Eleanor wants to have a family wedding because she has heard that Vera Polling is having one and that, of course, puts the pressure on Sarah and Clare.
Sarah wants the hall redecorated in time for her birthday party and Eleanor wants a new dress for that occasion--but there's only enough money for one or the other.
Eleanor is left in charge of the bookshop when Russell and Sarah go off for a special lunch. She initiates an efficiency drive, which goes badly wrong.
Sarah makes plans to escape to Portugal for two weeks with her glamorous friend Alison, but Eleanor drags out all her emotional-blackmailing skills to scupper the plans.