With the departure of Dr. Dibbs, Dr. Ellingham moves back into his old surgery, agreeing to stay for a couple of months until a replacement can be appointed. Determined to get to grips with fatherhood, he asks Louisa to move into his house so he can help to raise their child. He even suggests that Louisa and still un-named "baby" could move to London with him. Aunt Joan's sister Ruth Ellingham (Dame Eileen Atkins) attends the funeral and demonstrates the same cantankerous character as her nephew. She has no more intention of staying in Portwenn than Martin does, but Joan has left her the house and farm.