- Free Roy!
- Oh, he’s quite happy. Actually.
- Emily Onslow
- Nasty Elizabeth
- Lewis on Julia
- Nasty Bert
- Roy’s good with flowers
- Grant is passionate about his savoys
- Topical insert
- Lewis says it with puddings
Free Roy!
I thought Caroline and Elizabeth were quite liberal ladies, but they’re starting to sound like slave traders.
Caroline’s agreed to give Roy for another week to Elizabeth.
He’s a man, not a stapler!
Oh, he’s quite happy. Actually.
Later on, as Roy’s talking to Lewis, he’s waxing lyrical about how impressive Lower Loxley is – big, luxurious and has a history.
[Roy] “I feel so energised this week, working here … I love my hotel work, but it’s quite repetitious … and there’s lots of potential”
And he’s off – talking to Elizabeth about strategies – bringing in younger people – rock bands – Glastonbury (which no, Elizabeth, is not quite the same as opera)
[Elizabeth] “I’m meant to be taking it easy this week, but here you are, firing up my brain”
oo-er!
Maybe Roy will have more than one position to fill!
(sorry – that’s very crude)
Anyhoo. I know I’d prefer to work for Caroline over Elizabeth, anyday.
Emily Onslow
VERY exciting news that Emily Onslow can judge the Easter Bonnet competition at Lower Loxley.
[Elizabeth] “she’s got that bijou hat shop in Felpersham”
And I thought having Camilla in Ambridge was a pinnacle!
Nasty Elizabeth
Everyone agrees that Lewis is still looking drawn and tired after his bout of flu.
But only Elizabeth is a bi*ch about it.
[Elizabeth] “You’re not responsible for everyone, mum”
[Jill] “Lewis is family”
Course he is! Which is why Jill is worried and wants to help him.
That Elizabeth can be such a selfish madam. If it isn’t about her, she isn’t interested.
Nevermind that Lewis was Nigel’s stepdad – moi, moi, moi!
Lewis on Julia
[Lewis] “Each room tells a story at Lower Loxley. I still expect to see Julia in every one of them … You and I lives our lives in black and white Roy, but Julia lives hers in a blaze of colour. Like a glorious, angry sunset”
[Roy] “The thing I remember about Julia is that she never could remember my name”
Nasty Bert
There must be something in the air, but Bert also turned nasty when talking to Elizabeth about the allotments.
Well, not exactly nasty. Just a bit pushy and insensitive.
Bert was laying it on thick that the allotments:
[Bert] “was like a last, big generous gesture”
Um.
I’m sure that wasn’t what Nigel was thinking as he screamed down to his death (“I’m so terribly glad I organised those allotments …”)
Bert’s worried as Elizabeth has delayed taking on seasonal staff for the Orangery until everything picks up again – and is determined to protect his beloved allotments.
Fair enough – good cause – laudable passion – but not quite the right timing.
Roy’s good with flowers
Or so it seems, if we can take Elizabeth’s reaction as an indicator.
What did he do to them that was so special?
Grant is passionate about his savoys
… but quite reserved in the shop.
So there you have it.
Topical insert
Elizabeth and Bert are talking about the clocks going back.
Bert’s happy as it means an hour longer in the allotments.
Elizabeth sees it as an hour less sleep.
Lewis says it with puddings
Lewis isn’t having an easy time of it.
Step-son dies. Gets shouted at a lot by his step-daughter-in-law. Gets the flu. And now seems to be peed off by some bloke at Lower Loxley.
[Lewis] “That man is a complete pain. Everything I say is wrong!”
(did anyone have a clue about who he was talking about)
Then Freddie gets on his nerves when Jill is asking what he wants for tea. Freddie wants lots of puddings Jill doesn’t have the ingredients for.
[Lewis] “Oh for heaven sake, Freddie you’re being very demanding. When I was a boy I ate what I was given!”
Jill takes him to task over speaking to Freddie like that. He is just a wee chap, who has lost his dad and recently had a scare over his mum.
Lewis is quite ashamed of himself.
[Lewis] “It’s been a whole since a woman told me off … I shouldn’t have spoken to him like that … I sometimes feel like the spare part around here”
Lewis later seeks Freddie out, as he’s visiting Cranford Chrystal. Lewis starts waffling on about semolina, and how he used to swirl the jam into it to make it pink, when he was a boy.
[Freddie] “Daddy promised I could join his pudding club this year”
Aha! There’s the reason for Freddie’s pudding obsession.
[Freddie] “What’s tapioca?”
[Lewis] “Frog-spawn, made with milk and sugar”
Lewis then mutters something about “lashings of hot custard”, and it seems they’re best mates again.
[Lewis] “I’m being a grumpy old man today. I can hear, but I just can’t stop it. We’re all doing our best, you know”
- Thought I’d stumbled onto an audio recording of Trainspotting
- David, Phil or Dan?
- Patsy and Horatio
- Poor Alistair
- A big boy did it and ran away
- George isn’t a happy chappy
- “You’re going a bit mad”
- Marty is back!
- Last man to see Nigel alive
Thought I’d stumbled onto an audio recording of Trainspotting
[Alistair] “It’s okay David, I’ve got the vein. Let me wipe it.”
Cripes!
It’s okay though. It was just Alistair testing the Brookfield herd for Johne’s Disease.
And anyway. Trainspotting is fiction.
David, Phil or Dan?
Alistair’s trying to reason with Ruth and David that Johne’s Disease could have been in the herd since Phil, and even Dan’s, time.
He also tries to explain that it could have been caused by “mismanagement, not just poor husbandry” – but either way, it sounds like someone (sometime) is to blame.
To make matters worse – while there is a vaccine, it’s one that interferes with TB testing. So is too big a risk.
Patsy and Horatio
Patsy, normally Brian and Jennifer’s cleaner, has started at Brookfield while Emma is off having the spawn of Ed.
And she seemingly has a cat called Horatio.
Fancy!
And what was the verdict on Patsy’s work?
[Ruth] “She was quite terrifying. Like a force of nature! I mean, Emma’s so easy going”
Later, Ed happens to say to Emma:
[Ed] “You should see David and Ruth’s kitchen, it’s gleaming!”
What an idiot. Emma then has to launch into how she does her best, but it is David and Ruth who are mingers (I paraphrase), and that Brookfield is so big.
I wonder what Ruth will find more important. A better cleaner, or a nicer cleaner.
From what Emma is saying, doesn’t sound like cleanliness is particularly high on Ruth’s priorities.
Poor Alistair
He asks both Ruth and David out for a drink, but only gets David.
That’s a shame.
David’s hardly the life and soul these days.
A big boy did it and ran away
Well, not quite, but I reckon that’s what David would have like to say to Ruth.
[Ruth] “Alistair’s talk of poor husbandry is quite timely, isn’t it … it was you who put off the repairs to the calf shed that caused them to cough”
[David] “Hey, that is not fair … if you had listened, Ruth, Alistair never said this outbreak had anything to do with recent lapses … it must have been in the herd for years”
[Ruth] “And I’m saying we shouldn’t be complacent, David. You’ve had your eye off the ball since January,. Your neglect could have devastating consequences down the line”
[David] “Don’t call it neglect”
[Ruth] “You left them in a draft in a bitter wind , what else should I call it … you were careless”
[David] “I did my best. But I head to give my time to Elizabeth. You were the one who was here, on the spot”
[Ruth] “Oh don’t you dare try to blame me for this … I kept this farm going. But I couldn’t do everything … (maintenance) if you dealt with them instead of playing superman at Lower Loxley!”
Thank goodness Ed interrupted them as he came out of Brookfield after collecting some of George’s toys. That was all very (very) shouty.
But I wonder is Ruth is right, and David is setting up disaster for whichever of their brood takes over Brookfield.
Later on, when David and Ruth have had a calm talk, and David meets Alistair for that pint, he’s also pondering if he’s setting Brookfield up for a fall.
[David] “It has made us question what we’re doing with the herd”
Main issue is whether he and Ruth have expanded the herd too fast.
Maybe. But it could indeed have been there for years – it could have been David’s ‘neglect’ – and, as Pip found on the internet, seemingly up to 50% of UK herds may have sudden clinical Johne’s disease.
George isn’t a happy chappy
Not only is he having to now share his drawers with the new (as yet to be born) baby – drawers for clothes, that is – his toys are also now being put away to create more room.
But not to worry, George.
Ed has the answer to all your woes.
[Ed] “Come on George, let’s settle you in front of the telly”
“You’re going a bit mad”
So says Ed to Emma.
Brave chap.
Emma does seem to be particularly stressed. Baby due. Lots to sort. And not enough temper to cope.
To top it all, Clarrie’s also coming round on Sunday for her lunch, after Eddie insisted (!).
Marty is back!
*Groan*
Marty is Jamie’s mate, and tends to encourage him to hang around, drinking.
I also think Marty does sound particularly thick …
Which is what they were doing when Alistair met them.
I never quite get the teenage propensity to snigger over nothing. Marty and Jamie though the fact that Alistair is Jamie’s (step)dad was worth a snigger.
[Marty] “I can see where Dan gets it”
Gets what?
A decent personality and basic politeness?
(hark at me ... Mary Whitehouse reincarnated)
Marty reckons Jamie’s lucky to only have one parent, as
[Marty] “They’re hard to dodge when there’s two of them”
Jamie’s quite rightly indignant that luck has nothing to do with it!
[Jamie] “My dad’s dead, Kenton’s deserted me, my step-mum’s gone mad … no-one gives a damn about me!”
*sigh*
That’s because you make it so hard to care, young sir.
Last man to see Nigel alive
Which is David. And he’s not looking forward to the inquest next week.
