20/10/2024

Brian worries to Stella about access into the field for Thursday’s ploughing match at Home Farm. The Bull will be handling the catering. Brian’s entered Stella for the ‘Ladies Cup’, a term she objects to, competing against Ruth. But Stella isn’t keen on promoting such an outdated farming practice. Later at Brookfield, Stella catches up with Ruth and repeats her stance on ploughing and use of the word ‘Ladies’. Ruth’s more sanguine about it and shows Stella an article online about pioneering ploughwomen in the fifties. Stella thinks the pictures look amazing and loves Ruth’s idea of dressing up in vintage clothing on the day of the match. Alice appears unexpectedly at Little Grange to get Emma to sign a permission form for Keira’s riding. Flustered Emma does so, then confesses how angry and disappointed she is with George, before breaking down. Sympathetic Alice – drawing on techniques that helped her through addiction - suggests a coping mechanism. Then she tells Emma about Chris writing to her when she was in Rehab, with news about Martha and local gossip. Perhaps Emma could write to George about Apple Day? Alice has already promised Keira that she’s going.After clearing access into the field Brian has lunch with Alice at The Bull. She tells him about seeing Emma, though Brian can’t understand why she bothered. But for Alice, reaching out to the Grundys feels like part of her recovery. Besides, she knows what it’s like being separated from your child and feeling it’s your fault. Brian has to admit, Alice is a better woman than he is.