Jennifer’s dinner party affords opportunities for plans to be revealed

Radio Times: Ian cannot contain his excitement and Robert has got the solution

Characters: Adam, Brian, Ian, Jennifer, Justin, Lilian

• Jennifer is holding a family dinner party, and Ian brings a contribution. he is concerned, however, that his position as cookery judge at the Flower and Produce Show might be compromised; Jennifer assures him she will not be entering so all is well. Apart from the jar of gooseberry jam, that is – Brian, being a boarding school product, loves it, so Jennifer could not possibly part with her jar- which is fine, since Ian is keen to part with his.
• Lilian’s head is full of costly wedding plans, which seem only to bemuse Justin. They laugh about Anthea’s insistence upon order in the office; Justin has cancelled a meeting with her about communication flow in favour of a ride with Lilian.
• Since farm talk has been banned at the dinner party, Brian seeks Adam out beforehand, not to challenge Adam’s insistence on hiring Johnny, but to complain about crop yields on the bought-in land. Adam sticks to his guns; the herbal leys are a long term project.
• At Arkwright Lake, Robert and Kirsty hope to see a haw-finch, but it’s not until nightfall that their patience is finally rewarded. They discuss bird-feeders; Peggy has refused one from Kirsty because squirrels are a problem. Robert has the solution – a spare squirrel-proof one, which he will take round to Peggy.
• The dinner party goes well, affording Jennifer many opportunities for displays of false modesty. Adam is concerned that Ian’s high spirits may lead to him revealing their news – and they do. Jennifer is delighted and assures Adam that Brian is too, even if he fails to show it. Justin narrowly avoids putting his foot in it, but Ian’s happiness in particular is enormous.