- Gardeners’ Question Time
- Hello Christine!
- “Roy is a treasure”
- Nigel and Topper – picture perfect
- No grazing allowed at the Book Blub
- “What’s under that there foil there, Caroline Sterling?”
- Can’t afford books??????????
- “Little Drummer boy died of his wounds an’ all”
- “Cheer up Nathan Booth”
- Joe enjoyed, Usha not so
- Sabrina’s “paucity of intellectual rigour”
- What will Jim choose?
- ‘That’ statue
Gardeners’ Question Time
Might be coming to Ambridge.
Steady on there! Camilla, possibly some hat woman AND Gardeners’ Question Time.
Makes one hope that loads are not being blown too soon …
No mention of exactly when, but they seemingly need the village hall from 12pm-2pm.
Ah – anticipation.
Hello Christine!
It’s been an age – so lovely to hear Christine again.
It was she who Jim had to race round to in order to check if the village hall would be free for Gardeners’ Question Time.
Christine mentioned that it was Phil who had first asked Gardeners’ Question Time to come to Ambridge.
(pause … sigh … lovely, lovely Phil)
“Roy is a treasure”
So says Elizabeth to Caroline.
Funny how suddenly Elizabeth feels less stressed now that Roy is on-hand – just goes to how that Farmer David’s intentions were good, but not really up to the job at hand.
Still, Elizabeth does sound in far better form, even though Lily is still having nightmares.
[Elizabeth] “The device has given me new confidence, and I’m being waited on hand and foot”
Nigel and Topper – picture perfect
To ease the Twins’ sadness at having to lose Topper (and, ahem, their dad), Caroline has framed a seemingly superb picture of Nigel and Topper.
Nigel’s holding the Stirrup Cup, and is “looking mischievous”.
No grazing allowed at the Book Blub
Usha’s being strict with her cultural endeavours – the Book Club shall break for nibbles, rather than be allowed to munch during the discussion. Avoids “greasy marks” on the book, you see …
Jennifer couldn’t be there (and Jim was surprised to learn she is a published author), and neither could Ruth (she never sounded that keen in the first place, and now wants to clean before Home farm’s cleaner comes to Brookfield to clean).
But Caroline, Jim, Richard Thwaite (Usha, of course) are all at the inaugural meeting.
As is Jim and Nathan Booth …
“What’s under that there foil there, Caroline Sterling?”
As suspected yesterday when Joe’s ears perked up at Robert Snell’s mention of nibbles and wine at the Book Club – Joe’s invited himself along.
He’s joined by a Nathan Booth, very keen to see Sabrina.
(one would have thought he’d been able to see enough of Sabrina in her cat show during the Panto to provide him with enough pleasurable memories for the next decade!).
And the answer to Joe’s question to Caroline – leftover canapés …
Can’t afford books??????????
Joe reckons he hasn’t read the book for the Book Club as he can’t afford books.
Have all the Borchester libraries already shut for good?
He later went onto say that he might get it on tape (if he can).
Why not just ask Clarrie to read it aloud while she’s clipping your toenails?
“Little Drummer boy died of his wounds an’ all”
As the group is getting into meaningful discussion about the murder (in The Suspicions of Mr Whicher – which I do highly recommend) was so shocking because it was middle class etc. etc. , Joe jumps in to ramble on about the Little Drummer Boy.
For those who don’t know it – he was shot by a round head musket, or an Irish one, the battle of Hassett Bridge on 14th June, he staggered to The Bull but died, then June 14th 1995 a cannon ball was hurled into The Bull, followed by a Tap, Tap Tap Tappity Tap Tap from the wall – the very next week Sid opened the Hassett room in the Drummer Boy’s memory.
What’s that got to do with the topic at hand, Joe only knows!
“Cheer up Nathan Booth”
[Joe] “Cheer up Nathan Booth, it’s time for the nibbles”
And that was really all there was to cheer up poor Nathan.
[Joe] “Nathan Booth is a very disappointed man. He only showed up on the promise of Sabrina Thwaite coming … got a crush on her see. He don’t get to meet many women, socially”
Maybe Harry could help Nathan learn to use the internet.
I’ve said it before about our single Ambridge residents – dating websites …
Joe enjoyed, Usha not so
[Joe] “A nice social occasion with the grub and that Them canapés was past their best, mind …”
[Usha] “Oh the cheek of him … I don’t know who invited Joe, I certainly didn’t””
Jim relates that it was Robert’s fault for Joe being there – but he own fault for a scowling Nathan’s presence. It was he who mentioned Sabrina.
Though Usha thinks it was a disaster, Jim’s quick to correct her.
[Jim] “It went very well. No, you’ve heralded something culturally rather interesting for Ambridge”
Cripes!
Sabrina’s “paucity of intellectual rigour”
[Jim] “Then I made an ironic comment saying I could only hope Sabrina would join as well, if only to enrich her mind, Usha. She has such a paucity of intellectual rigour, I dread doing a shift with her in the shop”
Meow, Mr Lloyd. Me-ow!
What will Jim choose?
Usha is normally quite an astute lady – why did she give the next book choice to Jim?
He might surprise us all with Angela’s Ashes (or the like), but it’s a bit of a gamble for only the second meeting.
[Jim] “Ah,. Don’t you worry. I’m still cogitating. It’s going to be a hard one though, when you consider the legions of classic books so dear to my heart”
Hmmm.
‘That’ statue
[Joe] “Nice Indian Statue in the living room, by the way”
[Usha] “Thank you, not everyone thinks it”
Considering Usha and Shula actually spoke (and were civil) to each other just after Nigel died – I wonder if more is yet to come about the statue?
It’s been a fair while.
- Get thee to Brookfield
- Jolene’s struggling to untangle old stems
- Delegates, wine and bonnets (oh my!)
- Fallon lays down the law
- Two more have Johne's
- He said the L word
Get thee to Brookfield
David isn’t coping with no longer being required at Lower Loxley.
Roy is straight in there, allowed by Elizabeth to use Nigel’s computer without any fuss, and had a grand first day being rather efficient.
David’s no a happy chappy, even though he should feel freedom!
Jolene’s struggling to untangle old stems
(which for me is rather an apt description of the tangled web her and Kenton and busy spinning)
Kenton helps Jolene trying to sort out the weeds from the flowers (which was normally Sid’s job). Funnily enough, Kenton isn’t much good at it.
What does that make it? 60-5 Sid V Kenton:?
Anyway, he and Jolene have a chat about Jamie’s reaction.
[Kenton] “There was no talking to him last night. He was just angry and bitter”
[Jolene] “I’m not sorry we got together, Kenton”
And while both agree they have no regrets,
[Kenton] “But, he’s a casualty”
And one which certainly isn’t going to let any wound be healed anytime soon.
Delegates, wine and bonnets (oh my!)
Roy is cracking on nicely at Lower Loxley.
The Conference is well under way.
He’s thinking ahead to who will judge the Easter Bonnet competition at Easter
(Emily Onslow – “that posh milliner” – should I know her?)
And he also sorts out the wine delivery.
Onwards and upward Mr Tucker!
Just mind on that Hayley has a really nasty temper. Take on Nigel’s’ mantle by all means, but not his missus.
Fallon lays down the law
(not literally. No idea if there are any nice Policeman around at the moment)
Fallon corners Kenton for a wee chat.
[Fallon] “He said some things, I need to know if they’re true … he said you’d had a girlfriend while he was living with him mum”
[Kenton] “It’s not true … well yes, I did have a fling ,,, but it was after I had moved out of April Cottage … I swear”
Hmmm. Kenton was right that he had moved out, but he hadn’t actually split up with Kathy. Which is what Fallon was really asking.
Kenton would be a fool to try and get one over on our Fallon. She’s certainly not afraid of mincing her words, or standing up for her mum.
[Fallon] “I mean you might be her reaction to losing him, for all we know”
(ouch!)
[Fallon, later on] “But it’s me who is going to be here for her, no matter how things pan out”
(MY mum)
[Fallon] “It’s taken me a while, and I don’t hate you like he does”
(ouch again!)
And after all that, Kenton still seems to think that Fallon will be his ally in helping to get Jamie back onside.
Possibly.
But I would keep as far away from Fallon, If I were him. Just the slightest wrong move …
Two more have Johne's
Oh bother.
Two more of Brookfield’s herd test positive, so:
[David] “we may have to see several of them go”
[Ruth] “standing about looking miserable won't get the yard scraped!”
Marvellous! Ruth just isn’t interested in David’s moping around anymore.
Later on, she has a go at him for both rushing over to Lower Loxley first thing (even though he wasn’t needed), and for leaving his hot soup and pork pies (oh aye!) to call Elizabeth to check if she’s okay.
[David] “Stop fussing!”
[Ruth] “She doesn’t need you anymore, but I do. Here. On the farm”
[David] “Ruth. She will always need me.”
[Ruth] “Oh, please! Time to move on!”
She outdoors has spoken.
He said the L word
[Kenton] “It’s one of the many things I love about her”
[Fallon] “Oh”
Cripes!
Maybe Kenton is actually serious, this time?
- “Look Dad, proper napkins and everything!”
- Joe at the book club?
- Excuse me Eddie - ‘pronto’?
- Plan C
- Leonie’s coming next month
- Jamie shouts at Kenton
- Jamie shouts near Fallon
“Look Dad, proper napkins and everything!”
Eddie makes it sound like Clarrie makes them eat out of takeaway boxes …
After having conned Lynda into agreeing that he and Joe could have Sunday lunch with her and Robert (as Clarrie was working – real reason that they want to avoid the Lent meal of cheese and bread), Eddie’[s well chuffed with himself.
