Ruth plans to offer Ed some advice on his accounts.

Radio Times: Mike is in the mood for dancing, and Neil needs back-up.

Characters: David, Elizabeth, Mike, Neil, Ruth, Vicky

• Neil wants to talk to Ruth – about Ed. She is a bit wary about how to approach Ed. They arrange to meet later.
• Mike is looking forward to 36 hours with no milk deliveries. He is not too happy about Vicky spending so much time on costume alterations but, as he ought to know by now, she won’t be told.
• Neil reports to Ruth on what he has found about Ed’s accounting, in particular his cash flow management – or lack thereof. There is no forward planning. Ruth will need to ‘discover’ these criticisms for herself.
• David has been delegated to deliver food to Lower Loxley, leaving Ruth free to talk to Neil. Elizabeth is daunted by the quantity – on top of what Shula has already sent.
• Ruth discusses the Ed issue with David; she thinks he needs some proper dairy management software, like theirs. Ed was fine while he had enough money coming in but once Mike dropped the price, careful management becomes more critical. Ruth just needs to find the right moment to broach the subject. Good luck with that.
• Vicky is already looking forward to next Christmas – how different things will be then.