Helen decides to go public. Tom gets a puzzling commission.

Radio Times: Helen tackles a delicate subject, and Susan starts to get things organised.

Characters: Helen, Neil, Pat, Peggy, Susan, Tom, Tony

• Tony is contemplating the purchase of a new mower conditioner (no, I don’t know what it is either but it matters not). Tom knows what it is and doesn’t think that now is the right time, it being the end of the season.
• Wondering about whether Alice’s sudden wedding means she is pregnant has started Helen thinking: perhaps she should release the news of hers. She will think about how to do it.
• A message from Jennifer, via Neil, is not at all what Susan wanted to hear. The party is to be a barbecue, a mere barbecue; how would that work in a marquee? The advantage, as Neil sees it, is that they (the Carters) could afford to pay for a barbecue. Susan will approach Tom about Gourmet Grills doing it.
• The best way, Helen has decided, is to strike before her courage fails her. So she calls on her Gran. Needless to say, Peggy is shocked but is big enough to say that if it’s really what Helen wants then she’s glad that Helen is happy. Nevertheless she is straight on the phone to Tony afterwards; she is very upset, though she tried not to show it; it’s so wrong.
• Tom is rather surprised to get a commission from Susan for a party at Home Farm. He would like to know when Susan has told(!) Jennifer, as she might have some special requirements. Indeed she might.