19/09/2022

Shula and Dan chat in the stable yard, joined by Lilian who heartily approves of Dan’s surprise visit to see his mum off on her travels. Wistfully acknowledging Dan’s confidence and drive, Lilian moves on to business matters. She doubts they’ll recruit a Stables manager before Shula goes. They discuss Alice, who’s spoken to Justin about the role and must think his reluctance is due to her alcohol issues. Lilian emphasises it’s not Alice’s ability to handle the job that’s in question, but more the pressure she’d be under. Shula believes Alice has made huge progress recently; and Lilian would be there as a safety net if she struggled at any point. Lilian sticks to her guns – if she felt confident in Alice, she’d have offered her the job. Tracy tries to coax Chelsea into talking about her options, but Chelsea’s reluctant. She needs space and won’t be rushed. Bumping into Jim, Chelsea thanks him for passing on the message that she was safe last week. He’s sympathetic. He knows what it’s like to hide from problems, even though it doesn’t work. Chelsea agrees with him. Dan joins them, and there’s light hearted banter between him and Jim. Chelsea notes their closeness, and learns Dan’s adopted. She reckons Dan’s lucky to have Alistair and Jim. When she gets home Chelsea feels her mum’s still on her case, and that she wants her to have a termination. Tracy denies this, assuring Chelsea they’ll make it work, whatever she decides.