30/09/2022

Lilian ambushes Alan in the Tearoom. She’s keen to progress the scheme for a new church window, but Alan suggests Peggy needs to be prepared for some negativity about the project. Lilian reckons he’s overthinking it, but Alan’s keen to pursue other ideas that Peggy could gift instead. He runs through some of them but Lilian sticks to her course; she’s sure her mum would prefer a window. It’s all about children and the joy of family life. Her case is convincing, and for now Alan’s defeated. He tells Usha he doesn’t want to upset the family, but he can’t support this idea. On Usha’s suggestion, he calls Shula. Shula’s response to Alan’s question about how she’s doing gives him pause for thought. Everything comes back to trusting in what you believe is right. Alan thanks slightly bewildered Shula for her help. Jill visits Ben. She’s fishing, trying to find out what’s wrong with him. Beth interrupts them and Jill gets no further. When Jill’s gone Beth tells Ben they need to talk. She wants to make it work, despite the situation they’re in. She doesn’t know if they can, but she wants to try. She loves Ben, and hates him too – she can’t help it. Upset Ben’s grateful she’s willing to give them a chance. They go to Brookfield for dinner and Jill continues to push for information. She encourages them to work their difficulties through; she thinks they’re soul mates and have a great future. They all hold hands, and Jill makes a toast to them.