11/10/2021

Blake’s done a good job on his second assignment at Greenacres. Alistair suggests he stay for lunch. He establishes Blake loves animals, and they exchange amusing anecdotes. Alistair feels uncomfortable letting Blake leave a warm house to return to the birdhide, but on Jazzer’s prompting he doesn’t press the issue. Alistair also raises the subject of payment, and gets out his wallet. Blake feels it’s too much, but Alistair and Jazzer insist; this is the real world of work now. They agree it’s an important step for Blake.
Stella needs an assurance from Brian that sourcing a freelance labour pool will be worth it – she doesn’t want to go down this route if Home Farm’s being sold. Brian confirms he’s not selling up. He wants to farm forever. Stella meets Pip to ask about some sheep in a field she plans to spray. She asks Pip to move them. She rubs Pip up the wrong way and Pip retorts the earliest she can get them moved is tomorrow. Later Stella remarks to Brian on Pip’s unprofessional attitude. Brian’s surprised. They’ve always enjoyed a good relationship with Brookfield as far as he’s concerned. But the more Stella discovers, the more she feels it’s all too close for comfort. The sheep arrangement needs to work properly or it might be better if Home Farm’s no longer involved. Brian assures Stella she’ll soon get used to the ways of Ambridge. Stella muses they might need to think carefully about all these cosy arrangements.