27/07/2007

Lilian goes to see Alan to thank him for all he's done for Alice. Unfortunately, Alan has had to go to the Laurels, so Usha entertains Lilian instead. They discuss the appalling weather and the implications for the harvest and farm land. Both hope that everyone will soon see the back of the rain. As they talk, Lilian wonders how Alice is doing in her interview. They both hope it's going well for her.

Alice does well at the recruiting office. She fills in her form, and has a long talk with Flight Lieutenant Porter, learning a lot about the tough process for joining the RAF. She wants good A level grades for the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme. If she's accepted, she can do the degree she wanted, without drowning in debt. There'll be a job waiting at the end of it and she won't have to go back home because she's broke. Lilian, who picks her up to bring her home, can see the appeal. Alice says that all her friends need their families to get them through university. She doesn't. If this works out, she'll be completely independent.

Episode written by Adrian Flynn.