Who could the guilty party be? Matt seems to be improving, but it’s early days. Peggy seems to be planning for her future.

Radio Times: Lilian fears the worst and Pip makes a controversial decision

Characters: Jennifer, Jill, Justin, Lilian, Pip

• At Brookfield, Jenny and Jill discuss possible venues for Peggy’s upcoming birthday do. As Pip arrives, Jenny comments how miserable Shula is looking of late. She should be basking in her Hunt Ball triumph. In addition, Brian is miserable about the courtesy car he’s been given while his car’s being repaired. In addition, Adam’s been miserable all week. As Jennifer leaves, Jill tells Pip that Shula and Alistair have had a falling out. However, Pip’s miles away; mulling over an argument she’s just had with Ed. Oh dear!
• Lilian is pleased that Alice has just called in to apologise for her behaviour at The Bull. Justin is much less charitable and not in a forgiving mood. Lilian refuses his offer of coffee as she’s dashing off to the hospital. Justin had hoped for a moment to discuss their wedding. Lilian insists that she must go to be with him. On this occasion, Matt needs her more. At Brookfield, Pip’s having a technical discussion with Jill about whether she should increase the food concentrates that she’s feeding to the cows. Some are losing weight quite quickly. Ed thinks that she should hold fire until David gets back, she doesn’t. Hence their angry words. Jill’s advice is that she should do as her parents have done, and trust her own judgement. They left her in sole charge after all.
• At the hospital, Jennifer finds Justin bashing a coffee machine that has stolen his money. He asks archly why she is there and calms down a little when she says that she wanted to discuss Peggy’s birthday with Lilian. She takes the opportunity to apologise for Alice’s impolite behaviour yesterday. She is embarrassed and upset by the whole affair. Justin calms down somewhat and explains that Matt has been getting under his skin of late. So much so that when he heard of Matt’s plight, he’d be lying if he said that he was too concerned. So in a way, Alice wasn’t too far from the truth.
• At Matt’s bedside, Lilian talks. She talks… about Ruby, about whether he can hear her and about how terrible he looks. With the regular beep of a monitor in the background, she recalls his usual phrase, that life with him would never be dull. Why didn’t he take that taxi? He’d be safe in a far-flung bar now. How could a driver just leave him for dead? Never mind, you’ll pull through! The monitor ceases its reassuring beep and utters a shrill alarm, sending her shouting wildly for nursing help.
• Jill calls a more cheerful looking Pip in for lunch. She’s made a decision; she’s going to feed the cows concentrates, despite Ed’s misgivings;. Long-term health over short-term milk gain is her thinking. Jill is sure that her parents would be proud of her.
• At the hospital, Justin is pacing about but ignores Jennifer’s suggestion that he should sit down. Jenny is concerned about her mother. She seems to be clearing out her precious belongings. She’s even given Noluthando her record player and discs. It’s as if she has mortality on her mind. She is interrupted by a pale looking Lilian. She tells them about Matt’s alarm and her calling for help. “Is he dead?’ asks Justin. Lilian becomes upbeat, he was biting on his tube. It’s a good sign. They plan to bring him out of his coma tomorrow morning. They’re getting him back. “Isn’t it wonderful?” she asks. “Yes, Lilian, wonderful” is Justin’s subdued reply.