15/02/2024

Whilst Alistair and Denise are finishing up an operation on a cat he takes the opportunity to apologise for accusing her of sending him a Valentine’s card at work. She’s slightly mollified when Alistair tells her the whole episode was completely humiliating, then encourages him to make the most of his dating app. They’re interrupted by Paul, who tells Denise his Dad’s been trying to call her. John’s mother - Paul’s grandmother - has had another fall, and this time it’s bad enough to put her in hospital. Paul had planned to fly out to St Lucia in the summer to see her, but now he’s fearful that if she takes a turn for the worse he might not see her again. Denise insists Paul should fly out with his father tomorrow. Alistair then arranges with Lovell James for Paul to have compassionate leave so he can go. Alistair and Denise agree they’ll cope with the extra work in Paul’s absence.
After a potential wedding client for the Brookfield barn cancels their booking, Pip and Ruth discuss how thinly stretched they are on the farm without David. On top of a relentless stream of admin they still have to be out in the fields doing actual farming. Pip reveals that she asked Lily whether the new events manager at Grey Gables, where Lily’s doing work experience, might promote Brookfield to their guests as a venue for an authentic barn dance and farm experience. If it works David will be impressed. But in the meantime, they need him back as soon as possible.