Helen stands up to Rob with the inevitable consequences. David needs Jill’s help in solving his matrimonial problems.

Radio Times: Jill feels philosophical, and Helen gets out of the house.

Characters: David, Helen, Jill, Pip, Rob, Ruth

• Helen is grateful to Pip for giving her a lift to the new shop. As Pip tells her about Ruth’s decision to go to New Zealand, Helen seems wistful; she would drop everything and go like a shot if she had the chance.
• Rob is less than pleased to see Helen at the shop, reminding her that she is meant to be having a quiet morning. With unaccustomed spirit Helen replies that she does not want to be stuck at home like a prisoner, and proceeds to work hard arranging jars and bottles in time-honoured Helen fashion.
• Christmas pudding stirring means it is once again Stir Up Sunday at Brookfield, but Jill is somewhat short of young assistants. David seems to be walking on eggshells where Ruth is concerned, so unburdens himself to Jill, and predictably Ruth appears, having overheard the conversation. She informs them that her trip will be a learning experience as well as a vacation, and anyway, she can afford it now. As she flounces back to the cows, Jill suggests that David should talk to his wife.
• Rob is angry with Helen; why could Pat not have arranged the jars? When Helen has a dizzy moment he is triumphant; she has done enough for one day, and is pale and tired. Once again, Helen stands up to Rob. She will do half an hour more and then come home. On their return Rob makes scrambled egg for Helen, who can’t face it so receives another lecture on her refusal to do as Rob tells her. Helen says she feels sick and goes to bed.
• Pip and David corner Ruth and demand to know what is going on. Ruth tells them that she is superfluous to the farm now that they have proved they no longer need her in its decision making. She has got the message and will no longer stand in their way. Pip blusters unconvincingly about needing a mother, whereupon Ruth plays her trump card: they have Jill for that. Well, they wanted an answer and now they have one.
• David reports back to Jill, who tells her son to have more sense. One thing she has discovered is that getting older makes her more philosophical.