Ruby goes missing. Alistair finds a confidant. Justin makes a declaration.

Radio Times: Philip is a knight in shining armour

Characters: Alistair, Justin, Lilian, Matt, Philip, Shula

• There is panic at the Dower House when Ruby goes missing after the window cleaner left a door open. Much bellowing ensues, enough to scare any dog. Justin goes to look for her while Lilian phones round to see if anyone has spotted her.
• Alistair treats one of Shula’s horses, which has been cut by barbed wire, It seems that Shula’s assistant Roberta has been remiss about changing the dressing, and a pressure sore has formed. Shula will have words with Roberta. Philip arrives to lay some concrete.
• Who should come across the missing Ruby but Matt, who just happens to be strolling in Ambridge. He takes her to The Bull, to ask for a temporary lead before escorting her home. There he encounters Justin, who is markedly rude, accusing Matt of taking the dog. Matt responds with a lecture on the subject of the ill-advised practice of keeping beautiful creatures caged, and Justin rises wonderfully to the bait, shouting at Matt in his rage.
• Philip sees that Alistair is under pressure without Anisha, so suggests lunch at The Bull. Alistair initially says no, but is persuaded, and enjoys his lunch as well as Philip’s wise counsel and anecdotes about difficult clients. As they leave, they are somewhat startled by the public encounter between Lilian’s love rivals.
• Shula sacks Roberta, and seeing Philip, offers him tickets for the Hunt Ball. Alistair tells Shula that he feels much better thanks to Philip. They agree that it has not been an easy week.
• Lilian is delighted to have Ruby back, though Justin fails to tell her the circumstances of her being found. Instead he launches into a fulsome apology for not telling her about what took place in Edinburgh, and swears eternal fidelity. Now he insists on returning to sleep in his own bed, Lilian can choose where she sleeps. And we all know where that will be. Oh Matt…