Alice succeeds with her negotiations on the new job and Toby deceives Rex about his secret lover.

Radio Times: Brian pulls some strings, and Toby changes his tune.

Characters: Alice, Brian, Justin, Pip, Rex, Toby

• Brian has become concerned that Alice may have scuppered her chances by having high demands for her salary. Brian asks if Alice knows anything about the Nuffield farm scholarships. Brian is thinking about giving someone a helping hand. Alice does know about a bright friend of Chris’s who didn’t get it because it is so competitive. Brian is considering linking Tom with a sponsor who may help.
• Rex remonstrates with Toby for not showing up at Harrison’s first match as captain. Toby retorts that all seems to have gone very well without him. Toby adds that watching cricket is boring but he isn’t paying out for a physio. Rex asks if Toby is participating in the village fete; they must show a commitment to where they live to foster loyalty to their business. Toby says he’ll go for a drink in The Bull this evening but that is the extent of his participation in village life.
• Alice asks Pip to join a group at The Bull. Pip’s excuse is feeble and Alice accuses her of having a hook-up with some man because Pip is looking shifty all of a sudden. Pip denies all and diverts Alice’s attention by asking about Lynda’s walk-out at the fete committee. Fallon is now the head, much to her consternation.
• Brian calls Justin to ask if he would consider sponsoring Tom for the Nuffield. Justin is due in a ‘meeting’ which sounds suspiciously like canoodling with Lilian. Alice comes in to tell Brian that Kate’s first clients had a fabulous time and will be recommending Kate’s business to all their friends. But the best news is that Alice’s salary and leave demands have all been met and she has the job! Later that evening at The Bull, Justin congratulates Alice on her successful negotiations. Brian has put a bottle of fizz behind the bar for Alice and her friends. Brian broaches the idea of a sponsor for Tom’s Nuffield scholarship. Justin has doubts because of Tom’s past actions but promises to think about it.
• Toby receives a text when at The Bull with Rex. No one that Rex knows, he claims. The groin strain was a ruse but it is only sex. Rex understands but he mustn’t let it interfere with work. Rex confesses that everyone tells him not to give up on Pip but he is thinking of calling it a day. Toby now counsels Rex to move on. Poor Rex has no clue.
• Pip wakes up Toby and tells him he cannot sleep but must leave. They are not lovers but just people who ‘share a hobby’. Pip reminds Toby of secrecy but as Toby leaves he notes there is a light on in the farmhouse. Pip replies lazily that Ben always forgets the lights on; no one will be up at this hour. Ominous last words!