Ruth seeks Usha’s advice on caring for Heather; Adam and Brian give each other ultimata on growing maize.

Radio Times: Ruth feels torn, and there is no going back for Adam.

Characters: Adam, Brian, Charlie, Jennifer, Ruth, Usha

• Jennifer and Adam discuss the farmers’ market. Phoebe and Alex are picking cherries for pay and Jenny comments they look loved up. She denies knowing what the issue was between them. Brian agrees to talk to Adam later this afternoon but mentions in passing that Charlie Thomas is coming to speak to him very soon about something ‘quite important’. Adam tries to catch Brian to bring up the issue first, but Brian is off too quickly.
• Usha points out to Charlie the news in the paper that the flood report seems to support the abandonment of Route B. She revels a bit in Charlie’s discomfort. Ruth comes by and Usha offers sympathy about Heather’s condition and the hard choices that need to be made in the future. Ruth confesses that Heather is confused and unhappy most of the time. She is still talking as if she is going straight home. Ruth notes that there is no money to pay for care at home instead of residential care. Usha suggests having Heather’s house valued, without her permission if necessary.
• Charlie tells Brian about Adam’s cancelling of the maize contract. Brian is outraged and Charlie asks Brian to try to get Adam to change his mind. Not the best person is our Brian to use persuasion, perhaps?
• Brian is livid when he catches up with Adam and begins shouting immediately. They were lucky to secure the maize contract; it is one of their main cash contracts. Adam tries to get Brian to understand the soil erosion issue. How can Brian be so complacent, he asks? How can Adam be so arrogant, is the retort? Brian is the one who owns the land and they will keep growing maize until he says stop. Adam needs to give his actions careful thought.
• Ruth confides to Usha how uncomfortable she is with decisions being made without her at Brookfield Farm, in addition to having to hire help in her absence. She can’t be in two places at once, Usha points out. But which is more important, asks Ruth? She feels torn but Usha tries to help her reconcile her obligations. Sometimes one has to take precedence over the other for a short while.
• Brian tells Jenny that he won’t allow Adam to make this choice. Adam shows up and Brian asks if he has had a chance to think over what he said. Adam states that Brian is right: he does own the land and the farm. In answer to Brian’s ultimatum, Adam gives one of his own. He is not prepared to stay and see the farm worked to death. He will leave if Brian insists on fulfilling the contract with the maize fields.