Rob continues his control of Helen and Shula has a discussion of love with Richard.

Radio Times: Helen is vulnerable and out of the loop, while Shula and Dr Locke talk families.

Characters: Fallon, Helen, Pat, Richard, Rob, Shula

• Shula is buying Borchester Blue in the shop but Rob is very controlling with Helen and commands her to sit as if she is the family dog. Shula seems uncomfortable to be witnessing this behaviour. Shula says that she and Jill have volunteered to tackle the costumes for Lynda’s play. She hopes that Helen and Rob will be able to attend but Rob quickly answers that he will take Henry and Ursula. Is Helen not tempted? Rob answers for her. Pat comes in and asks Helen to come up to the house for a cup of tea but Helen quickly scurries out to visit the tea shop. She is noncommittal about coming to Pat later. Shula asks if they will carry the Fairbrothers’ eggs but Rob is critical and dismissive. Once Shula leaves, Pat disagrees with Rob about the value of the eggs. Rob claims that he will give the eggs as big a push as he can and then he’ll see if the sales justify the stock.
• Helen hopes to see Kirsty but Fallon notes that she went to Borchester to get some supplies. Helen decides to wait and settles in with a camomile tea. Fallon asks Helen if she is looking forward to Friday and Eddie’s birthday barn dance. Helen clearly hasn’t heard of it although Fallon is certain that Helen and Rob were invited. Helen changes the subject and asks about Easter plans for the tea shop. Rob charges in and demands that Helen leave immediately; Ursula has come to take Helen home. Helen obeys although Pat runs out to see her. After Helen leaves, Rob takes the opportunity to emphasise that Helen’s behaviour is increasingly erratic. Things are very serious. Pat expresses sympathy for Rob!
• Shula meets Richard and asks him about the health benefits of pastured eggs. He invites her in for a cup of tea to discuss things. Shula asks about Sasha and the difficult relationship. She then asks about Richard’s plan for Easter. She invites him for lunch and they both hope Dan will be able to come home. Dan and his girlfriend are still going strong but they haven’t yet met her. True love, asks Richard? Well, perhaps he can tell her what that is, replies Shula mysteriously.
• Rob comes into the bedroom where Helen is eternally ‘resting’. Rob reminds Helen that he is taking Ursula out tomorrow then he becomes very physically affectionate. He says that he forgives Helen for hitting him; it is in the past. He continues his amorous moves even though Helen keeps saying no. Sigh.