Opportunities open up for Brian and Adam, with Justin having learned past lessons. Change is in the air for Lilian.

Radio Times: Has someone piqued Brian’s interest? Lilian gets an interesting offer.

Characters: Brian, Jennifer, Justin, Lilian, Matthew, Pip, Ruth

• Lilian thanks Justin for his speculative advice on her property management. In return he’d like her to consider letting the Dower House to him as a weekend retreat, since the Brookfield purchase has fallen through. Contrary to his wife, Miranda, who finds Ambridge a little parochial for her tastes, Justin is charmed by village life and wants to put down stronger roots. With decent livery nearby, he also plans to make an offer for the two horses he and Lilian have trialled.
• As Ruth, Pip and Matthew wave off the Welsh sheep, Ruth congratulates Pip on her idea. Matthew agrees and it certainly was a way to earn extra cash and nice for him to see a project through, which he doesn’t often have the luxury of, being agency staff. He and Pip spend his last evening having a meal at Grey Gables.
• Between Kate’s apathy and Lilian’s untidiness, Brian is irritable and questions Jennifer on Kate’s business plans, of which she knows no more than he does. She advises Brian to speak directly to Kate. He would do – if only Kate would answer her phone.
• Lilian receives her invitation to the cider club at its new venue, prompting Jennifer to ask whether or not Caroline and Oliver approve the new plans. Lilian surmises that their knowledge of it probably is a little hazy. Lilian reports back on her meeting with Justin and his request about the Dower House. To facilitate this would mean Lilian remaining at Home Farm indefinitely, if Jennifer is happy to have her, but what about Brian?
• Brian and Jennifer meet with Justin for dinner, and Justin confesses he has learned from his mistakes. He recognises the strength of community and that managing change involves taking people with him. He’d like Adam to work with him and admits that he never should have taken the contract away from Brian and Adam. He offers Brian a place on the Board with a view to the position of Chair, pending Annabelle stepping down. Brian and Jennifer’s pride is undisguised.