13/04/2023

Chris talks to Ian and Adam about looking out for Alice, and they’re on board. Ian hints at concern for Xander’s future, and Chris mentions his thought about dividing the money and the difficulty around it. Ian reckons Jennifer didn’t think it through, which slightly offends Adam. There’s some bickering as the three misunderstand one another. After some smoothing out and clarification, they all apologise. Chris suggests Jennifer’s will is a sort of tribute to Ian and Adam. It shows she had faith in them. They all agree Jennifer would have been sad to see them squabbling. She wanted the best for the whole family. They bring the discussion back to Alice, and Chris suggests bellringing might be a good distraction for her. Adam’s not so sure. Helen’s grateful Natasha’s with her to meet Jess. They haven’t told Tom. Helen’s nervous the court order isn’t in place yet, but Natasha buoys her. Helen fills Natasha in on some background about Jess. Once Helen and Jess meet they find common ground in their gut-churning dread of Rob, and break the ice with some small talk. Tense Helen wants to find out why she’s been summoned here, and is disappointed when Jess merely confirms Rob’s back in the country. But Jess does have new information: Ursula, Rob’s mother, has died. Rob’s attending the funeral. Afterwards Helen tells Natasha she finds this reassuring. Natasha agrees. Rob will go to the funeral, and then go back where he came from. Helen has to believe that. Helen laughs that she will.