Ambridge suffers an outbreak of “not thinking things through”.

Radio Times: Roy is under attack from all sides and Robert solves a dilemma.

Characters: Caroline, Kate, Lynda, Robert, Roy, Ruth, Usha

• Stop for a break? Ruth has been on the go since 5:30 but she cannot possibly stop for a coffee when Usha calls. Worse, there is no sign of the situation easing. On top of everything, Ruth feels guilty that her problems are as nothing to Elizabeth’s. Usha insists: take a coffee break now! Ruth yields and indeed does feel better for a “you are not alone” chat.
• Roy’s ear is being bent by Lynda, very disappointed that she – as senior receptionist – did not have advance notice of next week’s royal visit and is therefore not on duty. Caroline is no help either; indeed she is uncharacteristically insensitive in suggesting that Lynda join villager onlookers at the gate. (At least she didn’t suggest a rooftop vantage point!)
• Kate’s arrival spares Roy further ear-bashing from Lynda but the relief is temporary: Kate is fed up with phone calls from Hayley. Roy accuses that rash promises without thinking things through are Kate’s stock-in-trade and, when she retaliates, Roy explodes with a defence about how supportive Hayley has been to Freddie and Lily and Phoebe too in recent weeks.
• At The Bull, Robert is administering some TLC – and one of Freda’s pies – to his wounded wife. Caroline can’t have thought this through, so he has a suggestion: to ensure that everything runs extra smoothly wouldn’t it be appropriate to increase staffing levels?
• Back at Grey Gables, Caroline reports on a visit to Lower Loxley about a joint venture. Normally Elizabeth would take the lead but this time she clearly hasn’t thought it through; Roy will need to be pro-active. Lynda returns from lunch and delivers Robert’s suggestion which, with suppressed giggles, is accepted. Lynda had offered to do the shift without pay but no, she will of course be paid.