Emma starts trouble with Nic over Brian Aldridge and Pip believes her role on the farm won’t change because everyone else will care for the baby.

Radio Times: Ruth feels hurt and Emma causes tension

Characters: Emma, Joe, Nic, Pip, Ruth, Toby

• Bert gave Toby a book which he reckons contains everything a father needs to know. Nic also gives him a bit of advice: there is much to appreciate and he should enjoy the moment. Emma comes in and Nic confides that she wants to make a night of it on Valentine’s Day or on Will’s birthday. Emma stops her and says if she is going to ask Emma to babysit, the answer is no.
• Ruth and Pip discuss her midwife appointment. She must steer clear of lambing but Toby is accompanying her to the visit. Ruth tells Pip David must miss the milking parlour appointment because he must go to Ben’s school session; Ruth is doing the lambing. Pip detects a hesitancy and asks what is wrong. Ruth tells Pip that they found out that Elizabeth knew about the pregnancy long before Pip’s parents. Ruth is hurt that she wasn’t the one that Pip confided in. Pip argues that Elizabeth was objective but Ruth is still down.
• Emma says that she and Ed were planning to go out but when Nic asks where, Emma is vague. Nic wonders if Clarrie would take hers along with Keira. Emma nastily asks if Jennifer is busy. Nic is confused but Emma says seeing as Will and Brian are such good mates, Nic should turn to them for help. Nic defends the Aldridges but Emma sees it as sticking up for the lord of the manor over family. Joe comes in and asks for a lift; this inadvertently ends the argument.
• Pip is impatient as she waits for the midwife. Toby recommends she go to Aqua Fit class but Pip rejects the suggestion. People shouldn’t fuss and Pip hates the restrictions on her work. Pip also feels guilty about Elizabeth knowing about the pregnancy before Ruth. Toby points out that Ruth and David will have far more to do with the baby than Elizabeth. This convinces Pip that all will be well. Toby (who is suddenly a fount of knowledge about pregnancy) advises Pip she must begin to enjoy this miracle-and sign up for Aqua Fit. Pip agrees.
• Joe has a bit of a problem exiting from Nic’s auto. Joe tells Nic to let things blow over with Emma. Things will right themselves.
• Pip finds Ruth making a pot of tea. Apologies are made and accepted for Elizabeth’s knowledge of the pregnancy. Ruth tries to discuss the division of farming duties with the birth of the baby but Pip doesn’t hear her. Pip is too busy recounting how everyone will be thrilled to chip in and raise this baby. Ruth calls after her but Pip goes out, listening only to her own voice.