Jennifer’s guests compromise the success of her party, but Lilian is a model of proper behaviour.

Radio Times: It’s time to party at Home Farm, and Justin is on hand to help.

Characters: Brian, Helen, Jennifer, Jim, Justin, Lilian, Lynda, Miranda, Robert, Tom

• A very tense Jennifer tries to keep Lilian confined to the kitchen, away from Justin and Miranda. As the pair arrives, Jennifer is eager to introduce them to her prize guest, Rachel Pilkington. Coldly Miranda tells Brian to make sure her coat is put on a padded hanger, which gives Lilian an opportunity to hand the canapes over to Brian while she sees to the coat.
• Lynda tells Robert that a complaint has been received about Kirsty’s rudeness to a colleague. Robert wonders if they should tell Oliver and Caroline about the Grundy’s Band B venture, Lynda agrees; Eddie lives in post-truth society.
• In her most patronising tones, Jennifer explains the classical symbolism of her menu to Jim. Apparently the theme, especially the egg to apples idea, was all her idea. Jim displays remarkable composure as he hears this.
• Helen will be missing Ambridge’s most glittering event; she is driving Tom to the airport for his flight to Brazil. It gives him yet another opportunity to beat his breast over his treatment of Kirsty, but Helen is surprisingly firm with him; he must focus on the conference and use his time wisely while she keeps an eye on Kirsty.
• The glittering event’s most glittering guest seems to have an inexhaustible appetite for alcohol and a taste for strong language after consuming the same. Jim suggests that Brian limit the number of refills, and, with Lynda for support, manages to tackle Brian over the need to retain bio-diversity on the land he has bought. Smooth Brian assures him that he may even extend the wildflower area by planting native species of tree. Jim is not easily won over, however.
• Miranda sneers at the plethora of pastry and cuttingly asks Justin why he has not spoken to his social secretary all evening. Unfortunately she has to help the Mayor of Felpersham to the bathroom, giving Justin the opportunity to find Lilian’s lost earring in the recesses of her blouse. As Miranda returns, the Elliotts make a speedy exit. Neither Miranda nor the Mayor contributed much to the success of the evening, but as Lilian points out, at least she behaved herself.