It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.

Radio Times: It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.

Characters: Alistair, Daniel, David, Jill, Phil, Richard, Ruth, Shula, Usha

• News of Richard and Shula’s affair is spreading. Richard tells Usha, protesting that they did not mean to hurt anyone and protesting even more that he has done nothing unprofessional.
• Alistair is at Brookfield on vet’s business; he had received Shula’s messages that she wanted to see him. She thanks him for the flowers and the loving greeting which accompanied them. He meant it and he wants to know nothing more; before she can tell him her secret he is gone. Jill finds Shula crying; she is told why and is aghast.
• Usha visits Ruth and tells her of Richard’s callous confession. Lots of things become clear to Ruth now; how could they do it! David is in bad books because he knew and did not tell Ruth, who thinks she could have made a better job of telling Usha than Richard has done. She is not in a party mood but David prevails on her to go to Shula’s 40th birthday party for Mum and Dad’s sake.
• The party is strained with Ruth wanting to discuss the burning issue and the others, those who are party to the secret, wanting to suppress it so as not to spoil the evening. Ruth settles for no drinks, daggers looks and making sure that Shula knows how unhappy is her babysitter, Usha.
• Shula is glad to get home and to welcome her lover. Richard thought Usha treated him coldly, so is surprised to hear of her unhappiness. When he learns that Shula has not told Alistair, he decides that he cannot stay. She must tell him.

Summarised by: Chris Harrison