Ambridge is in shock as news of Caroline’s death reaches the village

Radio Times: Shula has unexpected news and Clarrie draws a line

Characters: Clarrie, Eddie, Lilian, Lynda, Oliver, Shula, William

• Shula discusses the fete with Lynda, praising Fallon’s input. Suddenly her phone rings; it’s Oliver with the news that Caroline is dead. She went for an afternoon sleep by the pool in Italy and didn’t wake up. Oliver, greatly distressed, asks Shula to let Ambridge know. Caroline’s siblings are coming to be with him, as well as his own daughter, who is flying in from New York.
• As Shula leaves on her sad mission, Lilian appears plus puppy. She is looking for matt in order to return her birthday present to him, as it is proving very destructive. But Matt has left on a business trip so the puppy will have to stay with Lilian. Suddenly Lynda breaks down. Shula has told her the news, and Lynda is very upset. Past enmities are forgotten as Lilian (and pup) give Lynda a hug.
• When the Grundies hear the news, they too are shocked, though Eddie’s first thoughts are for their future as tenants at Grange Farm. Clarrie thinks they should break the news to Will, and when he hears Eddie talking about the effect on their finances of cancelling the B and B bookings, Will erupts in anger. The Grundy concerns are of no importance compared with Oliver’s grief.
• Having told the whole village, Shula rings Oliver to reassure him. He has decided that Caroline will be cremated in Italy, but he wants Shula to arrange a memorial service for her in Ambridge. A tearful Shula says of course she will. She will be proud to do it.