16/10/2025

George tells Jolene he’s trying to get his life back together, but knows he has to earn people’s trust. He offers to help out at The Bull while Kenton’s away. George then plays the sympathy card, mentioning how he put himself in danger helping them locate Markie. Jolene can’t promise anything but says she’ll think about it.

Leonard’s concerned about Ruth taking on extra duties while David helps at Meadow Farm. Ruth knows David feels really shaken by Mulligan’s death. But she agrees they can’t stand by and watch cows being neglected. So, for now they’ll keep going like this. When Esme turns up at Brookfield she apologises for putting David and Ruth out. She still hasn’t found her Dad’s will or accessed his accounts, but gives Ruth a bottle of whisky for David. Esme then becomes emotional and Ruth invites her in. Over tea and biscuits Esme confesses to Ruth and Leonard that her passions are website design and marketing, not farming. Her Dad turned increasingly inward in the last year, refusing to get help and hardly talking when she visited. She stopped coming so often, but now wishes she’d made more effort, blaming herself for not being on top of things. Ruth offers help with the feed supply, while David and Akram can carry on milking and Leonard will keep making tea. After Esme’s gone Ruth admits she likes her, despite Ruth’s misgivings about being stretched too thin. Besides, Esme’s need is greater than theirs - at least for now.