10/11/2021

Alarmed Oliver listens to Eddie’s plans for the vows renewal party, which have ramped up considerably since Oliver’s offer of Grey Gables. Eddie’s self-upgrade to the ballroom has made Oliver nervous. He stresses again that the use of the room is contingent on no other paid booking coming in. On hearing Baggy and a barrel of home brew are involved, he reminds Eddie of the hotel’s rules and etiquette. Eddie promises he and his party will behave. Lynda’s keen to express her gratitude to Oliver for his kindness in persuading Mike Tucker and his family to stay at the hotel at New Year, so solving her Judas problem. Oliver’s modest; it seemed like the best solution all round. Lynda gushes that Oliver would be perfect for the role of God. Oliver politely declines. Clarrie reports to Susan that she hopes Lynda’s play rewrites won’t prove too much for Mia, who’d already learned her lines. Susan just hopes that her proposed stint on horseback hasn’t made the cut. Clarrie’s wary of the new venue for her vows celebration; Grey Gables is a bit too big and grand. She can’t get her head around it, and the consequent increase in catering requirements. An offer of a chocolate fountain from Pip tips Clarrie over the edge. Mia finds her hiding in the garden, ducking out of the party discussions. She advises Clarrie to speak up if it’s not what she wants. But Clarrie’s unwilling to reject all the well-meant kindness – she’s sure it’ll be lovely on the day.