SERIES 3 - First broadcast 1981

1. The Scout Hut

Audrey discovers that Richard has refused to sponsor the local scout group in their raft race, but her lecture on the subject remains for the most part unsaid as Richard takes the opportunity to inform her, among other things, that he's "fed up to the back teeth" with her quibbles. To assuage her wrath at being so addressed he invites her to go for a picnic; surprisingly she accepts, but it may have been better if Richard hadn't decided to combine the outing with the filming of his latest promotion for 'Al Fresco Salad Cream'.

First broadcast: 18th Oct 1981

2. Save The Railway Station!

A decision to close the local railway station awakens Audrey's fighting spirit: "we'll show them whose railway this is!" Richard, however, views the proposed closure with complacence: the old station will be the perfect site for his new 'Cash & Carry'. Complications arise when he finds himself in the position of being the saviour of the station (due to Audrey), but the village school would do just as well…alas, Audrey doesn't agree. But does she ever?

First broadcast: 25th Oct 1981

3. Horses & Helicopters

Richard has bought a helicopter, but Marlbury Motors are keeping Audrey's Rolls Royce until she settles the account. In need of cash, Audrey offers to run Mrs Proctor's riding school while the latter is away. "It isn't a job, as such!" Running the riding school also gives Audrey the idea of switching to horsepower; plus it means she can have a really good go at Richard for "spoiling the quality of life with that obscene machine." Taking five old people to the seaside might be difficult without a car, but Audrey's not one to let a little thing like that stop her.

First broadcast: 1st Nov 1981

4. A Rare Bird

The arrival of a Bee-Eater is highly displeasing to Audrey, as she's recently got herself a beehive. She refuses to join in Marjory's night watch over the nests; until it is suggested that Richard could be her watching partner, something which even makes up for drawing the 'midnight to 6 am' watch period. She finds that the constant stream of birdwatchers is highly beneficial to her honey trade too. Mrs fforbes-Hamilton's Bee-Eater honey, anyone? It's incredible that one hive can produce so much in so short a time.

First broadcast: 8th Nov 1981

5. A Wife's Prerogative

Richard's business negotiations become slightly bothersome when Mlle Dutoit takes a fancy to him. To get out of her proposition without jeopardising the deal he tells her he is married: only to be plunged straight into the equally awkward situation of having to produce his wife. Audrey agrees to masquerade as Mrs DeVere and takes the opportunity of being back at the Manor to rearrange the furniture and remove all the modern art, much to Richard's annoyance. Their domestic performance leaves rather a lot to be desired but fortunately Mlle Dutoit has a sense of humour.

First broadcast: 15th Nov 1981

6. The Business Crisis

There are money problems at Cavendish and Richard's directors are not happy with his methods. In need of money for a new refrigeration plant in Argentina, Richard is considering selling Grantleigh. When Audrey hears of his difficulties she says that his leaving "simply cannot be allowed", and enlists the help of her uncle (the black sheep of the family). With the help of a fake engagement and a "certain sartorial reputation" she persuades him to use his influence in the city to get Richard the support he needs.

First broadcast: 22nd Nov 1981

7. Back To The Manor

Uncle Greville's death occurs at a rather unfortunate moment: the deals for Richard's refrigeration plant have not been signed and once again no one is prepared to support him. Forced to sell the estate, all hope of engaging Audrey's interest seems lost. But meanwhile Audrey makes the surprising discovery that she is the main beneficiary of Greville's will. Once she has used her fortune to buy back the Manor she throws an enormous party where she asks Richard to marry her. So there is a wedding at Grantleigh, and all ends 'happily ever after'.

First broadcast: 29th Nov 1981
note: this episode was watched by a record breaking 24 million in the UK when first broadcast