The problems at Grange Farm just get more difficult; Rob is becoming concerned about the Section 7 meeting.

Radio Times: Eddie gets some bad news, and Emma overhears a phone call.

Characters: Caroline, Ed, Eddie, Emma, George, Henry, Joe, Rob

• Rob issues a list of do’s and don’ts to Emma before she takes Henry off for the day. They both manage to escape, chattering merrily away, leaving Rob to take a phone call. “Yes” he answers, “I’m Henry’s stepfather”. Oh dear, now what?
• At Grange Farm, Eddie is helping Ed with sheep drenching. Caroline, who is waiting for the surveyor, suggests Ed will have to do such work elsewhere when the house is sold. Emma turns up with George and Henry in tow. A conversation ensues about intestinal parasites in sheep! Caroline takes the opportunity to wait indoors. Eddie has to leave to meet Neil regarding Parish Council complaints regarding Elf World.
• Eddie offers Joe the chance to meet Neil but he’d rather stay at home, just in case he happens to bump into the surveyor. He blames the sycamore again; it’s taking its revenge. Outside, Ed and Emma send the children off kingfisher spotting down by the river, with warnings not to get dirty. Emma tells him how she finds Rob’s influence over Henry overbearing. The conversation then turns to the prospect of finding a new home that they can afford.
• Caroline explains to Eddie that the surveyor believes that a stream under the farmhouse may have become swollen due to the felling of the sycamore. Joe continues to take the “dark forces” route. Caroline leaves to give Oliver the bad news and Eddie tells Joe that Elf World must close. Neil has pointed out so many difficulties that it just has to be. Joe resists. They should be left in peace, just where they are.
• Rob is leaving a phone message for his solicitor. He’s concerned about Social Services plans for the forthcoming Section 7 meeting. He wasn’t told previously that he wouldn’t be able to be in the room with Henry. Also, he’s not happy with Helen calling character witnesses … where are his? He hangs up as Emma returns with Henry. She has overheard some of the conversation and mentions the difficulty of character witnesses. Rob explains to her that she won’t be needed on Friday as they have a Social Services interview. All Henry has to say is that he’s happy to live with Rob. “You can do that, can’t you Henry?” asks Rob.