10/07/2023

Joy arrives at Ambridge Hall on fête business, while Eddie’s finishing off some jobs in the garden. He recommends Joy goes round the back – Lynda’s engrossed in her brochure work and may not hear her. Lynda shares some of her findings with Joy, before Joy pulls them back to the business in hand. Reporting proceedings at the fête committee meeting, she’s concerned that whilst events seemed well planned, it was all a little vague. Compared to the usual proposition, this year could be virtually unrecognisable. None of the usual stalls were mentioned. Lynda thinks perhaps some innovation isn’t a bad thing. Joy stresses it was hard to pin down what exactly was to be featured. Emma kept the list covered up, and each stall was referred to by a number rather than a name. Joy was also alarmed at the mention of a warrener – both women realise this could mean ferrets. It dawns on Lynda that this is a ‘coup de fête’; Eddie’s trying to push his vision through regardless. Joy points out Lynda fell easily for Eddie’s distraction technique. Lynda agrees. Newly focused, she’s determined to find out what Eddie’s up to. Fallon finally pins Tom down. She shares her concerns over competition from the charging station, suggesting some innovative solutions and emphasising her need for certainty and stability. She’d like to fix the rent for eight years. Tom tells Tony privately that it’s too long to tie themselves in. Tony reckons they can’t risk losing Fallon. Tom won’t turn her down yet, but he’s really not sure.