But it doesn’t last for long.
For starters – Lynda has had to work. Which is Elizabeth’s fault for having to ‘borrow; Roy, leaving Grey Gables’ rota in tatters.
So, it’s Robert cooking. Quite bizarrely – he seemingly looks like a boxer in his cooking mitts …
First Robert brings out the brown rice.
[Joe] “Curry for Sunday dinner, that ain’t right”
Then he brings out the puy lentils (which is seemingly naughty, and Lynda musn't be told)
Numpties didn’t check whether Lynda and Robert were also doing this non-Sunday lunch for lent!
[Joe] “Eh, got any brown sauce?”
Joe at the book club?
Robert happened to mention that Lynda will miss the first meeting of Usha’s book club (due to the new rota, again), and that explained it’s a discussion group with nibbles and wine.
Joe sounded very interested at that point.
Here’s hoping he does join, and the next book is the Vagina Monologues!
Excuse me Eddie - ‘pronto’?
Now Eddie may have been severely disappointed about Robert’s Sunday Lunch, but there was nae need to be that rude to Fallon.
We all know what happens to your food in the kitchen you’re rude to waiting folks …
[Eddie] “Two portions of pasties and chips, pronto … check with Freda, it’s an emergency!”
[Joe] “I can still taste that boiled rice”
[Eddie] “All that chewing Robert made us do to make us ‘appreciate it’”
But then – foiled again!
Robert walks into The Bull, just as Fallon has headed off ‘pronto’ like to check Eddie and Joe can have their food.
Ha!
Serves you right chaps. A bit of common courtesy wouldn’t have gone amiss
Plan C
[Eddie] “We’ve got to get our hands on the means of production”
Which means they’ll try and get Clarrie invited elsewhere, so that they can cook their own Sunday lunch.
I have to say that I am losing my patience with Eddie and Joe this time.
Clarrie never gets taken anywhere – but they’ll ‘get rid’ of her to suit their own needs.
They then decide that they can pass Clarrie off onto Emma – despite the fact that Emma and Clarrie are barley being civil to each other, and Emma is heavily pregnant.
Eddie’s right that Emma isn’t incapacitated, but guests are guests – and we all know that a mother-in-law visit means – lots of tidying!
The tight-fisted numpties won’t even just simp0ly pop out to The Bull to buy their own Sunday lunch. They have to go about it in a way which inconveniences everyone around them
Surely they must come a proper cropper? Clarrie will find out – and all of their shenanigans aren’t exactly in the spirit of Lent
[Robert] “It’s quite humbly to feel some solidarity with the hungry”
Humble pie, Eddie and Joe?
Leonie’s coming next month
And Robert is quite relieved that she had a new boyfriend called Jay.
[Robert] “A dose of happiness will bring out her amenable side …”
Here’s hoping.
Though Eddie did mention that Jay sounded “like a bird”.
I get it, but I also wonder …
Jamie shouts at Kenton
[Jamie] “You got your best jeans on .. you’re going on a date, aren’t you … with my stepmum … I saw you getting with her last Thursday”
[Kenton] “It’s not a causal thing,. It’s a proper relationship”
[Jamie] “You just can’t help sleeping around!”
[Kenton] “What has happened with Jolene is for real”
[Jamie] “Like it was for real with my mum! You’re such a loser!”
If only Kenton had learned his lesson from the last time, and told Jamie before he found it by seeing him in flagrante.
I reckon Jamie does have a right to be angry and confused.
His mum’s ex. With his dead dad’s wife.
Ouch.
Jamie shouts near Fallon
Thank goodness Jamie does have Fallon, and seems to listen to her.
[Jamie] “So how come that slime ball is down there?”
(on finding out that Fallon already knew about Kenton and Jolene – and that they wanted to keep everything quiet)
[Jamie] “Why does nobody tells me things. It’s like I’m invisible or something … I’m not people!”
[Fallon] “It was a real shock to me an all, if that helps … what I’ve tried to come to terms with is my mum moving on, from your dad … I still can’t honestly get my head round it”
[Jamie] “It’s gross”
[Fallon] “But they do seem genuinely happy together”
[Jamie, sarcastically] “Oh well, As long as Kenton’s happy”
[Fallon] “I know he’s hurt you … I think he’s genuinely sorry”
[Jamie] “Sorry he’s been found out! …who cares anyway …”
[Fallon] “My mum’s dead choosy, you know … I know my mum wouldn’t want you to be upset”
[Jamie] “Well, she better look out, that’s all. He double crossed my mum and will do the same to yours …”
[Fallon] “What do you mean, double crossed?”
[Jamie] “He had this woman, he picked her up in Jaxx, Holly, who was like this real slag … it was the breaking point for my mum … I best Holly wasn’t the only one …”
Choosing not to hear anymore, Fallon suggests they watch their DVD.
But job done, Jamie..
Telling Fallon about Holly will make Fallon more suspicious – and she’s bound to eventually tell Jolene, or accuse Kenton of something he hasn’t even done.
There’s a Jamie sized wedge about to get between Kenton and Jolene, methinks.
- Why did Alan buy so many cards for Elizabeth?
- Why are doctor’s so slow to discharge?
- Is hugging allowed?
- Elizabeth finally sees sense
- “You know Susan …”
- Elizabeth gets to borrow Roy
- Aunty Pat isn’t listening
Why did Alan buy so many cards for Elizabeth?
Is there something we (and Usha) don’t know about?
Surely it would have been more appropriate for the vicar to just collect everyone else’s cards to bring to Elizabeth, than go out and buy a stack to give them himself.
Oh … hang on a sec … (doh!)
Why are doctor’s so slow to discharge?
Anyone who has been in hospital can also more than likely testify to the fact that the worst part of hospital is not the feed – it’s the horrible wait to get released.
Maybe I should work on a plan to speed up that discharging process.
It’d save folks having to sit in their clothes, but still eating the nasty lunch, when knowing they are ready to leave – but the doctor just hasn’t got to them yet.
And it might speed up admission times. Save money, Save the NHS!
I’ll need to nip out to the local pub to get a beermat for all my thoughts on this. I’ll get back to you.
Is hugging allowed?
Surely be!
I thought David was being a bit dim when he asked Elizabeth about hugging, but she does seemingly need to use her right arm.
Is that just during the post-op time?
She also has to use the phone away from that side of her body (in case it interferes).
And she’s on about driving again.
David mentioned that Pip can also drive now (noooo – I always hear the word ‘doom’ when Pip and driving are mentioned together).
So after all that pondering about whether she should have her ICT or not (whether she wanted to live or not), turns out Elizabeth can’t really feel it and it’s also not that noticeable.
[Elizabeth] “The ICD will make a big difference … I’m in better condition now than I ever was”
Elizabeth finally sees sense
[Elizabeth] “You’ve been right all along. I’m going to hire a temporary manager”
Huzzah!
It only took a near heart attached, a near divorce and two very stressed out wee kids.
Though we need to keep an eye on wee Freddie. Choosing to stay at home because “there’s so much to do here”, rather than go out with his mates, isn’t a good sign is such a wee man.
“You know Susan …”
[Roy] “You know Susan. If the notice says 5 minutes, it won’t be 6”
And he was quite right. We heard Susan opening the village shop door as he and Kathy were chatting (but were thankfully spared a rant from Susan about the volunteer rota going badly wrong).
Elizabeth gets to borrow Roy
(we didn’t see that one coming!)
And Roy’s quite happy to be lent out.
Isn’t it nice that Caroline is happy to let her staff work somewhere else. Grey Gables must be doing marvellous business to let such a key member of the team wander off …
Aunty Pat isn’t listening
I don’t think I’ve ever heard Pat witter on at such length, as she did today.
She talked about Eddie’s win, and Clarrie’s shock about his win at the races – that Home Farm’s ‘lady that does’ is going to have a shock ‘doing’ at Brookfield while Emma’s off having her bairn – and some other stuff I must have tuned out.
Just as Kathy is trying to get a word in, Henry starts crying.
So Pat rushes off to see to him
(I was distracted for the rest of the eavesdropping instalment by the fact that Helen had left Henry – to go out to the pub – for Red Nose day with Brenda. What??? I think Tony collected the wrong Helen from the hospital).
Kathy seemed oddly uncomfortable around Henry (for a lady that’s popped out one of her own), but his presence also meat Kathy no longer wanted to offload onto Pat about Jolene and Kenton.
[Kathy] “Anything I have to say will easily keep for another time”
Now – that’s a blessing in some ways – but, on the other hand, a pent up Kathy is one ticking time bomb we don’t want in residential areas. Or even anywhere near the cattle.
- Kathy thanks Jolene for taking her man
- DVDS? Well, I never!
- “It’s the work place of the loveliest woman in Borchester”
- That could have been far, far worse for Jamie
- Kenton hurts Jamie, so (of course) Jamie hurts Kathy
- Elizabeth won’t be playing rugby for England
Kathy thanks Jolene for taking her man
Well, her wee man.
She bumps into Jolene, and thanks her for taking Jamie out, as he returned in a rare good mood.
DVDS? Well, I never!
It was fair enough that Jolene and Kathy sounded in awe of Fallon downloading a meal voucher to her mobile (did we ever expect we’d see the like?), but they also sounded a tad overexcited about the concept of DVDs.
Odd.
“It’s the work place of the loveliest woman in Borchester”
Aw! Kenton can be sweet when he tries.
No idea if this is all going to work out as smiles rather than tears, but it’s nice eavesdropping on two happy folks. Even if their kissing is rather slobbery.
That could have been far, far worse for Jamie
Jamie’s lucky that Kenton and Jolene have decided to take things slow.
