Lilian continues to try to secure her future; Brookfield plans for the future; Justin plansfor his.

Radio Times: There are some new faces at Home Farm, and Lilian will not give up

Characters: Adam, David, Jennifer, Justin, Lilian, Pip, Ruth

• David bemoans the fact that Kenton has invested so heavily in Scruff Gin when he still owes Brookfield thousands. Ruth agrees, just as Pip waltzes in. The life of luxury at Lower Loxley suits her well. She mentions Adam’s invitation for them to attend tonight’s “pickers” barbeque at Home Farm. The subject of Open Farm Sunday comes up again. Pip is outvoted. Brookfield should take part say her parents. They have nothing to fear.
• At Home Farm, Lilian discusses her choice of bathroom fittings with Jennifer. Jenny is mildly affronted at Lilian’s choice of a bath with taps placed to the side, to make sharing easier. Lilian admits to feeling a little threatened by the “Borsetshire Life” types that have applied for the post of Justin’s PA. Adam arrives asking for Jennifer’s help with a tearful fruit picker. He invites them all to the barbeque but Lilian declines. Justin has developed an overwhelming desire to hack around the local highways and experience Ambridge at first hand.
• Pip continues to try and convince her parents that they should avoid Open Farm Sunday this year. David and Ruth can see nothing but good resulting from their participation. They both feel that in the wake of Brexit, Brookfield is well placed to advertise their pasture-fed stock, animal welfare and care for the environment. In fact, they should shout loudly about being a local, family run farm. Faced with such arguments, Pip finally gives up, but vows to make sure that Josh plays his part.
• Out on their planned hack, Lilian tries to persuade Justin that her new bathroom will be completed within two weeks, according to her builder at least. Justin is less than convinced. She then changes the subject to that of his PA shortlist. There are just two applicants, Lisa and Cressida. Lilian is not at all sure that they form a sufficiently large pool in which to fish. Justin is quite happy though and insists that they get off-road and give the horses a good workout.
• The Home Farm barbeque is in full swing. Josh has managed to cheer up the previously weepy picker. Adam admits to David that he’s five pickers short this year and worries about future migrant labour. David suggests that something like the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme may be reintroduced. Pip leaves for Lower Loxley announcing that she won’t be involved with the single wicket competition this season, neither will Adam. However, Ruairi has signed up. Apparently, he plays for his school and is developing into a useful bat.
• Lilian just won’t give up. She explains to Justin that he needs more people on his shortlist and offers to trawl through the applications with him to sort out say, two more. She will then set up the appointments for Thursday afternoon. Knowing when he’s been beaten and being fully aware that Lilian only has his best interests at heart, he agrees. Lilian is amazed at her good fortune. Justin insists that they ride up near some woodland adjoining Bridge Farm. He seems strangely interested in its ownership.