Helen’s case continues as expected; Rob’s condition worsens; perhaps Helen’s charge will change.

Radio Times: There’s an unexpected visitor at the village shop, and Tom wonders what might have been.

Characters: Dominic Farrell, Kirsty, Miss Boyd, Pat, Peggy, Susan, Tom, Tony, Ursula

• At the community shop, Susan is giving Sabrina Thwaite a running commentary on The Echo’s coverage of the events at Blossom Hill Cottage. It’s not just front-page news, it’s covering the inside pages too. And guess what? There’s a quote from Susan. The shop bell rings, announcing the unexpected arrival of Ursula. Susan is amazed.
• Waiting with Pat and Tony at the magistrate’s court, Dominic explains that Helen has decided to forego a bail application today, giving him the opportunity to plan for one in the future. In any event, a bail hostel would be the only outcome. He feels that a women’s prison would serve Helen’s needs better. He allays Pat’s concerns; she will be well cared for there. As he leaves for the courtroom, Tom and Kirsty turn up with coffee.
• At the shop, Susan tells Ursula that many locals were fond of Rob and wished him well. She also opines that cleaning Blossom Hill is the best thing Ursula could do, having bought all that disinfectant. She also asks what exactly is wrong with her son. Ursula makes a sharp exit, brushing past Peggy on the threshold, with a simple “excuse me”. Susan tells Peggy that Ursula is moving into Blossom Hill. She also mentions The Echo’s news that Helen has been charged with attempted murder, such a shame. Peggy is dumbstruck; Susan is sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Indeed?
• Helen’s case is called. Pat is concerned that she looks so pale. After formal identification, Miss Boyd, prosecuting, gives an outline of the case noting Henry’s evidence in interview that “he saw mummy stab daddy”. As the charge is “indictable only”, she asks for matters to be sent to the Crown Court for a plea before trial hearing on 5 May. She seeks a remand in custody, there being reasonable grounds to believe that Helen may interfere with witnesses or even abscond. With no objections from Dominic, the District Judge agrees. “Take her down,” he intones. After the hearing, Pat is mortified by Helen’s treatment. Fancy handcuffing a confused, pregnant woman! Dominic points out that Helen will need a barrister for Crown Court. Her defence must be considered very carefully.
• Peggy calls in to Blossom Hill, only to find Ursula scrubbing away madly at some bloodstains on the kitchen tiling. There is broken crockery and fingerprint dust everywhere. Ursula breaks down. She must stay here, she has to be available for Rob. He’s so ill, so frail. He’s not like her son at all. Peggy had no idea, helps her to a chair and offers comfort. Ursula’s phone rings. Peggy goes to fetch it.
• Later, the family and Kirsty return to Bridge Farm. As Tom is left alone with Kirsty, he wonders what might have been had they married. Would they have had their suspicions about Rob and acted on them much earlier? Kirsty says he shouldn’t be distracted by regrets, it’s Robs fault. Tom spots Peggy approaching. Inside, Tony incurs Pat’s wrath by suggesting that Helen may have acted in a “moment of insanity”. Pat is furious, not believing that he could think this way. Tom comes in with Peggy. She’s been to the cottage and seen Ursula who’s terribly upset. “So what?” asks Tony. Peggy explains Ursula’s phone call. It was the hospital. Rob is dangerously ill with an infection. If he dies, Helen will be facing a murder charge.