David’s brush with domesticity heralds a new era at Brookfield. Shula fears a return of the old.

Radio Times: David shows he’s no domestic goddess.

Characters: Carly, Caroline, David, Pip, Shula

• The Brookfield laundry fairy has failed! Pip’s PE kit is still in the bag, just where she left it; mum usually gets it out – dad hasn’t.
• Caroline will be busy over Easter but Carly has herself arranged a shopping trip with her sister – and mum might come too. Asked why she thinks her mother put her into care, Carly goes as far as admitting she can be a bit of a handful. She would really like to spend the holiday at home with her sisters.
• There is still a tension in the air at Brookfield. Ruth points out that the house does not run itself and David agrees that it should be a partnership; that goes for the farm too: Ruth is just as much a farmer as David.
• Caroline reports to Shula the earlier breakthrough: Carly has never before admitted that some of the responsibility for her present state might be hers. She is contacting the social worker herself. Caroline fears that Carly may have to be their last foster child: they will be too busy from now on.
• Delivering a flask of coffee, David also delivers an apology. Perhaps he needed a jolt. How did they get into this polarised state? Having the children? Ruth’s illness? Anyway, Ruth would like things to change in house and farm.
• Shula brings Caroline up to date on church matters and on the Soap Box Derby. Alistair is still pleading that he is too busy – but where? Shula does not suspect an affair, but she does wonder whether he is gambling again. If he was, at least Shula would know what she is up against. He is certainly unhappy and he won’t tell her why, so how can she help?