Nic offers Will a rosy future. Peggy offers words of advice to Shula and words of comfort to Lilian.

Radio Times: Lilian fears for her Tiger.

Characters: George, Lilian, Neil, Nic, Peggy, Shula, William

• Nic wakes Will with a cup of tea. To Will, it’s like a dream. Jake and Mia are keen to see him, but they are going to see their dad, so Nic will go with Will to Ambridge to see George.
• Lilian calls at The Lodge, where Peggy and Jack have had a disturbed night. Jack became confused and agitated by the fireworks, so is sleeping in. Caroline has brought an anniversary bouquet. Peggy asks how the ball went, and Lilian tells her about Matt’s refusal to go, and his fall-out with Chalkie. She admits that things are probably worse than Matt is letting on.
• Shula calls with a card, and while Lilian makes coffee and sees to Jack, she tells Peggy how she feels about Alan and Usha, and how she no longer feels a part of St Stephen’s. Wise Peggy tells her that as long as two people have shared values and mutual respect, it’s fine. She once felt strongly about women priests, but is more tolerant now.
• Neil is surprised to see Nic with Will, and rudely asks whether Emma knows. Will tells him it’s none of her business, just as Emma’s life is none of his. George is clearly pleased to see Nic, and takes her off to see his Christmas toys.
• Will, Nic and George feed the ducks. Will says he’s been away from Ambridge too long and wishes he didn’t have to go back to Gloucester, but Nic says she’ll catch a bus and come to see him. Will’s much cheered by this, and says he’ll drive her home. Will and George each take Nic’s hand, and they go for lunch at the Bull.