Tom seems to have wrecked the deal with Justin; Kirsty admits to Jill that any chances of even a friendship with Tom have been dashed; it’s not Tom’s week.

Radio Times: Justin’s hackles are raised

Characters: Helen, Jill, Justin, Kirsty, Lilian, Tom

• As Tom leaves for his meeting with Justin, Helen passes the message that Tony would like to see him for a few moments. He’s pressed for time and is confident that he needs no pep talk. Despite Helen’s protests, he starts his journey.
• Justin offers Tom an option to buy, thirty thousand pounds that will be Bridge Farm’s to keep if planning approval isn’t gained. Tom puts a question. Is Justin willing to “up” the price? He’s been advised by other developers that the land is worth more than the offer price. Justin is furious. He had made a fair offer in good faith, hinting that his future family relationship had more than a small part to play in his decision-making. He’s very disappointed. When Tom asks the question again, Justin suggests that he looks elsewhere. Their deal is off.
• Kirsty is helping Jill with her bees. Jill admits to missing Pip about the place but Kirsty suggests that it may have been the right time for her to spread her wings. Jill reckons that Josh’s decision not to try for a university place has come as a blow but feels that somehow Pip seems to be happier in herself as a result. Kirsty wonders if his actions may have taken some of the family pressures off her.
• Justin tells Lilian that he just can’t believe how Tom has behaved. He’s furious and her offer of a Pimms is gratefully accepted. She has to admit that it doesn’t seem like Tony and Pat’s way of doing business and suggests that she should have a quiet word with her headstrong nephew. She can see so many advantages on both sides, it would be a shame not to go ahead. Justin wonders if it had anything to do with him re-employing Rob. In any event, as far as Justin can see, the deal is well and truly off.
• Kirsty confirms Jill’s attendance at the wildlife event on Friday and fills her in on what her duties will be. Jill hasn’t forgotten that it was Kirsty’s due date last week and was upset to hear that she and Tom had fallen out. They’ve grown apart, more than Kirsty ever thought possible. His beliefs, views on globalisation and thoughts on the environment are so changed. Kirsty still thinks that these are things worth fighting for. Clearly, Tom doesn’t.
• Helen can’t see how jeopardising Justin’s offer makes any sense. She is mortified. Their parents will be furious that Tom has gone off on his own track without any consultation. He insists that Justin’s offer fell short of the going rate by half a million and that he’s waiting for offers from two other interested parties. Helen must not worry. Much better offers will be on the table tomorrow. They have one thing on their side which puts them in the driving seat… they own the land. He insists that he’s doing business in the right way. Everything is up for negotiation. They must forget about going back to Justin. He was only happy to deal when he was winning. Helen and his parents must trust him. He knows what he’s doing. Ah well!