30/11/2021

Hazel arrives at The Lodge, tired from her journey. She’s happy with her quiet room at Grey Gables rather than her usual choice of The Royal Garden Suite. She alarms even sceptical Kate when she almost faints. She explains she has Long Covid, and that the seriousness of her illness took her by surprise. Kate remains suspicious of the new, humble Hazel, and believes her change in behaviour and attitude is purely manipulative. Over dinner Hazel declares she’d like to take a look at the rewilding scheme, before announcing she’s tired and must leave. Against Kate’s advice, Peggy offers Hazel a bed at The Lodge. Kate gives way and Hazel accepts. Mia tries in vain to get Will to see how little she has in common with Chelsea; they’ll never be friends. Eddie arrives buoyed up from deputising for Lynda at rehearsals. Will announces that Martyn Gibson has asked him to do some casual work on the shoot, and that he’s agreed. Eddie’s not happy at all, but Will assures him he’s come a long way since he last was near a shotgun, and he’s fine with it. Working the drives is what he enjoys. Mia’s against it and feels it’s a cruel sport, but Will counters the birds have had a happy life. Later Eddie imparts the bad news that Benjamin the donkey won’t be able to perform in the Mystery Plays. Lynda was banking on him as key to the piece. Eddie can’t see how Lynda’s not going to hold him to account for this while she’s away.