Eddie’s fears escalate, and Stella struggles to find the right words.

Jazzer and Neil swap grumbles on their respective partners having their noses buried in Lark Rise To Candleford. Emma tells them not to knock it until they’ve tried it. She announces proudly she’s started her English literature course, and Neil comments it’s nice to see her smiling. Emma’s keen to talk about her mum’s upcoming sixtieth. She reckons they can’t let it pass without a big bash. Jazzer remarks that Alistair’s fed up with being the Prof’s personal taxi service. Neil suggests they lend Jim back the Riley, but Jazzer says Jim won’t hear of it. Pip’s not looking forward to telling Toby about Stella – her parents knowing is bad enough. Stella agrees it’ll be weird for a while, but they’ll all get their heads round it. She offers to help Pip tell Toby, but Pip wants to do it herself. When she does so, Toby bombards her with questions and Pip fields them awkwardly. When the penny drops with nonplussed Toby that Stella’s actually there in the cottage, he makes a hasty exit. Stella’s overheard Toby mentioning the night he spent with Pip. Stella thinks it’s a bit weird. She explains she’s been in a similar situation before, and it didn’t work out well. Stella worries Toby will always be the safe space Pip runs to. Later Toby assures Pip he’s pleased for her, and happy her relationship with Stella won’t tread on his role as Rosie’s father. He reckons Pip’s a go getter, and she needs to get Stella. Pip insists the ball’s in Stella’s court.

Emma discovers Natasha never got the email she sent. Natasha suggests Emma joins her at The Bull where she’s meeting Fallon to discuss Tearoom business. Later Fallon accepts the manager’s position. Natasha wants the Tearoom to be completely organic, and Fallon wonders if she’s considered the cost of this. Natasha’s set on it nevertheless. She produces a contract for Fallon, but Fallon’s not signing anything until they’ve hammered out the details around bonuses. Just as Fallon seeks assurance that Emma will retain her job, Emma appears. Natasha announces Emma has a job, and Emma is elated. Her bubble bursts when Natasha goes on to say that Fallon will be her boss, as manager. Devastated Emma excuses herself. Fallon goes after her and attempts to comfort her but Emma doesn’t reveal why she’s upset. Stella checks with Pip that their drink with Ruth and David is definitely still happening. They’re both nervous about it but try to convince themselves that it will be fine. In the Bull, the conversation is stilted and Pip urges her parents to stop being so weird and formal. Ruth explains they’re only acting strange because the situation feels strange. At the bar Pip points out to Stella that Ruth could be feeling this way because it’s like Pip has stolen her friend. Later, Stella forces Ruth to talk and they iron out why it feels uncomfortable. Their friendship is now different, particularly when it comes to Pip. Stella’s hopeful they’ll be fine in a few weeks. They just need to set some boundaries.

Fallon makes a decision, and there’s first day nerves for Freddie.

Josh tells Pip excitedly that his mate’s band, The Straw Crows, are booked to play at the Harvest Supper. He’s been in touch with the violinist. Josh is aware of something going on between Pip and their parents. Pip admits they’ve had words and explains that she and Stella are dating, and she thinks David and Ruth are being weird about it. Fallon’s full of ideas about growing her upcycling and catering businesses. Harrison is confident in her but admits he’s worried about money. Later, Harrison returns to apologise for his attitude earlier. Fallon points out that she supported him when he went part time and she’d like that to be reciprocal. He wants them to think it through before committing. He doesn’t think the catering and upcycling incomes will be enough, at least in the short term. Ruth accepts that she handled talking to Pip about Stella badly. She and David discuss why they don’t feel completely happy about this new relationship. They’re joined by Pip, and Ruth apologises for the way she reacted on Monday. She hopes they can start again. Over a tea break, Ruth, David and Pip clear the air. They invite Stella and Pip for dinner but Pip’s not ready for a formal, family dinner, especially if Jill’s there. Josh joins them and confirms that Harvest Supper arrangements are all in hand. Ruth suggests dinner with Stella at The Bull instead. They settle on just a drink, on the condition that David and Ruth won’t be embarrassing.