21/09/2025

In a largely empty marquee Susan and Emma assume most people haven’t bothered entering the Flower & Produce Show again, though Ben’s entered several categories on Jill’s behalf. Azra’s surprised to find Alan judging with her, before Susan apologises to Alan for Brian’s behaviour at the school Harvest Festival. Emma then tells Susan that George’s homecoming party will be held at Will’s house instead of Grange Farm. Susan presumes her and Neil won’t be invited, but Emma insists they should go, no matter what Amber thinks. Emma then tries persuading Amber to invite them, but when Amber sees Susan she tells her about the nightmares George has had in prison, where he’s trapped in a sinking car while Neil and Susan stare down from the riverbank. Amber says their betrayal nearly broke him. If they go to the party they should be aware just how much it might upset him. As part of the judging Alan decides to taste a courgette, but when he reports how bitter it is Azra makes him spit it out. One of her patients suffered Toxic Squash syndrome, after ingesting high levels of cucurbitacin in pumpkin soup. She thinks the courgette tastes bitter for the same reason. Alan’s grateful for Azra’s intervention when he hears about the terrible effects it could have had. After the judging Ben discovers he won in all three categories he entered, pipping Susan for best cake. Susan’s preoccupied by what she heard from Amber though, and makes her excuses to Emma. They won’t be going to George’s party after all.