Pat refuses to thaw relations with Justin, Eddie courts publicity for the B&B and Lilian is irritable with Justin.

Radio Times: Justin has a hard day at the office

Characters: Clarrie, Eddie, Justin, Lilian, Pat, Philip the builder

• Things are a bit tense between Pat and Justin as they await Tony at a meeting to sign the option for the land sale. Pat is angry about the lower price offer from Justin. She defends Tom’s failure at negotiations but it is clear that Pat is attached to the land. Pat doesn’t thaw even when Justin breaks the news that Helen is nominated for the Food and Drink Awared once again. Justin finally loses his temper and asks if Pat wishes to turn down the 30,000 that is her family’s to keep if planning permission is refused.
• Lilian tries to get the builder to hurry with the work on the bath. He seems conciliatory but Lilian is insistent that she wants the work done before the end of next week. Philip says that he won’t promise what he can’t deliver. There is a break in the hostilities on Lilian side when Philip compliments whoever chose the decor in the house. Lilian admits it was her and Philip piles on the praise.
• Eddie charms a writer who is researching B&Bs for an article on places that are out of the ordinary. Eddie manages to disparage Lynda Snell’s offerings during the conversation. Clarrie worries that Eddie has made claims that can’t be backed up.
• The papers are finally signed for the option on the Bridge Farm land. Pat is still rude although Justin is unfailingly polite. Justin attempts to ask for advice on Lilian’s birthday gift but Pat refuses to engage. Some things are more important than business deals, she sniffs.
• Clarrie asks Eddie if the article for The Echo will be posted online. What if Caroline and Oliver see it? Also, they promised Emma that there wouldn’t be many guests during the summer school holidays. Eddie manages to get round Clarrie as usual but he is counting on the article to bring in the punters.
• Philip overhears Lilian unsuccessful attempts to book a plumber for the boiler at Christine’s cottage. Philip offers the services of his regular subcontractor who is fully qualified; this plumber owes Philip a few favours. Philip also has an inside track on a reclaimed sink which will match the bath perfectly. When Justin comes in with compliments on the colour scheme, Lilian interrupts him with news that it will all be changed as per Philip’s suggestion. Justin feels that Lilian was a bit snippy. He confesses that the meeting with Tony and Pat was trying. Justin wants to know why Lilian has been tense all weekend. She claims the problem is James and Leonie, then switches to the unfinished bath issues. Justin complains that if this is the result, he wishes he had never made an offer on the land in the first place.