26/12/2023

At Little Grange Emma’s about to drive in to The Bull to work her Boxing Day shift. Despite Emma reassuring him Ed is upset that he couldn’t afford bigger and better presents for everyone. Outside, a tree blows over in the wind, falling onto Emma’s car and damaging it badly. Meanwhile at The Bull, Tracy tells Kenton how Jim ended up sharing his Christmas Day with the Horrobins, after Alistair disappeared to operate on the dog. Lilian joins them, taking refuge from Justin, who is still not forgiven. Emma phones to let Kenton know she’ll be late in because of her car. Kenton’s sympathetic but testy Lilian isn’t, keen to crack the whip. Later, Lilian confides in Jolene how disappointed she was in Justin’s response when she got back from James and Leonie’s. Justin told her that his Christmas alone was pretty good. She admits hers was utterly miserable and she isn’t speaking to Justin at all.

For Ed and Emma the damage to the car is potentially yet another financial blow. Ed then reveals his idea about becoming a tree surgeon. He thinks he’ll be able to get a grant, but admits the costs would still come to seventeen grand on top. Emma says they’ll talk later. Right now she’s dreading the prospect of Lilian in a foul mood.
As predicted, Lilian is snippy with Emma, before she takes Tracy to task for not being smiley enough with the customers. Tracy and Emma commiserate with each other, before Tracy swears she’ll get Lilian and Justin back together, for everyone’s sake.