Time to say goodbye to Siobhán.

Radio Times: Brian and Jennifer show their parenting skills.

Characters: Alice, Brian, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Nigel

• In Dublin, Brian is preparing himself and Ruairidh for Siobhán’s funeral. Ruairidh really doesn’t understand: he is looking forward to a ride in a really big car.
• At Home Farm, Alice is getting in a panic over her last exam. Jennifer tries to reassure her; certainly she should not worry that her dad will be furious if she doesn’t do well. Whatever happens they both love her. Bang on cue, she receives from her father by special delivery a gorgeous pair of earrings, with a good luck wish for Monday. Her impulse is to ring him but her mother deflects that: he is busy this morning.
• Ruairidh has been very good during the funeral but cannot understand why people are throwing flowers away.
• Alice feels better for having a break – mother’s orders. Her mind is turning to South Africa and she must ring Kate; again, Jennifer persuades her to put this off until after Monday, when Dad will be back. Alice has missed him, grumpy old thing that he is.
• The priest has a quiet word with Brian who admits that he is not a religious man, though with Siobhán he could believe that anything was possible. He and Ruairidh throw the flower onto the coffin and say goodbye. Brian assures his son that he is going to look after him from now on.