Caroline makes arrangements for her vacation; Roy urges Phoebe to try hard to tolerate Kate’s interest in her life.

Radio Times: Kate gets it wrong and Roy gets it right.

Characters: Caroline, Christine, Kate, Peggy, Phoebe, Roy

• Caroline and Oliver have decided to escape from Grey Gables for a couple of months while the refurbishment takes place. She asks Roy if he would act as assistant manager while they are away. He accepts without giving it a second thought.
• Christine is baking for the WI tent at the fete. Peggy is busying herself tidying up after her. Chris has difficulty getting the mixer to work. The doorbell rings, Peggy tells her to do nothing more until she returns. It is her mixer after all and she’s had it a goodly number of years. The caller is Caroline, full of news of her plans for Tuscany. However she can’t help but notice the apparent friction developing between the two women.
• It’s parents evening at college and while waiting for Roy, Kate niggles away at Phoebe, wanting details of Alex’s family, home, previous girlfriends and the length of their friendship. Phoebe is beside herself. Roy arrives with news of his promotion. Phoebe is pleased. Kate is … well … Kate!
• Later, Roy is thrilled to be told that Phoebe is potentially Oxbridge material and wanders off to speak to David. Like a cracked record, Kate drones on about “commitment”, “distractions” and “boys”. When Phoebe again asks her to back off Kate lets rip, mentioning sleeping with Alex amongst other things, just as Roy returns. Imagine his response!
• Peggy presses Caroline to stay for tea. She declines but wonders how she’s finding living with Christine. Peggy is quite happy and unaware of any incipient friction. As Caroline leaves, Christine appears with two muffins and thanks Peggy for her help in the kitchen. She values her efforts to assist with her settling in. Peggy replies that she only too happy to help!
• Roy takes Phoebe home and offers her a little advice. Beneath the nonsense, Kate only wants what’s best for her little girl, as they all do. Phoebe explains how safe she feels with Alex. Roy says that he seems like a good lad. He asks her to cut Kate some slack as she’s trying her hardest to be as good mother as she knows how. As for Roy, he’s so proud of his wise and clever daughter.