21/12/2022

Kate’s helping Jakob with his move into Rookery Cottage, though Jakob’s finding her assistance a bit much. He makes it clear that this is his space now, even though she used to live here, and he’d like to be left alone to arrange his things. Kate’s offended and upset to be left out of the equation. David’s feeling the pressure of having to cook the Christmas lunch. He’s steering away from turkey and towards the more familiar territory of beef. Ben assures him they’re all there to help. They both quietly acknowledge the elephant in the room – that Jill won’t be there to steady the culinary ship. Ben announces he’s going into the village. David worries he’s hiding hurt, but Ben reassures him. He knows everyone’s doing their best to look out for him, and there’s no right or wrong. He just has a little errand to attend to, and will be back later. Lily wonders to Jolene what Jill’s Christmas plans are. Jolene doesn’t know. Lily invites everyone to Lower Loxley, but discovers later from her gran that she’ll be spending Christmas at Leonard’s. Lily’s worried about her duet with Adil. She admits she doesn’t like him. Perplexed Jolene begs her to try and manage until after the choir performance. Lily offers to do a solo, but Jolene would prefer Lily to step back so that someone else can duet with Adil – maybe even Jolene herself. Ben visits Jill, and there’s a tearful reunion. Jill’s ashamed, and apologises. Ben protests there’s nothing to forgive, and they embrace.