Helen’s day is a success. Pat’s day is a failure. Will’s day is stressful. Susan’s day is exhausting.

Radio Times: Will takes a step backwards

Characters: Clarrie, Helen, Neil, Pat, Susan, William

• As Helen prepares for her cheese-making class and Pat prepares to leave for The Elms. They discuss Philip and Kirsty. Pat seems disapproving, but claims it is just that she worries how Tom might feel. Helen assures her that he is fine about the relationship. Pat has left (another) stew for the class but tells Susan she will need to lend a hand, which does not please Susan. What about the kefir? She asks I can’t just drop everything. Helen quickly suggests that it’s time for Pat to leave.
• Neil meets Will at the shop and finds him in good spirits. He was glad to be back at work yesterday and Poppy enjoyed nursery. She even slept all night in her own bed. Will manages to tease Neil about selling his soul to Justin, and asks what Rex knows about pig husbandry. Neil retorts that he is sensible and eager to learn.
• Clarrie and Susan agree that they are being treated like skivvies. Susan is smarting from a remark made by Sabrina Thwaite. If the classes continue, Helen will have to get more help in. Susan and Clarrie can’t help in addition to their skilled work. Clarrie’s phone rings; Will is stuck in traffic and can’t get to the nursery. Can Clarrie go?
• Helen tells Pat about her day. Jack played Tony up but the class went well. She really thinks it is the way forward for Bridge Farm. They need to advertise more widely, Pat is more concerned with her day. Olwen failed to show up. Perhaps seeing Pat’s success made her feel a failure.
• Susan has a good moan to Neil about being overworked. After all, she is the kefir manager now. Neil offers a calming cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit. She asks how he got on with Rex, and gets a positive answer. Rex is bright and keen, asking all the right questions. But Neil has seen through Toby’s unsubtle plan to keep the gin business at Hollowtree. Seeing how stressed Susan is, Neil comments that soon he will be earning a great deal more. She could give up work and be a lady of leisure like Sabrina Thwaite. Susan is horrified at the prospect.
• Poor Poppy was inconsolable at Will’s inability to pick her up. He can’t forgive himself. He will have to keep her home for a while until she gets over it. He tells Clarrie how much he misses a house full of children. Why not brings them to stay at Grange Farm for a bit, she asks. It will be lovely to have the all the family under the same roof. Mmm… Ed and Will under that roof?