When he walked in on them, there was only snogging to be seen.
Kenton never does learn. It must have crossed his mind that this would anger Jamie ever more than the one night stand – especially considering Jolene is his dead dad’s wife.
Somewhere in Borchester, there’s a therapist planning his retirement round Jamie Perks …
Kenton hurts Jamie, so (of course) Jamie hurts Kathy
Why does Jamie have to be such an utter prick to his mum Kathy?
I know he’s a teenage lad. I know he’s a teenage lad who recently lost his dad.
But why does Kathy have to be in the firing line everytime something goes wrong for Jamie?
Is that just normal mither/son stuff? I have no idea. My boy greyhounds never behave like that.
Kathy did the unspeakable crime of bringing Jamie a “hot blackcurrant and toast”, then tried to help him with his homework.
That blew up into Jamie berating her for treating him like a kid, (a rather wonderful moment, I thought) of Jamie and Kathy basically saying ‘duh!’ to each other, and Jamie then calling into question Kathy’s ability to do maths.
Shocking!
[Jamie] “You’re just as rubbish as maths as I am. Where do you think I get it from?”
Jamie does admit that he feels out of his depth at maths, but doesn’t want to say anything to his teacher as he reckons he’s the only one struggling – and doesn’t want to look thick.
As Kathy is trying to work out a solution with him, he turns on her like a very affronted hamster:
[Jamie] “Oh yes. Let’s ask Dad, or Kenton … oh no, we can’t can we, cause they’re not here, are they mum … I’ll just go down To the Bull to see Jolene, cause that's where Kenton will be., with her … Or didn’t you know that they were together now!”
Nasty. Nasty little boy.
Kathy was shocked and upset to hear that news, and left the room.
It sounded like Jamie than sighed (I’m guessing that means he knows he went too far), but – I’m very sad to announce – that it looks like Kathy and Jamie are back.
Here we go again. Months upon months of shouting, tantrums, slamming doors and tearful chats with Pat.
*sigh*
Elizabeth won’t be playing rugby for England
But other than that, her operation was “straight forward”
She can’t lift, run or do any contact sport – and also can’t drive for a while.
I reckon Topper needs to return.
Can one ride a horse down a motorway?
- “Not too many hangovers and thick heads”
- Jolene is still apologising
- No 3 The Green
- Catering therapy
- Topper!
- And the mole is unmasked as …
- Jamie has a night out with women who laugh at his jokes
“Not too many hangovers and thick heads”
Oh.
That’s a tad disappointing.
The Grundy’s have a day out, and no-one is feeling a tad poorly the next day.
The healthy living craze has finally got to them?
Jolene is still apologising
To Lilian for now not wanting to sell The Bull.
But Lilian’s more than happy.
[Lilian] “I don’t want the pub to close”
No 3 The Green
So instead of worrying about the lost opportunity of The Bull for Amside, Lilian seems particularly chirpy about going to see No 3 The Green.
Some of the Horrobins live at number 6, Tom and Brenda at number 1 – but no idea of who has lived in number 3.
And also surprised Lillian’s even interested in an ex-Council house.
Not quite her style.
(and that’s not me being snobbish, by the way. I live in an ex-Council in the country. It’s not exactly the best looking of places, but it’s a right proper, toasty home inside. Bless the Council builders of the 60s!).
Catering therapy
Lily’s been having nightmares, it being a bit sharp and short with Jill and Freddie – and Freddie is withdrawing into himself.
But not to worry, Jill’s on-hand to look after them while Elizabeth is in hospital. She’s decided that they way to get them to calm down and chat is to make a lemon drizzle cake.
Fair do – and it has the desired results.
Although I was worried about Freddie doing the maths for the recipe, Jill did manage to get home to talk about how he feels it’s his fault that Elizabeth was so stressed – because he made such a fuss about Topper.
But Jill had news for Freddie.
Topper!
Is being stabled at Shula’s, so Freddie can go and see him anytime he likes.
Things is – why did no-one think to mention that to Freddie before?
A tad cruel, if you ask me.
And the mole is unmasked as …
Adam Smith!
Well, I never! Not in a million years did I think it could be Adam.
BUT actually – have we ever really heard from Adam? I don’t think so, so the whole ‘who is the mole’ turned about to be ‘what is Adam Smith’.
A pfffff rather than a bang.
However – I did hate the way Lilian was then setup to make an arse of herself.
Brian knew feel well that she’d question them about the blokes they’d pretended (for their mole’s sake) had been spoken to about the Project Manager’s job.
Fair do, she was involved in the subterfuge, but I don’t think she should have been made to feel so small. She’s not the only they really need to go after – Matt's their man!
And Jennifer – Adam’s a “mole”. Mole is the word, not “weasel”.
Jamie has a night out with women who laugh at his jokes
Which is very nice of Jolene and Fallon.
We now also know that Jamie likes Aliens, Fallon likes The Abyss and Terminator, and reckons James Cameron is “a legend”.
Ho hum.
- A treat after milking
- Emma’s toys are out of the pram
- Punctures, Chinese lanterns and other strange objects
- Lynda’s fallen for Joe
- A grand day out
- “It’s just one thing after another”
- Elizabeth does want to live, after all
A treat after milking
Eddie maybe a cheeky chappy at times, and doesn’t quite seem to realise how much of a drudge Saint Clarrie’s is (often because of himself and Joe), but he is a man who knows how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
He’s absolutely made up that Clarrie has made him bacon – and even more overjoyed that she’s also made him tomatoes AND mushrooms.
He even doesn’t grumble about having to do the milking first thing, even though it’s his 60th birthday.
And – Eddie makes all the right noises over Clarrie giving him a new tie for his birthday.
[Eddie] “Felpersham races, a picnic and a hundred quid just for betting with … today just gets better and better”
What a mighty good man.
Emma’s toys are out of the pram
Emma doesn’t go with the rest on Eddie’s birthday treat.
Clarrie doesn’t seem too fussed, but is starting to feel a teeny bit of guilt over giving her the cold shoulder at times.
[Clarrie] “I think she’s still a bit fed up with me. I’ll send her some party food back with Edward”
Punctures, Chinese lanterns and other strange objects
David’s not having a good day.
His trailer has a puncture, and he’s found a foreign object in one of the hedges which one of the cows has had a nibble on.
[David] “Stupid Chinese lantern … people have no idea”
A very calm and understanding Ruth gets David to talk about what’s really annoying him (actually – I think he already did have real reason to complain).
The real reason David is so on edge is because he’s worried about Elizabeth not making the tight decision about whether to get her pace-maker thingy fitted.
[David] “I just don’t get all this hesitation … It’s a no brainer, surely … she’ll have this procedure and she’ll never have another episode like the one on Friday ever again … why is she hesitating?”
[Ruth] “It’s a big thing for her … to get her head round. She’ll have this strange object inside her body … something that’s not part of her that she has no control over”
David reckons Elizabeth should only think of how this device is going to help her – and he was downright dismissive of Ruth touching on the fact that she knows exactly how Elizabeth feels.
[David] “(I want her to) see sense and go ahead”
Lynda’s fallen for Joe
That’s not like our Lyndee!
Joe’s managed to wangle an invite round to Sunday lunch at the Snell’s for himself and Eddie (so that they can avoid Clarrie’s meagre offering of bread and cheese, because of lent).
I’m surprised at Lynda being so easy to persuade.
Wonder if we’ll get to eavesdrop on that dinner conversation … the mind boggles!
A grand day out
And it just get better and better for Eddie – his birthday is turning out to be the gift that just keeps giving!
[Eddie] “That whisky fruitcake was a proper treat, that’ll brighten up me lunch boxes for the rest of the week”
Lilian brought champagne. Joe got a new cap. Clarrie chooses horses by colour (black and gold stripes), but doesn’t really want to have too much of a flutter:
[Clarrie] “It’s a bit too exciting when you put you hard earned cash on the line”
Eddie started off the day excited to have £100 just to bet with, but after losing £60, and dumping Lenny as his “tipster”.
But Fat Paul’s advice isn’t any better. Despite all their talk of being experts, Fat Paul, Lenny and Eddie haven’t had a winner between them all day.
Until the last race.
Eddie had sent Clarrie to put his money on a horse, but she went and choose the wrong one.
After the one Eddie thought he’d bet on fell over (but it’s okay – the horse was just fine …), Mine’s a Pint romped it home 20-1, giving Eddie a grand winning of £200.
Nice.
Think he’ll spend any of that on Clarrie?
I wouldn’t bet on it.
“It’s just one thing after another”
Johne’s disease is confirmed at Brookfield.
(nasty – here’s more info http://www.johnes.org/history/index.html)
Seemingly, the cow confirmed to have it could have had it for a while without showing any signs, and is likely to have had it since a calf. They pick it up from contaminated dung, straw or water
[David] “So that’s her down the road I suppose”
As well as slaughtering that cow, they’ll also now have to collect a dung sample off of every other cow.
Bollocks!
This really isn’t a good year for that side of the Archer clan.
Elizabeth does want to live, after all
And wasn’t David overjoyed to hear it!
After talking to the doctors and nurses, Elizabeth has decided to go ahead to have the operation.
[Elizabeth] “The nurse said to think of it like having my own little guardian angel on my shoulder”
[David] “Or your own hidden jump leads …”
[Elizabeth] “I decided nothing could be worse than putting mum and the children through that again”
Hmmm. Bit suspicious that Elizabeth sees herself doing this for the sake of others rather than herself, but I suppose the end result is still the same.
- Kenton Archer: Mystery Man
- What’s Elizabeth’s problem now?!?!?!?
- Lamb with anchovies
- Didn’t he do well!
