20/07/2007

Alice gets her wages from Grey Gables, and asks Alan if she can give him some rent. He turns her down, on the grounds that she is a guest in the house, not a tenant. It's a bit awkward, and Alice feels she's put her foot in it. Alan explains that he's hoping in the fullness of time she'll be able to put it all behind her and move on.

Lynda complains about her raucous B&B guests - their children are unsupervised and running riot. Jennifer is very grateful to Elizabeth for all their help with Ruairi. She invites Ruairi over for a swim. At the poolside, Brian and Jennifer talk about how difficult things have been with Ruairi, who is still having sleepless nights. Brian takes Ruairi off to bed, and Jennifer wonders if she'll have gone round the bend by the time Ruairi is 21- and Brian is 80. She tells Elizabeth about Alice's plans. All in all, Elizabeth realises the strain she is under, and offers Lower Loxley as a refuge at any time.

Ruairi phones his Granny in Ireland. She says she's missing him, and he can go there any time. Brian asks Ruairi if he'd like to go. Ruairi asks if his mummy will be there, and Brian says no. Ruairi asks if he can stay with his daddy, then? A delighted Brian tells him that yes, he certainly can.

Episode written by Michael Barrington.