Ruth helps build Tom’s confidence over the Nuffield Scholarship application; Ian supports Helen; Jill thinks of a way for Carol to help relieve Anna’s stress.

Radio Times: Tom realises he has got his work cut out, and Ian makes up for lost time.

Characters: Carol, Ian, Jill, Pat, Ruth, Tom

• Ruth and Tom set off on their travels to their farm walk. They chat about family matters. Nothing new on the trial but Kaz still hasn’t heard if she is allowed back on the unit with her children.
• Carol buys a treat for Anna from Pat in the shop. She notes that Anna could use some motherly attention because she is working all out on Helen’s case. It is a personal one for Anna. Pat says that Helen is lucky to have Anna and they trust her to come through. Ian comes in before his visit to Helen; he confesses to being a bit nervous. Suppose Helen refuses to see him? Pat supports Ian and says all arguments were in the past. Ian tells Pat that Helen means a lot to him.
• Carol discusses Anna’s upcoming divorce with Jill. If only Max had waited until after the trial. Anna is finding it hard to let go. At least this time, Anna didn’t reach for a bottle and she did go for a run. Jill emphasises how fond she is of Anna.
• Both Tom and Ruth are excited about the farm visit. Ruth has learned a lot about cattle from the host and Tom discusses his Nuffield scholarship application with Ruth. His needs 5 key questions and asks for Ruth’s help in fashioning the questions. Tom wants to apply what he learns in the foreign markets to the farm here. Ruth has learned much from the farm host and feels it has been a great experience. Tom is becoming frightened about coming before a whole panel. He will be grilled about his background and character as well as his farming experience. Tom worries about the situation with Kirsty and his trashing of the GM crops. Ruth has some positive suggestions and she encourages Tom. Well, Tom sighs, his interview is nothing compared to Helen’s fight for her freedom at the trial next week.
• Jill and Carol discuss the upcoming Flower and Produce Show and the Freda Fry Memorial Award for Best in Show. Jill tells Carol that this was a lovely tribute and Bert will be touched. He has been such a good friend, says Carol. Jill has a suggestion to help Anna. Why not book a holiday for her now and she won’t be able to back out after the trial? Carol is taken with the idea and they go off to do some research on suitable holidays.
• Ian is full of happy news of his visit to Helen. Their relationship is back to the way it used to be. Pat asks how Helen was in herself, her state of mind. Ian has better news; Kaz is being allowed back to the Mother and Baby Unit. But Helen is also moving and she may not be able to see Kaz before the trial.