- Jolene mentioned hounds …
- Fallon onside .. what about Jamie?
Kenton Archer: Mystery Man
Chatting to Fallon about taking Jolene out, Kenton won’t tell her where they’re off to.
Which leads Fallon to call Kenton a “mystery man”.
The reality is a tad more mundane.
Kenton gives Jolene a scarf as a present (which was thoughtful, and I’m sure was very nice), and takes her for lunch on a boat restaurant in Felpersham (which was again thoughtful, and sounded very nice).
So – less of a ‘mystery man’ (which conjures up adventure, danger and exoticism) – more of a ‘very nice man’.
What’s Elizabeth’s problem now?!?!?!?
For a woman with a weak heart, she really knows how to wind herself up.
What on earth is wrong with getting an Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator?
[Elizabeth] “This weird object … it looks like an old fashioned cigarette lighter … I want to get used to the thought of it being under my skin”
Here’s what one looks like:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implantable_cardioverter-defibrillator
(which I think is actually kinda groovy).
So – the doctors say this is what she needs – but Elizabeth reckons she needs time to think and get more information.
She wants to know if the shock will hurt – will it be obvious (it’s going into her shoulder) - will the kids needs to do anything if it needs to kick start their mum.
All fair enough questions – but what’s the alternative?
Chance of sudden death?
That’ll really be helping the Twins!
David’s rightly concerned that Elizabeth seems to be pondering over something which is actually not really a choice.
But Jill knows her daughter
[Jill] “I can be a sounding board, but I don’t want to put her under any pressure … the one person’s whose guidance she’d listen to isn’t here … once she has the facts, she’ll go ahead”
[David] “Will she?”
[Jill] “I hope so”
To be frank – I’m not really that bothered.
I’ve said it before – but Elizabeth makes it so hard to care …
Lamb with anchovies
Works well, according to Kenton (and I can also vouch for that), but maybe not quite right for Freda. Or The Bull’s punters.
(‘you what? Fish? On my lamb???? I’ll just have a pie’)
Didn’t he do well!
Kathy will be beyond fury when she realised that Kenton is seeing Jolene – and that he’s being attentive, caring and thoughtful.
Jolene had mentioned that she’d always wanted a barge holiday when she was a kid – so he takes her for a surprise lunch on a boat.
He listens and then thinks it through.
Caw blimey!
[Kenton] “You travel the world, and find the thing you were looking for was right here”
Here’s hoping. I am enjoying this union. So far.
(any mention of showers, I’m outta here!)
Jolene mentioned hounds …
She probably meant: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_hunting
But I’ll use it as an excuse to plug the charity I foster for – retired/rescued greyhounds.
http://www.dgrescue.org.uk/id3.html
(and contrary to common misconceptions – they’re the laziest breed you’ll ever meet, are placid and eager to please, great with kids, don’t need long exercise AND some of them like cats!)
Fallon onside .. what about Jamie?
I totally forgot about Jamie.
Must have wiped him from my mind for being such a moronic arse of a teenager.
Anyway – though Kenton and Jolene didn’t kiss goodbye in front of Fallon (easy does it!) – looks like Fallon ‘gets it’
[Fallon] “I can see you had a great time … it’s been ages since I saw you so happy”
[Jolene] “It’s been ages since I’ve been so happy”
Hurrah!
But then in walks Jamie, who is utterly oblivious that his dead dad’s wife is seeing his mum’s ex-boyfriend – when his mum was also his dad’s ex-wife …
Ouch. Lucky there was nothing to see, this time.
Some shouting ahoy?
- David looks very serious
- Keeping the Twins busy
- Keeping your hands clean
- “Careful you don’t unplug her”
- Thank goodness for Jill
- “where have you hidden the proper tackle?”
- The Snell’s shall provide
- How much guilt can one man take?
David looks very serious
According to the Twins, when they arrive at hospital.
BUT Elizabeth is doing fine.
I had a horrible feeling that this could have turned out to be #sattc (Shakes Ambridge to the Core) part deux … actually, I wonder if it still could be?
Keeping the Twins busy
David gets Freddie to go with him to the hospital shop, then Clarrie later gets them to play together instead of getting stressed over Kenton not being able to play (as he had to go to work).
Keeping your hands clean
Kenton can be such an irresponsible idiot sometimes – but he does make sure everyone uses the antiseptic “stuff” before they go into Elizabeth’s room.
He really isn’t that much of a simpleton.
“Careful you don’t unplug her”
Says Kenton to Lily when she goes for a hug with Elizabeth.
But all’s well – sounds like Elizabeth only has those sticky on things which monitor heart rate.
Elizabeth sounded tired, but fairly relaxed (shame it took such a dramatic turn to get her to finally calm down!).
And she now has to listen to the consultants without grumbling.
Freddie seems a bit freaked out (he didn’t want to hug her as she looked so “weird” and white). But looks like all is well.
BUT … there may be surgery to stop it happening again. So, I suppose there’s still chance of a Shake.
Jill left holding the babies?
Thank goodness for Jill
She was there to call the ambulance, she was there holding Elizabeth’s hand when she woke up in hospital and she’s now moved in to Lower Loxley to be there for the Twins.
She was even there for Lily when she woke up from a nightmare (which Lily appreciated, though she really wanted her mum).
I don’t always agree with Jill, but there’s no arguing that her side of the Archer clan just wouldn’t cope without her.
“where have you hidden the proper tackle?”
[Eddie] “Right, we’ve had our starter, where have you hidden the proper tackle?”
So – Eddie’s not amused by Clarrie’s new Sunday lunch – which is simply bread and cheese as part of their efforts for Lent.
(the idea being that folks give up their proper meals, to then give the cash savings to Alan the Vicar).
So, no roast. No gravy. Not even a pudding.
[Eddie] “What? A raw apple? Not even an apple pie???”
But before you feel sorry for Eddie and Joe (hard working men not getting a proper meal), it’s only once a week!
Come on lads – that’s surely not too much to ask?
Um … seems it is.
The Snell’s shall provide
Despite being threatened by Clarrie with bread and water if they try and cheat Lent, Eddie and Joe are determined to have a proper Sunday meal.
So, their cunning plan is to simply eat at one of their neighbour’s.
Pondering their options – they had to rule out Neil and Susan (as they are also signed up), they also hit a brick wall with Mike
[Joe] “Vicky Tucker is a nice old woman but she’s a right old blabber mouth”
Then Eddie realises that the answer is staring him in the face.
The Snells!
Right next door, and Lynda is a grand cook.
All that needs doing is to persuade Lynda (Robert should be easy enough), and make sure Clarrie doesn’t find out.
Aye well – good luck with that!
How much guilt can one man take?
David now thinks that Elizabeth’s ‘episode’ is his fault for telling her he had to spend less time at Lower Loxley.
Well, I suppose he is right. Him stepping back did seem to push Elizabeth into stressful overdrive – but she has been told by everyone that the only way forward was to get a professional manager in.
And she did admit herself that she was being selfish, expecting David to cope with both Lower Loxley and Brookfield.
With the inquest still to happen, I’m not sure David isn’t going to implode with the huge guilt he’s carrying over Nigel’s death, and now Elizabeth’s illness.
And what if the inquest finds fault?
Aren’t farmers one of the highest risk groups for suicide anyway …???
- Tears and tantrums over Topper
- Supergran!
- What inclination will Henry be?
- Warm welcome back, Peggy
- Elona from Albania
- Nope, Elizabeth can’t calm down
- “My heart’s beating so fast … please help me … I can’t leave my children”
Tears and tantrums over Topper
Freddie really wasn’t coping at all well with Topper heading off to his new owner.
Screaming and tears – the wee chap really didn’t want Nigel’s hunter to go.
Nigel … General Custard … Topper … Freddie really can’t be blamed for thinking everyone eventually leaves.
Supergran!
Jill is one very handy lady to have round.
She utterly took control when Freddie was being a tad over emotional about Topper – and Lily then joined in to shout at Freddie for getting them both into trouble.
Whereas Elizabeth wanted to mollycoddle them, Jill took charge to make sure they know what was what.
[Jill] “They’ve both been very disobedient, and they’ll both be going to school … not another word, off you go!”
Jill’s theory was that the sooner they were at school, the sooner their mind would be taken off of Topper.
Tough love, but someone has to.
What inclination will Henry be?
Tony sounds hopeful that Henry will take to farming, but Helen points out that Henry is simply focused on trying to make his neck work!
[Tony] “Make sure the o ring comes with it .. .you’re never too young to learn tractor servicing”
But Tony does make a near slip-up when he nearly wonders aloud about what traits Henry will have taken from his biological father.
[Tony] “Be interesting to know what his … what he will end up doing”
Nature versus Nurture? Even if Henry’s father was around, I doubt Helen would let any influence other than her own really take hold of Henry.
Warm welcome back, Peggy
I do like our Peggy.
She’s been a bit silent since Henry was born, but she’s now right back in there – being a great-gran in every way she should. Not a word of her previous disapproval.
She even brings Helen Narcissus Tete a Tete.
Is it Spring for proper now?
(and Peggy - I was always get out the cups and saucers for you – matching, by the way – instead of a mug)
Elona from Albania
Lest we forget that Mr Jack Woolley is still on the go!
He’s relaxed this week, after having a tummy bug last week (so Jill tells us).
And his world is also a better and brighter place because of Elona from Albania.
She seemingly always makes time to speak to him, gets him the best seat in the day room AND has sorted his socks out!
No longer shall Jack’s socks be given to some woman called Jackie.
Phew!
Nope, Elizabeth can’t calm down
After Jill’s dropped the Twins off to school, she returns to find a rather het up Elizabeth.
