24/11/2022

The atmosphere’s awkward between David and Ruth as Stella visits Brookfield. David offers to leave Stella and Ruth alone to chat, but Stella explains Home Farm might be interested in the land they’re selling, for use as a biofuel crop. David suggests they should be thinking more about quality, affordable crops people can eat. Ruth sides with Stella, observing Home Farm should be able to use the land as they want. David obfuscates, suggesting there’s other interest in the land, and that they’ll let Stella know. When Stella’s gone Ruth declares they should accept the offer tabled, even though it’ll be lower than the asking price. David disagrees. They need the maximum they can get, especially now Vince wants the New Zealand money too. They can’t agree, and they bicker.

Julianne greets Ruairi with champagne in an upmarket restaurant. She’s found him a job placement in the city. Ruairi’s reaction is subdued. Julianne detects something’s wrong, and wonders why he’s been ignoring her texts. Defensive Ruairi says he was just out having fun. He confesses he’s conflicted about their arrangement. He feels he’s missing out on normal life. Julianne counters that he’s a free agent, but Ruairi disputes this. It’s hard to explain, but he’s not sure this is the life he wants. Fine, says Julianne, if Ruairi wants out, he can go ahead. Ruairi gears up to ask some questions, but Julianne expertly turns it round and makes a convincing case for him keeping the status quo. Is Ruairi really sure he’s ready to give all this up?