Jenny gets some good news. Brian gets some good news. James gets some bad news and Lilian gets some strong support.

Radio Times: Lilian receives help from an unexpected source, and Kathy does some serious thinking.

Characters: Brian, James, Jamie, Jennifer, Kathy, Lilian, Paul

• To Lilian’s immense relief, Paul shows up at the hospital. She is still waiting to see James and speak to the medical team. Paul offers to come with her. Lilian says she can never thank him enough. She then catches sight of the consultant, so Paul makes himself scarce in case Matt shows up.
• The Aldridges enjoy their meal at Grey Gables, though both are on edge waiting for news about Alice (in Jenny’s case) and the herd manager (in Brian’s). As Jenny whittles on about Tom’s ready-meals, she realises Brian is not listening, but fiddling with his phone. Alice texts to say she has left three messages on Jenny’s phone to tell them she has her MSc. As if that was not sufficient Aldridge joy, Rob Titchener then texts to accept the job.
• James’ injuries are less serious than Lilian feared, but his broken leg will mean a long period of inactivity and convalescence. James goes into two year old mode, especially over his car, which is a write-off. Lilian insists he must come back to the Dower House. Despite James’ worries, she promises that Matt will not be a problem.
• Kathy comes home from work late and is pleased when Jamie makes her a cup of tea. She seizes the moment to talk about Jamie’s future. He wants to find an apprenticeship with a good tree surgeon and one day have his own business. Kathy is worried that would be insecure, but Jamie impresses her with the amount of information he has found. She wants him to talk to Mike and find out more about opportunities locally. Then he can come back and talk to her.
• Paul reappears and insists on driving Lilian home. He will phone for a cab from the Dower House. As they near home, Lilian asks him to stop; she is worried that Matt might be home. Tactful Paul says that is fine. Lilian tells him he has been wonderful. She has no idea what she would have done without him.