Shula worries about losing Dan to the Army; Ruth and David worry over Jill’s reaction to staying on at Brookfield.

Radio Times: Shula needs some advice, and David gives Ruth a treat.

Characters: Alan, David, Fallon, Jill, Lynda, Ruth, Shula

• David really knows how to give a girl a good time: he is taking Ruth to the Market; being a farmer, she is actually quite pleased about it. A troubled Shula turns up for a chat with Jill. She explains that Dan has gone to Sandhurst today; Jill encourages Shula to have confidence in Dan’s research and his decision.
• They thought they were just helping out but Jill and Fallon find that they are Lynda’s sub-committee. While waiting for Fallon, Jill had explained that her return to Brookfield was like a holiday but she thinks it’s time to go home now. Fallon in particular is full of ideas and is willing to put in the work to bring them to fruition – a bit of ‘up-cycling’! Lynda is keen to have an illustrious judge for the cake competition.
• Outside the shop, Alan bumps into Shula who hadn’t returned his calls. She assures him that all is well on the donkey front but Shula is so distracted that Alan could not fail to deduce that something is ‘up’. When she has explained her dilemma, Alan gently steers her towards supporting Daniel in his decision. Shula wonders whether her pre-occupation with Darrell’s problems, while Dan was wrestling with such big issues, was the reason for his choice. He says he wants to make a difference. Where does he get that from? Look in the mirror, Shula.
• Over lunch at the Market, David and Ruth toy with options to accommodate Jill, though there is no point in making plans until they know what Jill thinks about the idea of staying on at Brookfield.