Ian tries to make things up with Helen but she is having nothing of it.

Radio Times: Ian extends a hopeful olive branch.

Characters: Coriander, Helen, Ian, Jennifer, Kirsty, Lilian, Lynda

• Coriander is being rather colder with Lynda as a result of Leonie’s criticisms. Lynda is certainly getting upset about things and feels Robert is coping much better.
• Helen and Kirsty are out Christmas shopping and Helen is having real problems deciding on a present for Leon. Buying your boyfriend a present is such a statement. Kirsty says she is over thinking it. While they are out, she gets a call from Ian but doesn’t take it. She takes the chance to admit to Kirsty that she is a bit disappointed with Leon – he wasn’t keen on seeing her parents and they haven’t been together for days. Is he too popular? Kirsty tries to convince her he is a really great guy.
• Jennifer is tied up trying to sort out Christmas – has to make Ruairi’s costume for the nativity play as innkeeper. Meanwhile she is getting fed up with Lilian moping. She needs to focus on Mum and she has the time to do it. She needs to count her blessings.
• Lilian pours out her troubles to Ian. It’s so hard connecting with Matt. He isn’t into small talk and she never knows what to write to him. Ian suggests the occasional postcard – a funny one may. It’s the contact that counts rather than the actual words. Helen then turns up at Grey Gables and Ian tries to put things right but Helen resists any compromise.