12/04/2024

Alice is struggling to untangle a bridle -equipment she should have put away properly yesterday - when Lilian says they need to be on their A-game for a vet inspection today. If she is tired she should have a strong coffee. Later, as Kate and Alice discuss plans for pet yoga at Spiritual Home, Lilian arrives, furious. The inspection was a disaster; the medicine cabinet was left unlocked, the feed bin unlabelled and there was an out-of-date riding hat. All things Alice should have been on top of. She is apologetic, explaining Martha has been difficult. Lilian says she’s confused as Chris knows nothing of this. Alice covers, saying Chris fusses about Martha so she doesn’t tell him unless she needs to. The inspector will submit a report to the council which gives them time to put things right. But if Alice doesn’t pull it together they could lose their licence.

Later a worried Lillian seeks out Kate. She is concerned about the stables and Alice’s lies about why she’s not sleeping - she fears she might be drinking again but doesn’t want Brian to know. Kate agrees to keep an eye on her.

Ed and Emma win an online auction for a chainsaw and Ed says he’ll pick it up as the seller is local. Later when he and Will are separating lambs from ewes for weaning they discuss the business. But Will is horrified at plans to name it after Ed and Emma – he favours Ultimate Aboriculture. Ed is outraged, but Emma is diplomatic – despite thinking the suggested name is bobbins - and Will leaves, satisfied.