[Jill] “Can you calm down, darling?”
Seemingly not.
Stressed out by Freddie’s tantrums over Topper, Elizabeth’s also stressed that Hugh has been awkward about Elizabeth not letting him hire in more casuals for the Orangery café.
[Elizabeth] “He was so sullen about it, it was infuriating”
Elizabeth’s also stressed that she can’t find the right information for a meeting she has to go to – all while Jill is trying to tell Elizabeth that she’s losing her temper.
Which is natural in the circumstances, but Jill is trying to suggest that Elizabeth needs to be more aware of what she’s doing to others as well as herself.
Then …
… Elizabeth’s losing her breath …
… sounds like a panic attached …
… her heart is racing, so Jill starts to call the doctor …
… but Elizabeth asks for an ambulance …
“My heart’s beating so fast … please help me … I can’t leave my children”
Crickey.
By the time David and Jill arrive at the hospital, they find that they have to go to resuscitation area.
And that’s where they left us.
No idea of what happened to Elizabeth after the ambulance folks took her in.
Elizabeth as well?
Surely not?
So let’s go for 6 in 10
- Brian avoids parental responsibility – Ruairi to Ireland while Jennifer away
- Pip gets B’s and C’s – which she’s quite happy with
- Lilian wows Borchester Land with her supremely detailed technical knowledge
- Who is BL’s Mole? Did Barbara Glasstone & Matt fruity?
- Brian’s setting up Lilian to find the mole at BL
- Does Brookfield’s cows have Johne’s disease? I so hope not.
So, when we had another slow day, I did 10 in 10. Here’s 6 in 5.
- James is visiting in April
- Matt’s dictating what Lilian says
- Lilian’s crowing reading Jolene right
- A cow’s back end is loose
- Elizabeth is stressing Lewis out
- Freddie leaves for his mates
(there’s nothing more to say!)
- How dirty was Eddie’s van?
- Jolene – she says ‘no’!
- Widow Hawkins
- Lent 2011
- Joe waxing lyrical
- Matt reckons pancakes and pleasure don’t mix
- Lillian’s off out with Eddie
- Fallon spots it a mile off
How dirty was Eddie’s van?
Quite very much so, if him sweeping it out was enough to cause Clarrie alarm about the mess he was making outside the front of their house.
Jolene – she says ‘no’!
[Jolene] “No – I’m so sorry … I should have let you know … I ain't selling at all. I want to keep going here”
[Lilian] “Don’t apologise darling … that’s wonderful news … I’d much rather we’d kept our pub”
So there it is.
The Bull is saved.
Well, it will be, if the locals also now spend more time and money in there.
Kenton must be an amazing kisser.
With one kiss, he’s pick Jolene up from her low ebb, and has made her feel more positive about the future.
At last – we have found a real use for My Kenton Archer’s talents! Just imagine what he’ll achieve when he and Jolene get really intimate.
Widow Hawkins
[Joe] “Widow Hawkins … you’d die of thirst before she ever worked out the use of the kettle”
Joe also advises that one provides one’s own sandwiches, flask and oxygen when doing a job for Widow Hawkins.
(the oxygen is so that she doesn’t ask for a discount for you breathing hers)
Lent 2011
No tents for Alan this year – he’s squarely put the sacrifices back onto his parishioners.
[Joe] “It’s the vicar done this to her, I reckon. Got her cooking with a mean hand”
Clarrie’s signed up for the Lent appeal, which (Joe reckons) means bread, cheese and soup right through lent, and giving any money you’ve saved by eating so sparingly to the vicar.
[Eddie] “Well, if it makes her happy”
[Joe] “It ain't just her, Eddie. She’s signed you and me up as well”
[Eddie] “Eh? Oh flipping eck!”
Ah, queue much hilarity in the Grundy household over sneaky food treats.
Joe waxing lyrical
Joe reckons his grandfather used to say:
[Joe] “Peregrines is the souls of them who’ve been lost on the mountains”
Such poetry.
Why didn’t such sensitivity carry through the Grundy generations?
Matt reckons pancakes and pleasure don’t mix
Each to their own.
But when do pancakes become serious?
Lillian’s off out with Eddie
And the rest of the Grundy clan to the racing for Eddie’s birthday.
So Tony is no fun – but Lillian’s a goer.
Actually, I quite agree.
Fallon spots it a mile off
Jolene has to tell Fallon all about her and Kenton, as Fallon had picked up on a bit of an intimate atmosphere.
Fallon thinks it’s too soon for Jolene to be seeing Kenton.
[Fallon] “You’re still so raw. I just don’t want to see you hurt”
[Jolene] “That’s always a risk, isn’t it. But, I don’t think it’s much of a one with Kenton. What you see is what you get with him. A funny, sweet guy who is helping me feel good about myself again”
[Fallon, without much conviction] “Well that’s … great”
Jolene quite rightly pointed out that Kenton didn’t have it easy with Kathy, so is probably just as vulnerable as Jolene is.
[Fallon] “But it does make a difference. I actually enjoyed myself again tonight …serving, chatting to the punters … I felt like me again”
Hurrah!
But does Fallon have a point?
Does Jolene know what she’s doing?
Does Kenton?
- David’s jealous of Ben
- Inquest date is set
- Elizabeth admits she’s selfish!!!
- Kenton Vs Byron
- David wants it deep
- Will Pip be intensive?
- (Pancake) party at The Bull
- Dry or sweet?
David’s jealous of Ben
David’s wishing life could be as simple as Ben’s.
Ben is super excited about going out with his other wee-men mates for a pizza. And it’s as simple as that.
Birthday. Mates. Pizza.
You know David – that’s doable, even at your age.
Inquest date is set
March 29th, at 3.30pm.
Is David going down?
Elizabeth admits she’s selfish!!!
Blimey. That should have been uttered many, many years ago.
[Elizabeth] “I’ve been so selfish, using him here so much”
Mind you – it’s not entirely Elizabeth’s fault. David should have grown a pair and told Elizabeth he couldn’t help her so much way before he did.
Reality also seems to be sinking in about what a massive task Elizabeth has to take on without Nigel – though she still doesn’t seem to understand that she can hire someone in to share that burden.
[Elizabeth] “All the things Nigel used to do are my responsibility now. Time I got used to it”
Kenton Vs Byron
My money would be on Kenton. Hell hath no fury like a protective brother.
[Elizabeth] “I had a long and interesting chat with Byron Chambers .. .delightful chap … accused me of not honouring Nigel’s memory”
[Kenton] “I’d have sorted him out. Shown him what he could do with his cod piece”
I’d pay good money to see that, I would.
David wants it deep
Seemingly Chicory and Plantain would do the job.
All about improving the grazing, seemingly.
Will Pip be intensive?
As Pip and David ponder whether she’ll get into University, David’s also wondering if Pip will come back from (whatever education she gets into) thinking that Brookfield’s way are old fashioned.
Just like David thought of Phil. And Phil though of Dan.
[David] “(you) might be become one of the high input factory style brigade”
Interesting.
More interesting, though, is whether it will actually be Pip to take over at Brookfield.
I reckon Josh is still in with a shout. And we don’t even know about Ben as yet.
(Pancake) party at The Bull
So says Kenton.
And I love the way Kenton calls David ‘Dave’.
Almost as good as Joe’s ‘David Archer’
Dry or sweet?
Well my answer is always ‘cider, please’, but Elizabeth has to make up her mind for the next batch of Lower Loxley wines.
She’s well out of her depth when she visits the winery, but John is a nice enough chap who reassures that Nigel was just as worried when he first had to make decisions about the wine.
But as one of Nigel’s passions, Elizabeth is particularly nervous about making the wrong choice.
[Elizabeth] “Please John – what would Nigel have decided?"
- “I really need to be spending more time at Brookfield.”
- Helen’s life in one van
- Rolling, Heroin, Midsomer and Grass
- Release the cows!
- Being nasty to Lewis – nae need!
“I really need to be spending more time at Brookfield.”
Ah – what a relief it was to hear David finally (finally!) utter those words to Elizabeth.
Despite Lily waking up early everyday – and despite Elizabeth wanting David to have a look at the course for the chase (with Nigel’s Go-Getters) – David comes clean to Elizabeth:
[David] “Wouldn’t you be better asking Shula … I really need to be spending more time at Brookfield. Much more time …”
[Elizabeth, a tad shocked] “I completely understand … (you’re not letting me down) no, not at all …”
Elizabeth reckons that the breakdown she had on Friday did her the world of good (when she was told the Twins had got into the Cathedral School, which made her realise that Nigel won’t know anything about that, or anything else to do with the Twins anymore). She now thinks she’s “on top of things”.
Hmmm.
And when David asked if she’d make the call to the agency to get a professional manager, Elizabeth said she “very well get in touch”.
Double Hmmm.
Shortly after David left, Elizabeth went a tad ape at Lily for nattering on, trying to interrupt her when she was speaking to David.
I do think Lily was indeed being “very very rude”, but Elizabeth’s quick temper isn’t suggestive of someone who’s got control.
Helen’s life in one van
Helen’s moved back to Bridge Farm, and it only took one van.
I suppose DVDs do pack down quite neatly …
But then again, Helen won’t have packed everything, as she’s reckoning on only being home for a few weeks.
I do wonder if Tony will come up with another (heartfelt) reason for Helen to stay.
[Helen] “That’s why you’re different dad. No matter what I’m like,. I never drive you away”
Methinks it’ll be hard for Helen to drive away this time.
Rolling, Heroin, Midsomer and Grass
I must have been distracted when I thought I heard David and Pip talking about some “dead grass”. I’m sure I then heard David talking about how the grass will need to be rolled, but maybe some heroin first, and something about Midsomer.
