Alistair comes a step nearer to his big decision. Pip makes a somewhat hasty decision.

Radio Times: Jill catches a thief, and Alistair has an announcement.

Characters: Alistair, Jill, Joe, Pip, Rex, Shula, Toby

• Pip discovers Toby and Rex having another row. She asks Toby to stay with her since his brother is being so difficult, and Toby quickly agrees, but rejects her offer of mediation.
• A markedly ungrateful Joe rings Alistair to demand his instant attendance, Alistair is on his way, but has other matters on his mind, namely the Lovell James offer. Leaving Shula to take delivery of some of Jill’s latest mammoth bake, Alistair takes a look at Bartleby; he has arthritis, not helped by his weight and lack of exercise. Joe protests, of course, and plays the poor old man card, demanding a reduction in Alistair’s fee. Since veterinary preparations are so expensive, he will dose Bartleby with Cod Liver Oil.
• Pip cooks pasta for Toby, but there is barely enough for two and they are left hungry. Leaving Toby to wash up, Pip goes to raid the pantry at Brookfield and walks straight into Jill, who tells her very firmly that the flapjacks she is taking are for Peggy and Chris, and she is not allowed to take them, or indeed the fruitcake. A row ensues, in which Pip accuses Jill of vindictiveness towards Toby for events that took place years back. Jill retorts that it is time Pip stood on her own feet, and time she heard some home truths, whereupon Pip slams out.
• Alistair returns in cheerful mood. He has agreed to sell subject to a fair price being negotiated. There will no longer be a surgery in Ambridge but he would not need to be in Felpersham every day. The Hunt offer to Shula was just the catalyst he needed.
• Pip returns angrily to find that Toby is exchanging texts with Rex. Well… why not move in with me, she says. Let’s make it official. Toby thinks that is much better than cake. Jill will probably have a different opinion.