David hears the details of Ruth’s surgery and Pat hears the news about Owen.

Radio Times: David and Ruth put on a united front.

Characters: David, Kathy, Pat, Ruth, surgeon, Susan

• The idea of an angling club for the children may sound good but Susan would rather that Emma didn’t hear of it: it might end up as something else that Susan does with George, while Emma goes out with her new boyfriend. They have never taken George out together; Susan has not met him yet and this is clearly another sore point.
• David is true to his word and is attending the hospital with Ruth. The surgeon explains the procedure; it’s a big operation lasting 6 to 8 hours and the recovery time, quicker than it used to be, is a week in hospital, a month when Ruth will need help in the house and a minimum of three months before she can get back to farming. The surgeon needs to be sure that she is prepared to give herself the time to heal. David is surprised that Ruth is hesitating but really she is sure it will be worth it.
• Kathy has some news for Pat: Owen has been charged with two rapes. She warns Pat that the police might want to interview her. That’s no problem; Pat will of course support her. She understood Kathy’s reasons for not going to the police at the time but she has done it now, he has not defeated her.
• David found the details of the surgery a bit hard to take but he is still supportive. He tells Ruth that to him she is still the sexiest woman in the world and that is just what she needs to hear.