Phoebe gets through her party in spite of Kate embarrassing her. There’s a promise of more celebration to come for her on Friday. Pip and David discuss some fundamental change on the farmland regardless of Route B.

Radio Times: Pip is keen to move on, and Phoebe introduces Alex.

Characters: Alex, David, Hayley, Kate, Phoebe, Pip

• David and Pip are filling in pot holes. He can sense there is something on her mind and cajoles it out of her. Her suggestion is to put the trackway on the other side of the farm. Not much grassland would be lost. He agrees it’s an interesting idea and doesn’t reject it out of hand. Pip reckons he’ll want to wait for a decision on the new road, but David surprises her and agrees to make the change. He’s lost too much already as a result of worries about the road, not least, his relationship with his brother and almost the other family members too.
• It’s Phoebe’s 17th Birthday and she’s received some money from Hayley. Phoebe’s not sure she’s done the right thing in inviting Alex to the BBQ, as it will mean him meeting all the family at once. Kate tries to ingratiate herself with Alex through discussions on music and festivals. She succeeds in embarrassing Phoebe by giving her birth story. Hayley comes to Phoebe’s rescue by announcing that the food is ready.
• Pip has been over to help Rex and Toby and will give them a hand when the goslings arrive, as long as David can spare her, of course. David is working on the press release for the flood risk assessment report. Lynda wants him to also include the fact that the fete has had to be moved and also for him to arrange an interview with Radio Borsetshire. Pip undertakes to do the milking in the morning, so a grateful David will not have to set his alarm, for once.
• It’s the end of the party and as they wave Kate off, Phoebe apologises to Alex. He says there’s no need and after all, there are further celebrations to come on Friday, when they meet with all their college friends for home-made pizzas. She can fully relax then and enjoy her ‘proper’ Birthday.