No 24 - Lounge: A few days later, Maria answers the door to a Richard Morrison, who explains that he's from the insurance company. She invites him in, and asks what they need to do. He explains that the police report tallies with the house's policy, though they have yet to figure out how the burglars got inside. Maria looks sheepish, and Richard realises that she forgot to put the deadlock on. He says that there's no mention of deadlocks in the policy - they must have been installed after it was taken out - so he won't say anything. Maria is very relieved. She offers him a coffee, and he says that there's a lot of paperwork to get through, but perhaps they could have one once they're finished.

No 28 - Dining Table: Des and Daphne are having breakfast, and he's talking about the burglary - he can't believe that Maria went to the expense of having a deadlock fitted, and then forgot to use it. Daphne changes the subject, asking whether Des has been in touch with his mum. He doesn't want her to get involved, but Daphne wonders if Eileen might just be lonely, which is why she behaves the way she does. Des just thinks she's a selfish, moralistic old cow, and warns Daphne not to get sucked in by her.

. . .

No 24 - Lounge: Richard and Maria are having a coffee and sharing a laugh, when Danny walks in, ready to leave for school. Maria introduces him to Richard, and Danny asks how things are looking - Richard tells him that they're looking pretty good. Danny leaves, and Richard admits that he's surprised to see that Maria has a grown-up son. Maria tells him that she has another one, who's even older - she says that she married too young, and she and her husband are now separated. Richard is disappointed as he realises that he should get going, and Maria thanks him for his help. As they stand at the door, he suddenly asks if she'd like to have dinner, and they arrange a date for that night.

Ramsay Street - No 26 Front Garden: Helen is doing some painting, when Maria calls by, to ask what she can do for the engagement party. Helen asks her to make one of her rum tortes, and then asks why Maria's in such a good mood, considering she was robbed only a few days ago. Maria explains that she saw the insurance assessor, who thinks they should get most of the money back, and they should try the local pawn shops for the missing jewellery. When Helen notices that Maria has mentioned his name, Richard, she wonders if there's more to this - and Maria admits that he's a nice man and has asked her out to dinner. Helen doesn't see the harm in it

No 24 - Kitchen: Maria notices that Danny has been moping around all evening, with no TV or stereo, and suggests that he do some study, as he has exams in a couple of weeks. He says that he can't study without music, and then he tells Maria that she looks very nice. He suggests that she flirt with Richard to try and get more from their compensation payout. Maria says that she'll be very disappointed if he just wants to talk business with her, but Danny says that he was only joking.

Chalky's Restaurant: Maria and Richard are shown to their seats, and order some pre-dinner drinks. Richard admits that it's been a while since he took an attractive woman out to dinner, and he isn't sure what to say. Maria suggests that he tell her about himself - he says that he leads quite a boring life, but Maria thinks that's hard to believe.

Chalky's Restaurant: Later in the evening, Richard is telling Maria about his divorce, and how his ex-wife wanted him to be a millionnaire, but he didn't want to be working 80 hour weeks and getting stomach ulcers. He says that they never had kids, either, which at least will be compensation for Max when he realises that he's lost Maria. She thinks that the conversation is becoming a little too personal, and says that she's tired. Richard apologises for talking so much, and asks for the bill.

Ramsay Street - No 24 Driveway: Later, Richard is walking Maria up to the house, and says that he's had a wonderful evening, and that she has been excellent company. She says goodnight, and holds out her hand for him to shake, but he kisses it and then walks away.

No 24 - Lounge/Phonebox: Danny is studying as Maria comes in the door. He asks about her night, and she says that it was reasonable, but she doesn't think that she'll see Richard again, as they had very little in common. Just then, the phone rings, and it's Richard, calling from the phonebox down the street. He asks Maria if she had a good night, and she confirms that she did, so they make another date for Friday. Danny wonders why she agreed to go out with him again, and she says that she's changed her mind and wants to see him again.

. . .

No 28 - Kitchen: Terry is showing her new outfit to Daphne, who is preparing some canapes for the party. Terry says that this has all been really easy for Des, but Daphne reminds her that Des has been engaged twice before. Terry wonders if she's going to finally meet 'the dragon lady' Eileen, but Daphne tells her that Des hasn't even told her about the engagement, and she wonders if Joan even knows that Des has a mother.

Langdon House: Joan shows Des her outfit, and he tells her that she looks great, and that everyone is going to like her, so she should just relax and be herself. He then gives her a sapphire engagement ring and she loves it, and puts it on. She says that it's a perfect fit, and he tells her that she's his perfect lady.

No 28: In the lounge, the party is underway, with Lucy handing out snacks. In the kitchen, Maria, Helen and Julie are preparing more food, and Maria tells Helen that she had a very pleasant date with Richard last night. Des and Joan then arrive, so Jim tells Des to introduce her to everyone. He offers her the names of everyone around the room, and she whispers to Des that she already feels very welcome. Helen grabs her to properly introduce her to everyone, and Julie sees the rings and wonders why Des didn't give her a diamond, as it's more traditional, before wandering off into the kitchen. Paul jokes to Des that they're going to have to organise another buck's night, but they can't have Daphne as the stripper again, as she's family now. Des then asks Paul to be his best man, and Paul happily accepts.

. . .

No 28: Paul is handing out drinks to everyone, and Jim suggests that they all make a toast, to Des and Joan. Des then makes a speech, thanking everyone in the street for being like family to him, and hoping that he and Joan have both found the right person this time. During all of this, Jim notices that Julie looks upset, and he goes after her when she quietly slips out of the kitchen. In the lounge, Jim asks Julie if there's anything he can say to help her, but she just talks about Des and his ability to make boring speeches. Jim tells her that she shouldn't be bottling up her feelings at the moment - she asks if he wants her to throw a tantrum, and he says that it probably wouldn't hurt. He tells her that lots of relationships don't work out, but you can't allow it to make you bitter, even if it hurts a lot. She asks if this was how he felt after Anna left, and he admits that he did for a time - she apologises to him, and starts to cry. He says that if it was meant to work, it would have, and you just have to be philosophical, and remember that you'll be happy again one day. Julie breaks down on her dad's shoulder.

Regular Cast Credits