Ed proves to be a good neighbour and Lexi proves to be more than just a friend

Radio Times: Lexi takes charge and Alan has an epiphany

Characters: Ed, Emma, Ian, Johnny, Lexi, Roy

• Emma rings Ed to tell him she has managed to get a place on a Speed-watch course on Saturday. She intends asking Nic to join her. Ed will look after the children. He tells Emma that his way is blocked by a broken down tractor and hedge cutter. Investigating further, he finds that it’s Johnny; he is out of diesel and cross with his own stupidity; he’s used to Tony checking fuel, which Adam doesn’t do.
• As Alan wrestles with his sermon, Usha is is working at home. Alan tells her how much he hates the atmosphere in the village at present. He thinks people are being petty when they refuse to take part in Lynda’s panto. Usha suggests that it’s tired, and that people find Lynda overbearing, but Alan sees only her dedication and commitment. Usha suggests that he should make his Christmas services even more wonderful than usual. Later, as they prepare supper together, Alan declares that he has been reading St. Augustine; ‘pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on you.’ He must stop moaning and organise the panto himself. A shocked Usha reminds him of how much work he has to get through over Christmas, but Alan has thought it all out. Lynda has a script already. It will be a lot of fun.
• Johnny realises that he will have to get fuel, but Ed points out that it will take two people to re-start the tractor as there will be air in the system. At first he refuses to give Johnny a lift, which causes Johnny to realise that Ed’s lack of charity just might be down to the fact that estate hedge cutting used to be his work. Kind Ed quickly changes his mind, and gives Johnny a lift. Ed eventually manages to start the tractor, and a very grateful Johnny says he will tell Adam that he can’t do all the hedging on his own; Adam will need some help from Ed.
• There has been yet another complaint in the Grey Gables dining room, so Roy needs to have a private word with Ian. In her capacity as dining room manageress, Lexi is there too. Ian reacts with hostility; the complainant was a moron, he says. Roy reminds him that they are in the hospitality business, whereupon Ian angrily tells him to leave him alone to do his job. Lexi intervenes, pointing out that Roy has been a good friend to Ian, and that she knows he is stressed by events at home. Furious, Ian accuses Roy of gossiping about his private life, whereupon Lexi very firmly says she recognises how good a chef he is, but that he needs to realise how good a friend Roy is.
• Emma tells Ed that Nic is too busy to come on the course, so Will is coming instead. Ed is cynical about the decision. When did Will last show any degree of public spiritedness? He tells Emma about Johnny and the tractor; Emma is equally cynical about Johnny having taken all Ed’s estate work
• Having pacified the angry guest with a fee bottle of wine and nibbles, Roy thanks Lexi for her support over Ian. He was impressed by her fire. Lexi tells him she did it not just because they are friends, but because she loves him. Amazed beyond measure, Roy falteringly tells her he loves her too, and has done for a long time. She is the loveliest woman he has ever met.