Mrs Beddows is disturbed to hear rumours that Maplethorpe may be sold while visiting the local asylum and goes to see Robert Carne. But she is equally perturbed to find School teacher Sarah Burton there when she arrives enjoying drinks. Later Sarah and Robert go out to dinner, but the evening proves a mixed one full of unexpected revelations. Alfred Huggins decides to court fellow members on the committee to buy property he secretly owns on the waste land tipped for the new road build, while Barney Holly decides to court the attentions of the widow Brimley.