoebe, Susan

• Awaiting news from Oxford, Phoebe seems remarkably calm, unlike Jennifer, who is very wound up, urging Phoebe to check her emails every five minutes. She is minded to ring the college herself, but Phoebe points out that the decision is made, so whether the letter comes today or tomorrow makes no difference.
• Since Ian has not replied to any of her calls, Helen goes to Grey Gables where Ian very reluctantly agrees to a coffee. When Helen asks him to be godfather to the baby, Ian coldly tells her that he wants neither to be her friend nor godfather to her baby. A true friend would have told him about what she saw between Adam and Charlie; Helen told Rob.
• It seems that Phoebe has not been altogether truthful to Jennifer. She has a letter from Oxford in her pocket, but wants Alex to open it. But like Ian, Alex is not answering calls.
• Fallon’s new business is not doing well. She offers Clarrie and Susan free cake, and some to take home. Clarrie seems unduly worried about the whereabouts of Tom’s missing pigs. Susan suggests some sort of promotion with the shop, and when Helen appears and is also offered cake (though claims she had a bun with Ian at Grey Gables) Susan does her best to muscle in on the idea. Helen suddenly dissolves into tears, so Clarrie and Susan cluck happily round her offering their experience of motherhood by way of consolation.
• Jennifer picks Phoebe up from the bus, and as they drive home, Phoebe asks her to stop. She explains about wanting Alex to open the letter, and his efforts to persuade her not to go to Oxford, and asks Jennifer to do so instead. Jennifer witters on and on, but eventually does as she is asked. Oh, Phoebe, she says. I think you had better read it.