Matt searches in vain for Lilian; Jolene hints in vain that she should talk to Matt.

Radio Times: Ruth prepares for the big day.

Characters: Brian, David, Jill, Jolene, Lilian, Matt, Phil, Ruth

• David is clearing gutters when his parents arrive to talk contingency plans. With a bit of help from Bert and Phil, David reckons he will be able to visit Ruth every day in hospital, even though she declares this unnecessary.
• Could it be a hangover? Lilian is not keen on breakfast; in fact she feels dire. Matt has phoned her mobile several times but she has not answered, unwilling to face his platitudes.
• Phil wants to give Ruth a ‘send off’ with a meal of more antipodean recipes. Alas, once more he cannot get the right ingredients – and cod is rather bland substitute. The pudding, though, is a triumph. Jill admits to having put on a few pounds on the holiday and is joining Clarrie’s slimming club. Kenton has also signed up; David approves of this but resists the suggestion that he might too.
• Lilian is ‘helping’ behind the bar but is wrestling with the till. Maybe Clarrie could give her a refresher but Clarrie is not working for a couple of days; no matter, Lilian is sure she will still be here. Poor Jolene.
• It’s a bit late for Matt to ring Brian about a business matter and Brian is not slow to say so. Matt’s real reason for ringing is get Brian to give Lilian a message – but he learns that Lilian is not visiting Home Farm. Where will he look next?