21/09/2022

It’s the day of Martha’s naming ceremony, and as the family wait for Jennifer to be ready, Alice is the calmest person in the room. There’s an awkward moment when Brian expresses his surprise that Lilian hasn’t yet appointed a new manager for the Stables; she’s brave to take it on herself. Neil’s confides to Chris he’s dreading having to cross paths with Brian, but in the end the two make a good fist of polite civility. Alice admits to Chris she’s aware there was a time when this occasion couldn’t have happened, and she’s grateful. Shula confirms with Alice and Chris that both grandfathers will speak, and that Fallon will sing, and the ceremony gets underway. Afterwards it’s clear both grandmothers were moved to tears, and Alice misinterprets Susan’s squeezing of Tracy’s hand as the emotion of the occasion. She comments that Tracy must be relieved to have Chelsea back home, and asks about Blake. Tracy asserts Blake and Chelsea are just friends, nothing more. Shula mentions to Neil the delicate issue of their crossed wires last year; she hopes it doesn’t affect things with Susan. Neil insists it’s all forgotten about, and the two warmly acknowledge their mutual friendship. Neil reckons she’ll be brilliant in her new role. Lilian finally admits to Alice it was she who was reluctant to offer Alice the Stables job, not Justin. Alice understands and forgives Lilian, but thinks the Stables would be perfect for her. Lilian agrees. They’ll make a fresh start together.