A romance ends for Anna but seems to begin for Elizabeth and Richard.

Radio Times: Anna makes a last attempt, and Richard has a wonderful evening.

Characters: Anna, Carol, Elizabeth, Maxine (Max), Richard, Shula

• Anna is flustered and finally finds the paper she needs. Carol tries to get her to relax on this bank holiday and not work the day away. Don’t worry, Anna tells her mother, I have plans.
• Elizabeth confides in Shula that the opera is a runaway success with full houses. When Elizabeth hears that Shula is sitting on her own at the back, she calls Richard over. Sasha bailed out because she accepted tickets to a festival with her friends instead of the opera with her father. Shula seems interested and tells Richard she is by herself. Carol interrupts with an elaborate plan of changing seats at the interval so Shula can sit further up front. Shula has to agree but her tone is one of a woman plainly disappointed at missing out sitting with Richard. Carol takes Shula away and Elizabeth mentions that she will happily take Sasha’s seat and sit with Richard. Elizabeth even calls Fallon to rustle up a hamper.
• Anna is lying in wait for Max and wants to talk. Max protests and Anna mentions that she won’t pick up the phone so Anna had no choice; they still have unfinished business. No, protests Maxine, they have said all they need. Anna begs for just a half hour.
• Carol talks about Puccini with reluctant listener Shula. Carol laments that she will never have another great romance; she envies Shula with her lovely home and a husband she loves. She should make the most of it while it lasts, Carol counsels. Shula seems to take in the advice and she thoughtfully agrees.
• Anna is pouring out her worries about Helen to Max. Max tells Anna that it is tough but she can handle it. Anna is filled with self-doubt and she needs Max to rely on. Anna begs Max to reconsider her decision to move on. Anna says everything was her fault. Max stops her and said they tried but it is better now to make a clean break. Max cannot be there for Anna anymore. She will find someone else as Max has and Max leaves.
• Richard and Elizabeth have a quick nightcap. Elizabeth is grateful to Richard for his help with Freddie. She confesses her fling with a married man and tells Richard how it affected Freddie when he found out. Freddie has never forgiven Elizabeth, mainly because of his dad. Richard points out that she can’t spend her entire life looking back; he pours many compliments upon Elizabeth and follows them up with a kiss. His cab comes at this inopportune moment and this puts the budding romance on hold-for now.