19/04/2023

Adam’s sanguine about the fact he was too late to meet Paddy, and is pleased he’s spoken to his half-sister Erin. He’s looking forward to getting to know her. Ian reports relations between Helen and Pat seem improved since their argument. Adam’s pleased they’ve made up. Buoyant Ben asks Ruth and David if Sykesy can visit Brookfield sometime for a look round, before heading off to replenish stocks for the B&B. David reckons they might just have got the old Ben back. Freddie’s anxious to know what decision will be reached by the trustees on the controversial painting. They’re meeting today. He’s hoping they’ll recommend selling it; he’s ashamed every time he sees it. But the decision doesn’t go his way. The trustees want to keep the painting. Elizabeth isn’t prepared to erase part of their family history either, though she’s happy to keep the explanatory text panel in place. She suggests Freddie trains the guides to talk about it. Freddie’s bitterly disappointed and struggles to make Elizabeth understand his frustration. Later at Elizabeth’s birthday dinner with the family, Freddie can’t let it go, and leaves for some air. David goes after him. He suggests to Freddie that his mum must really believe her stance on the painting is right. Freddie appreciates all his mum’s done for him, but insists this time she’s wrong. He draws parallels between the painting and the modern slavery which caused the Grey Gables explosion, something of which he has first-hand experience. Having to see the picture every day is completely unbearable. David says he’ll speak to Elizabeth.