Eh?
Please do correct me.
Release the cows!
[Ruth] “They’ll really benefit from an early bite”
Ruth’s spot on when she said that it means winter is nearly done when the cows go back out in the fields.
I reckon they’re just about relieved to get out as we all are to see they get out.
Here’s a video from a farm near to where I live (it also does cracking ice-cream and has an excellent visitor centre/nature walks/stuff to do). I can’t mention their name as tis blog is strictly non-commercial, but you can work it out from the video.
Hurrah to happy and playful cows!
Being nasty to Lewis – nae need!
I utterly accept Elizabeth is still going through a horrific time, but there is absolutely no excuse (on this whole wide world) for being nasty to our Lewis.
He’s a lovely gent.
Lewis was just trying to help out, by picking up a job that Elizabeth had seemed to forget, but Elizabeth repeated her ‘going ape’ routine on Lewis as she’d done to Lily.
Elizabeth reckons she:
[Elizabeth] “has to keep hold of all of the threads" herself
So shouts at Lewis for just being a nice chap.
She calms down, but mentions that life is about to get even more tricky for her.
She has to tell Byron Chambers that she’s about to cancel his Medieval Banquets as they’re making losses for Lower Loxley.
[Lewis] “(Byron Chambers] “The erasable gentleman with the unfortunate beard?”
[Elizabeth] “As you say, he’s got quite a temper. I’m dreading the meeting already.”
Ach – why deal with it alone Elizabeth?
- Mini pork pies
- Susan jealous of Clarrie?
- About last night
- Tony’s unconvincing ‘bad back’ routine
- “he doesn’t know”
Mini pork pies
[Susan] “Oh you’re right Clarrie, you can’t beat mini pork pies”
I quite agree.
But how very dare Susan and Clarrie agree that bought pies are just as good as homemade!
They should be ashamed of themselves.
Seemingly Joe “goes mad” for pasties (well, don’t suppose he gets out these days).
And picnics are better when you don’t have to do chopping “and the like”. Far too messy.
Susan jealous of Clarrie?
Having a right old natter while potting the yoghurts, Susan’s chatting about how Emma seems to have gone off the name Scarlett if she has a girl. Susan’s a bit perplexed, as Emma and Ed seemed to really want that name.
So it’s no coincidence Emma changed her mind about Scarlett after Clarrie had poured very cold water on that idea for a name.
[Susan] “Emma is all ‘Clarrie says this, Clarrie says that’”
Problem is, Susan quite liked Scarlett, and is a bit put out that she wasn’t asked about names.
So – in trying to win Clarrie’s affections, Emma’s managing to alienate her own mum.
Nice work!
About last night
Talking to Elizabeth, Kenton reckoned last night was:
[Kenton] “Was very constructive. It left me with a lot of ideas for the future”
I bet it did, matey!
I wonder how long it’s going to take for Jolene and Kenton to tell their nearest and dearest?
Hidden fruit ever more tasty?
Or are they just worried what the neighbours will say?
Tony’s unconvincing ‘bad back’ routine
I think we were all going “hmmm” along with Helen as Tony tried to make out that he had a bad back, so could really do with having an extra hand.
So Tony tries another way to persuade Helen to come home.
[Tony] “It makes sense love, on a purely business level … nice for you to have something to do … and other adults to talk to”
Tony reckons it’ll be better for everyone if Helen came home to Bridge Farm for a few weeks … a month … or two at the most …..
Sensing that Helen still wasn’t biting, Tony tries the truth:
[Tony] “Because you and Henry bring so much joys into our loves. I didn’t know I could feel like this again. That’s why we want you to come home. We’d love to be close to you and Henry. These first months are so previous … you’d make us so happy Helen. You’d be helping us”
[Helen] “If we honestly would be helping each other, then I give in. We’d love to come back for a while”
Huzzah!
Tony wins a ‘discussion’ with Helen at last.
I’m still not sure it wouldn’t be better for Helen to at least try some time to herself (with Henry), but can’t also find much reason why going back home isn’t a bad thing.
“he doesn’t know”
Alan Sanderson to tell Elizabeth that both Lily and Freddie passed their exams, so are into Cathedral School.
Which upsets Elizabeth beyond belief.
[Elizabeth, crying] “Nigel can’t be proud … can’t say well done … he doesn’t know … he’ll never know … he’ll never know anything about their lives again … oh why!”
Phew.
That was a teary moment for me as well.
- Brian, sewing boxes and green monsters
- First chance Hayley gets …
- Kenton hanging onto Jolene
- We trust in Jennifer
- Brian washing pants and making packed lunches?
- “half the pleasure is in the anticipation”
- “You betcha Jolene”
Brian, sewing boxes and green monsters
Ruairi is having a go at tying flies, which means Brian is turning Jennifer’s sewing box upside down to find some thread.
What a cheapskate! How come Kate gets a new laptop, but Ruairi doesn’t even get proper tying thread?
First chance Hayley gets …
She breaks Phoebe’s confidence.
Though technically, I suppose she only promised Phoebe she wouldn’t tell Kate. But, I hardly think telling Jennifer was entirely what Phoebe would have wanted.
Kenton hanging onto Jolene
As Kenton and Jolene make their way to their wine tasting, it sounds like Kenton’s actually taken Jolene through a building site to get there.
With uneven paving stones, Kenton cares enough to notice that Jolene could be having particular problems:
[Kenton] “it’s not ruining your heels is it?”
Bless.
And it was lovely to hear them both being awkward and shy with each other. Although they’ve known each other for an age, this is their first date.
They do seem a good match. Kenton mentions something about their evening out being work-related:
[Jolene] “Is that how you see spending time with me … hard work?”
[Kenton] “I don’t know yet …”
Ah, you tease!
And Kenton behaves like a real gentleman, holding onto Jolene as they pick their way through (what sounds like) some of the most dangerous paving in England.
We trust in Jennifer
After Hayley tells Jennifer that Phoebe is scared of flying by herself, Jennifer has a subtle chat with Phoebe.
Well, suitable enough for a child.
Jennifer tells Phoebe that she found going to Felpersham by herself as “terribly daunting”, and how Phoebe is being “ever so brave” in even thinking about travelling back from South Africa by herself.
[Jennifer] “I know I’d have been ever so worried”
(which gives Phoebe the right encouragement to open up)
[Phoebe] “That’s what’s bugging me granny … what if I don’t get on with the airline woman … I had to sit next to Mrs Riley in the school coach once … I didn’t know what to say, it was so embarrassing. She was eating tuna sandwiches the whole trip, they stand”
[Jennifer] “Oh, how frightful!”
[Phoebe] “What if they get split up, or I lose my ticket or someone snatches my bag …”
[Jennifer] “Those are very sensible concerns”
However, although Jennifer does a sterling job of getting Phoebe to talk about her fears, she takes a slightly extreme approach to allaying them …
Brian washing pants and making packed lunches?
So, Jennifer announces to Brian that she’s gone and booked herself “both ways” to South Africa – flying out with Kate and Phoebe, then flying back with Phoebe.
So that solves Phoebe.
But, that creates a whole new headache for Brian.
[Brian] “But, you can’t …”
[Jennifer] “But actually I can, the transaction has gone through”
Cheeky Brian then tries to make out that Jennifer going on Phoebe’s holiday will spoil Kate’s plans – how very unsporting of him to try and make Jennifer feel unwanted so that he doesn’t have to ‘cope’ home alone with Ruairi.
But, the only problem Jennifer can see is what to wear. She’s too excited about seeing her other grandkids to worry about Brian being caveman grumpy.
[Jennifer] “This will be the perfect opportunity for some real father son bonding”
Realising he has no choice, Brian decides to grin and pretend it’s a wonderful idea.
According to him, it will all just be a matter of “time management”.
Makes one wonder if Brian has actually noticed the kids he’s had in his household …
“half the pleasure is in the anticipation”
There seemed to be a lot of heaving breathing during Kenton and Jolene’s first date.
[Kenton] “dribbled unpronounceable cava all over my shirt”
Which I reckon was him being rather saucy, especially as they then went onto to talk about how to taste a wine – involving taking a good look – savouring the bouquet – then waiting …”half the pleasure is in the anticipation”
Oo-er! Shower scene ahoy!
[Kenton] “For some reason, life seems to be getting more interesting”
Lovely. Kenton deserves something nice to happen to him (after Kathy … and, of course, Nigel). And anything that brings Jolene back to herself is very welcome indeed.
Jolene nearly spoils the mood by bringing up Saint Sid.
[Jolene] “not trying to forget Sid … if were still here, I would be with him … and will always keep a big place in my heart for him”
But Kenton brings Jolene back to reality by asking for them to “have some fun together in the here and now”
Hmmm.
I’m not entirely convinced Kenton should be getting involved with yet another of Sid’s women, so fingers crossed there are no tears after bedtime.
“You betcha Jolene”
I really enjoyed eavesdropping on Jolene and Kenton’s first kiss – and not for any seedy reason.
It was just really nice to hear two adults, who are both generally rather nice folks in their own right, enjoy each other’s company – take such delight out of very tame flirting – and feel comfortable enough to be open with each other.
Having a little giggle that some bloke called Ray asked them if they were an item:
[Kenton] “I certainly know what I’d like us to be …”
[Jolene] “Do you?”
[Kenton] “Oh yeah …”
(some slightly slurpy, but not quite letchy, kissing)
[Kenton] “Oh wow …”
[Jolene, in a very deep, racy voice] “Yeah …”
But what I really liked was Jolene telling Kenton to call her early tomorrow.
