14/03/2024

Brian and Justin finish a round of golf as they chat about his enjoyable day at Cheltenham - it was a welcome break from the problems of flooded fields and farming. He tells Justin that they bumped into Miranda at the races. Justin apologises, describing her as manipulative and greedy, though conceding she could be fun. Brian declines a drink, saying he has an appointment in Borchester.
Later as he and Miranda have coffee she wonders how Justin would react if he knew they were fraternising. She reveals she had been intimidated by Jenny at first but grew to find her very warm. At one dinner party Jenny had noticed Justin being unkind and comforted her. They are interrupted by a call from Justin – he has news about Stella and her replanting schedule. Miranda says that she organises after-dinner speakers for events. She is arranging one nearby tomorrow. Brian and Miranda are saying goodbye when she suggests he join her at tomorrow evening’s dinner.

Emma meets Justin but is shocked to hear that he expects a consultation fee for his time and business advice. He concedes he’ll give her half an hour free now but when the business is up and running they can do half an hour of tree surgery for him. He says the plan feels a little verbose and they need to go back to basics – it needs detail and focus. They have to convince Will he has done the right thing in backing them. Emma is all thanks and Justin says he is looking forward to seeing how the project develops.