Lizzie can’t take the pressure. Kathy finds the pressure easier to take.

Radio Times: Lynda becomes the Social Secretary.

Characters: David, Elizabeth, Jim, Kathy, Kenton, Lynda, Nigel

• As preparations for the New Year’s Ball at Lower Loxley get underway, Lizzie is noticeably tense and stressed. At first she won’t tell Nigel what’s wrong, but over coffee, tells him about Kenton’s phone call and her telling Shula about the rape. Nigel is taken aback, but does his best not to let it show. Lizzie breaks down in tears; Kenton will never forgive her.
• Lynda is chasing responses to the invitations to her New Year party. Kathy and Kenton are evasive, and with unusual tact, Lynda says she fully understands.
• Kenton makes Kathy go for a walk, where the fresh air and Kenton’s nonsense do her good. She even agrees to look on the web for summer holiday ideas.
• Lynda invites the Brookfield tribe to her party, but they, too are unwilling to commit at first. Then Lynda phones Shula, but only Jim is at home. He is all for it; they can easily change their plans, and will all come to Lynda’s
• Over lunch, Kathy decides she will go to Lynda’s party. She knows everyone there, and it will do her good.