[Jolene] “I don’t want to wake up wondering. I want to be sure this is happening.”
[Kenton] “Oh yes. You betcha Jolene”
How many times, as youngsters, have we sat by the phone waiting for ‘that’ call the day after the night before?
Good on you Jolene. No point sitting around, checking that the dial tone still works (then wondering if, when you picked up the phone to check the dial tone, they tried to call at that exact moment …).
- Has David lost the ability to say ‘no’?
- Hot chocolate instead of hot milk
- Lucky Alistair doesn’t take anything personally
- New plan to get Helen home
- David and the ‘P’ word
Has David lost the ability to say ‘no’?
It would seem so – well, to everyone apart from Ruth.
He’s a busy man back at Brookfield, but is easily persuaded by Alastair to put himself out yet again to help Alastair’s diary.
Which involves going over to Lower Loxley. Which involves leaving Brookfield to do so.
Then, David finds he can’t say no to Elizabeth when she leaves him in charge of Lower Loxley while she rushes off to collect Freddie (who had run out of his exam).
Which leaves him trapped at Lower Loxley, while there’s plenty to be getting on with at home.
Daft man.
Hot chocolate instead of hot milk
That’s Phoebe’s problem.
It’s that Hayley feeds her hot chocolate when she has nightmares. That should just be hot milk. Surely better for aiding sleep …
Anyway – Phoebe’s dream ran to something as follows:
On the school bus – but everyone grown up – stood up at her stop – but the aisle kept getting longer and longer – suddenly lots of door – everyone started getting off, knew where to go but she didn’t – forgot school bag, everyone was pushing me – tripped up …
…then woke up.
Hayley then proved that she would make a rubbish lawyer. She was utterly leading her witness:
[Hayley] “Sounds rather like an aeroplane to me.”
[Phoebe] “Well, maybe a sort of bus plane”
[Hayley, mentioning Phoebe had been talking about her holiday before she went to bed] “Maybe part of your brain carried on thinking about it after you were asleep”
It would sound like it, but I reckon Hayley would interpret any of Phoebe’s dreams to be about her holiday – but only if they somehow suggest Phoebe shouldn’t be going.
Phoebe agrees she is a bit stressed about having to get the plane back from South Africa by herself, but is adamant that Hayley can’t tell Kate about it.
[Phoebe] “Don’t say anything. She’ll think I’m a big baby … she told me, last week. She thinks I’m really grown up coming back all by myself.”
That bloomin’ Kate has a lot to answer for.
And I somehow can’t see Hayley keeping this to herself. Even though she’s now made a promise to Phoebe (that child really won’t have any trust in adults if this sort of thing keeps happening).
Lucky Alistair doesn’t take anything personally
He’s such an amendable chap, is our Alistair.
While he may have got David to do his bidding, he seems to now float through life accepting any potential slur on himself as nothing more than other folks just being that … other folks.
Daniel (where is he? By the way???) has chosen English, History, Geography and Spanish for his A Levels – but no science.
So not following in Alistair’s footsteps. But Alistair doesn’t seem to mind.
And although Alistair makes mention of Kenton suddenly uninviting him to the wine tasting, he doesn’t seem too perturbed.
What an oasis of calm he is!
Wonder if any horse tranquilisers are missing …
New plan to get Helen home
Is to convince her that Tony and Pat really need her – rather than have her thinking they think she needs them.
Helen has always been a family-lass, so maybe that will work.
But I do also think Pat and Tony should leave her be. This is way she wanted it. And she actually seems to be thriving!
David and the ‘P’ word
Honestly – I don’t know how many times I’ll have to say that David never learns.
He’s using the bloomin’ P work again to Ruth, as she’s having a go at him for spending too much time at Lower Loxley.
[Ruth] “I know it’s a desperate situation, but you can’t keep papering over the cracks … she’s going to have to learn to do without you sometime. You’re damaging our business.”
[David] “She’s so fragile, it’s like she’s about to break”
[Ruth] “I am very sorry and concerned for her … but we’ve got to face facts … you’ve got to grasp the nettle for her sake”
It’s a tough one.
Ruth’s right – David can’t go on working at both Lower Loxley and Brookfield without collapsing from exhaustion and dropping a big clanger at one (or both). And Ruth can’t go on working Brookfield without David. But Elizabeth does need help.
Of course, as everyone keeps saying, Elizabeth needs to accept that she needs to bring an expert manager into help her.
David yet again agrees. Yet again says he’ll speak to Elizabeth. And yet again says to Ruth:
“I promise”
Humpf! Ruth should just go over the both of their heads and book a manager. At least someone would then be doing something useful!
- Blood and feathers on the churchyard wall
- George wants a red racing car, not a baby
- Music clubs and currywurst
- It’s not lack of sleep that’s making Helen yawn
- Is Emma just thick?
- Helen’s back to DVDs and being stubborn
- Hurrah! Happiness in Ambridge!!!!
Blood and feathers on the churchyard wall
That really should be a The Smiths song title.
It would seem the Peregrines are back – which Lynda is delighted about, but Emma doesn’t like. The sight of “lumps of dead bird” doesn’t take her fancy at all.
George wants a red racing car, not a baby
Quite right mate.
Music clubs and currywurst
Was the sum total of Tom and Brenda’s trip to Berlin.
That sounds a bit of alright.
Please don’t tell me I’m getting as dull as those two …
It’s not lack of sleep that’s making Helen yawn
And it’s not The Bull chucking out time (though that both the pub and the village shop are keeping Helen awake adds up to Helen moving home soon, I reckon).
It’s Helen boring herself.
As all new mums do, she’s entranced by the sight of her baby sneezing. And thinks it makes for good general chat.
Mais non!
Lucky it was just the proud grandmum Pat she was talking to. Not sure if Kirsty would be coping with another round of mumstalk
But beware Helen … even Thatcher didn’t manage to function on less than 5 hours …
Is Emma just thick?
She certainly isn’t taking the hint from Clarrie that she’s unlikely to ever beat Nic in the favourite daughter-in-law stakes (unless she starts to genuinely care – rather than try to force herself to care).
Though I agree with Clarrie that Emma’s choice of names isn’t that great – it’s that she doesn’t know about the connotations of ‘Scarlett woman’ which also leads me to think she’s a tad thick.
Emma wants Sky or Charlie for a boy (she only mentioned Charlie after Clarrie said she liked Charles), and Scarlett for a girl.
After Scarlett Johansson – rather than Scarlett O’Hara (which Emma reckoned she’d just ‘forgotten’ about).
On Clarrie saying she thought it’d be a bad name because of the jokes the child would suffer in later life, Emma just didn’t get it.
[Emma] “What?”
[Clarrie] “Well it’s in the bible Emma – a Scarlett woman, well she’s no better than she ought to be”
Hmmm. One would have thought Emma would see herself in that description …
Anyway, Emma offers to help Clarrie with Eddie’s birthday picnic, but Nic has beaten her to it.
Emma will be fighting to get to cut Joe’s toenails next …
Helen’s back to DVDs and being stubborn
Helen reckons she’s going to properly slop out in front of a DVD (very Helen-like), and is refusing to move back home, even part-time, to make her life easier (very, very Helen-like).
But, she did also came out with:
[Helen] “You can’t expect the whole world to be quiet just because you have a baby”
Now that is very un-Helen like indeed. The world used to revolve round Helen. Now it’s Henry – Helen seems to have (sometimes) gained some perspective.
Hurrah! Happiness in Ambridge!!!!
Kenton goes round to Jolene to talk to her about The Bull.
I’ll leave (most of) the rest up to them:
[Kenton] “ …even if he’s going to rip anything out … turn it into flats?”
[Jolene] “I don’t know. I don’t care what Matt will do with it … what’s it matter to you?”
[Kenton] “ … Ambridge without The Bull, it’s unthinkable.”
[Jolene - sarcastically] “Fantastic. One less place to have a beer. That’s what’s bugging you … losing one of your locals”
[Kenton] “No it isn’t. I couldn’t give a damn about the pub. It’s … it’s you. I don’t want to see you go”
[Jolene - quietly] “You don’t want ,me to leave Ambridge?”
[Kenton] “No”
[Jolene] “Why not?”
[Kenton - softly] “Why do you think …?”
[Jolene] “I don’t know … I didn’t think it would make any difference to you”
(Kenton then tries to walk away from it, telling Jolene to forget it)
[Jolene] “I don’t get it, why did you pull the plug on me last week?”
[Kenton] “I didn’t want to. I had to … we were (getting on) much too well … the way that I feel about you. It isn’t … um, appropriate .. you’ve been depressed, you’re vulnerable, It’s totally wrong of me to care for you too much …”
[Jolene] “Don’t you think I should be judge of that?”
[Kenton, stunned] “What?”
[Jolene] “Hearts don’t work to a timetable, do they? I couldn’t work out why I was so mad with you last week … it really hurt. So I asked myself why. I realised … I have feelings an all”
[Kenton – even more stunned] “No!”
[Jolene] “Yes. You do mean it?”
(which is worth checking – it is Kenton …)
[Kenton] “Yes … I didn’t know what it was until I was talking to Kirsty …”
[Jolene] “Oh – the two of us! Ain't you meant to get wiser as you get older!”
Ah – that was a real grinning, breath of freshly buzzing air.
Marvellous!
Kenton and Jolene have agreed to take things slow – but could you also already hear the rather husky, racy tones of Jolene returning?
They were giggling like teenagers at the end. And Kenton asked Jolene out this Thursday – to which Jolene replied:
[Jolene] “oh yea, I’d really like that Kenton”
(and I somehow think they won’t be taking things too slow, or ‘just as friends’ for very long at all …)
