12/02/2020

Ben arrives home early from college as his tutor's off sick. He finds Jill in the orchard checking the hen house roof. She congratulates Ben on his three university offers. Ben realises that it's been ten years since Phil died, and shares his memories of him with Jill. She tells Ben that when Phil suggested she keep some hens, she finally felt that Brookfield was going to be her home. Ben likes hearing about his family history, but Jill is cautious of maundering on and asks Ben about his Valentine's plans and university choices. He explains that there would be loads of advantages in going to Felpersham university, like living at home and working with Bess. Besides, he'd miss Jill's cakes and biscuits.
Jakob diagnoses Cranford Crystal with laminitis and recommends putting her in a smaller stable as soon as possible with another pony for company. Jakob thinks the most plausible explanation for her condition is that she's been over-eating, as she's showing other signs of obesity. He puts her on a strict diet. After Jakob's finished treating the horse, Chris offers him his congratulations on becoming a father. Jakob is stunned - Kate's told Alice and not him. Now he understands her cryptic messages. He's going to become a father.