Things get much worse for Brian; Noluthando and Kate seem to have turned a corner but will Pip and Toby?

Radio Times: There’s a shock in store for Jennifer

Characters: Brian, Jennifer, Kate, Noluthando, Pip, Toby

• Brian takes a call in the car from a worried Jennifer. Noluthando and Kate haven’t yet returned home from the party. Brian has other things on his mind; the Environment Agency wants to interview him under caution… again. At the hospital, Noluthando regains consciousness and hears about her seizure from Kate. She needs to telephone Jennifer but Noluthando can’t stand the thought of her knowing. Kate promises to do what she can to keep last night’s events quiet.
• Toby calls to see Pip bearing a very welcome cheque for £1000, only £4000 to go. He has called to see David about renewing his tenancy. Pip has no objections but she’s sure that her father will have. He goes off to face his worst nightmare.
• Noluthando relives last night with her mother. She remembers wanting to please her. Through her tears, Kate apologises for being such a terrible mother to all of her children. She’s ashamed of being so self-centred and promises to change. Things will be different in future. She’s told Jennifer that they are talking things through in Felpersham. Noluthando remembers Kate calling her Nolle. She starts to apologise but her daughter interrupts. “That’s OK, I liked it… Mum.”
• Toby reports back to Pip. David isn’t best pleased and indicates that the best thing Toby can do is to disappear… now. Toby insists that his business is taking off and want to extend the lease for a further two years. After much huffing, David agrees to six months, renewable only by his wish. Toby tells Pip that he wants to help support their family. Pip wants him either completely in or wholly out of her child’s life. He corrects her, gently but firmly. “Our child Pip… our child.”
• Kate and Noluthando return home. Jennifer wishes her granddaughter happy birthday. She goes to change. Jennifer is amazed how different she seems. Their talk must have had an effect. Kate announces that Noluthando is returning to South Africa next Thursday and she’s going with her. Kate’s bought the tickets. As Kate leaves, an extremely worried Brian appears. The contamination has been traced to an old pond on Home Farm’s land. Many years ago, Brian allowed two builders to dump rubble in it. There are some extremely toxic chemicals remaining which he must remove. He may yet face prosecution and must bear the cost of clearance, which may run into millions.