Ruth offers Lilian a way out of her problems. Emma persuades Ed to accept a way out of their problems.

Radio Times: Ed considers relenting, while Lilian takes on a new role.

Characters: Brian, Ed, Emma, Jennifer, Lilian, Nic, Ruth

• Preoccupied with the shoot and wanting to find out how Alice’s new job is going, Jennifer is in no mood to listen to Lilian’s complaints about Leonie’s presence at, and Matt’s absence from, the Dower House. Feeling very hard done by, and after considerable persuasion, Lilian actually agrees to Ruth’s suggestion that she might like to play the third witch in a scene at Lynda’s Revels. It will be a welcome release from her current troubles.
• The shoot goes well, and Brian is in remarkably expansive mood after wooing some big-shot potential customers for the dairy. Will get a good bonus, which will surely ensure that George is well fed when he spends more time with his natural father.
• With amazing diplomacy, Nic rings and puts the case to Emma for George spending more time with her and Will. She knows only too well what is like to bring up children when money is short, and, after some initial hostility, Emma is touched by her sensitivity and understanding. When Ed gets home she tells him about the conversation, but Ed just erupts in fury. His anger seems to be less about George’s welfare and more about Will telling people in The Bull about their financial problems, however.
• After milking, a chastened Ed returns and apologises. Emma understands how he feels, but tells Ed that realistically they have no choice but to accept Nic and Will’s suggestion. Ed is not convinced, but Emma stands firm.