Susan plans a social-climbing thank-you meal for Brian and Jennifer on Friday.

Radio Times: Susan is determined to impress and Jennifer needs some answers.

Characters: Alice, Brian, Ed, Jennifer, Neil, Susan

• Susan tells Neil they are inviting Brian and Jennifer over for supper Friday evening. It’s time to cement the bond between the Carters and the Aldridges. Susan’s “supper” is four courses, brandy, and coffee. This is a new chapter for Susan and Neil, now they are mingling in those circles they will be thrown together on all sorts of occasions.
• Jenny is in a tizz over her new son-in-law’s living arrangements once Alice leaves. Will he expect the cleaner to clean the cottage, Jennifer to cook, and to wash his clothes? Brian puts Alice in his place to answer the questions. Chris is staying in the cottage; they will need somewhere private for when Alice visits. They haven’t got to the finer details on housework but Mum will be the first to know. After graduating, they’ll live in the cottage, save a deposit for a bigger place, and then rent it out again. Brian thinks Alice is a chip off the old block and has grabbed a bright lad with business sense.
• Ed quizzes Alice on artichoke recipes, and Amy’s midwifery skills, before failing to obtain some artichokes himself.
• Susan phones Jennifer who tries to think of a way to decline the invite for supper/dinner, but is caught on the hop. 7:30 is fine. Is it 7:00 for 7:30 or 7:30 for 8:00, Jennifer wonders later. Hopefully, it is bangers and mash and a pud and we’re home by nine, jokes Brian, it’s just one invitation. But Jenny knows Susan; it’s the thin end of the wedge.