12/07/2023

Brian and Stella are talking silaging, combining and cherries before Stella heads off with Pip for a swim at the lido. Brian wonders whether Ben might have time to help with the cherry harvest next week in case they need back-up. Pip comments that there can’t be much profit in the cherries. Later over wine at Rickyard, having cut short their cold swim at the lido, Stella observes Home Farm has hosted quite a few ‘pet’ projects. Brian’s far too indulgent. She’d prefer to concentrate on the arable – maybe some heritage grains. They chat about their dreams and ambitions, and Pip teases Stella about her penchant for obscure Argentinian street food. Susan observes to Neil that since losing his job, she’s never seen George so quiet. He just packed his stuff and Eddie drove him back to Little Grange. She tells Neil Will’s been over, and Emma’s coming today. Susan hopes there’s a way to sort things out, but Neil’s adamant – George broke the rules, and lied. When Emma arrives Susan tries to smooth the way between her and her dad, as Neil points out the harsh truth about George. Emma promises she and Will intend to speak to him. When Neil refuses to give George another chance Emma gets angry. Neil points out George has had at least two verbal warnings, but Emma changes tack, accusing Hannah of bullying. They continue to argue until Emma walks out. Horrified, Susan turns on Neil, but Neil’s angry. He can’t believe his own wife can’t see that he didn’t have a choice.