20/02/2023

David and Ruth chat about how much they’ve got on with calving, Ben and the B and B. They really want Ben to make a go of the B and B, although he’s starting at the Laurels next week. They decide to ask Lynda the secret to her B and B success.

Susan offers to babysit Martha for Alice. When Lilian suggests that Alice takes up the offer, worried Alice thinks she’s made a stupid mistake. Lilian visits Susan to tell her that Alice regrets saying she was close to drinking. Alice thinks Susan only offered to look after Martha because she thought Alice wasn’t up to it. Later Alice explains to Susan, although she may always feel the urge to drink, she hasn’t and she wouldn’t. Susan clarifies she only wanted to ensure that Alice had some proper rest. Susan praises Alice, saying she’s a very good mother because she hasn’t given in to drinking. Tearfully, Alice opens up about how hard it’s been and how lucky she feels to have Susan there. Alice is touched when Susan presents Alice with a book to put Jennifer’s recipes in, illustrated by Poppy and Keira.

Lee’s surprised when Helen reveals that Mabel and Evie are excited about going to America. Helen explains they thought Lee would feel hurt if they told him. Lee is loath to give Mable and Evie up, but feels he hasn’t got a choice. Helen suggests he could go too; with his skills, he’d easily find work there, but Lee wonders what will happen to him and Helen.