Shula prepares to talk to Elizabeth.

Radio Times: Kenton tries to help and Lynda plays the hostess.

Characters: David, Jennifer, Kenton, Lynda, Robert, Shula, Susan

• It’s Lynda’s turn to host the book club, to discuss her book choice “Cranford”, but attendance promises to be thin without Usha, Jim and Joe (Mrs Gaskell isn’t his thing). Robert is chief caterer but can’t be persuaded to join the group.
• Kenton is trying where others have failed: to persuade his brother to unwind and come to The Bull for a pint. It’s no good talking, David declares, because he has smashed things so badly with Elizabeth that it can’t be fixed.
• Jennifer gives the sort of literary appraisal that one might expect from a ‘lady of letters’; Susan has just one thing to add – a criticism of Elizabeth Gaskell’s understanding of retailing. Perhaps it’s time to move on to refreshments. Next month’s choice is Jennifer’s and she hasn’t decided yet.
• Kenton compares notes with Shula; their experiences are much the same. They agree it’s tough for mum; how they miss dad at such times: Elizabeth would usually listen to him and David would open up to him too. For Shula it has brought back memories of Mark’s accident, avoiding Caroline’s horse. Shula never blamed her, although Caroline herself felt guilty for a long time. Could Shula use this experience to persuade her sister that what she is feeling can only harm her? Kenton wishes her well but warns that Elizabeth is not in listening mood.