The Stirlings and the Grundys are at peace. Darrell is back at work. Jill needs more than new glasses.

Radio Times: Oliver tries to make peace, and Jill is dismayed.

Characters: Darrell, Eddie, Jill, Joe, Oliver, Shula

• At Keeper’s Cottage Joe has a visitor, Oliver. His reception is initially cool but things change for the better when he presents Joe with some sloe gin that he has made and when he asks about ordering a turkey, he actually gets invited inside. By the time Eddie arrives, the two of them are supping whisky-laced tea and Oliver has just delivered the third prong of his charm offensive – an invitation to pick holly and mistletoe at Grange Farm. In fact, there’s no time like the present and Oliver goes along to hold the ladder. Normal relations are restored – no hard feelings, all water under the bridge.
• As she said she would, Jill is visiting the optician’s today. On the way she and Shula discuss David and Ruth’s party, which is to be held in the Orangery at Lower Loxley, with Elizabeth organising most of the catering. Later, when she comes out of the optician’s Jill is rather subdued: it’s not just new glasses she needs but treatment for cataracts in both eyes.
• Back at The Stables, Jill is beginning to get used to the idea of having to have eye operations. Darrell returns from his first day’s work; Eddie had given him a lift in the morning and Neil brought him back. It seems to have been a success. So Shula can turn her attention to convincing her mum that she will soon be back on the road.