Susan and Kirsty help out at Bridge Farm while the judge rules in Helen’s favour.

Radio Times: Helen has a heavy heart, and Susan has her ear to the ground.

Characters: Anna, Helen, Kirsty, Pat, Susan

• As she has a morning off from Grey Gables, Kirsty has agreed to help out in the tea rooms. It’s the day of the Family Court hearing, but Rob is insisting on his time with Jack, so Pat warns Kirsty that he is around. Meanwhile Susan will be alone in the dairy, as Clarrie is busy killing turkeys.
• Susan witters to Kirsty about the panto rehearsal and Lynda’s displeasure over the Toby/Kenton re-write. She is sure there is something going on between Lilian and Justin, but Kirsty nobly refuses to engage in gossip. But Susan is having a party to which Kirsty is invited; it is to be for the Calendar Girls, with no men allowed. They must dress up to the nines – her own recent buying activity gave her the idea. What a shame she had to have her dress cleaned after Keira’s mishap; she really can’t take it back now. Susan wants to know all about Roy’s dating successes, but Kirsty reveals little.
• Pat apologises to Susan for leaving her alone in the dairy. Susan mentions the Grundy’s money worries; the turkey sales are not looking good and the rent is due. Pat asks what the rent is, but Susan is not sure.
• Helen returns form the school run, and tells Kirsty that Henry has asked why Jack can see Daddy but not him. Where will Daddy be at Christmas? Will Father Christmas know where to leave his presents? It has upset her a great deal, especially as Keira told Henry that George can live with both his parents.
• A nervous Helen and Pat attend the hearing. Anna is there, and does her best to instil confidence in Helen. Ursula is there with Rob, but not Bruce. The hearing goes Helen’s way, though. Rob’s contact is reduced to once a month, supervised by a professional at a contact centre. The judge rejected Rob’s bid to change Jack’s name. Anna is delighted, but Helen’s relief is tinged with dread at the thought that while she can divorce Rob, Jack will be tied to him for the next sixteen years. Time will heal, says Anna. Believe me.