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Episode Summaries > 1986 > Episode 250
Written by Ray Harding, Directed by Andrew Friedman

At the Coffee Shop, Mr. Archibald from the council arrives and tells Daphne she'll have to abandon the Pancake competition. Daphne objects and Eileen calls Nell an 'old sticky beak'. Clive tells Daphne she really has no other choice. The council official leaves and Nell triumphantly turns to Daphne. Daphne tells her trying to close the Coffee Shop will only bring everyone out on her side. Nell storms off.

At the Robinson house, Eileen tells Helen she hates Nell's busy-bodiness and her husband is hen-pecked too. Helen wonders if she should invite Madge over but Eileen tells her Madge will only be hostile at losing the competition. Helen comments she feels Eileen is being over dramatic.

At the pub, Madge meets Fred and Jack Lassiter introduces himself before taking them to a table. Shane and Clive arrive and seeing Fred, Shane becomes instantly suspicious. Jack asks the guys about the competition and Clive tells him of how it all ended. Jack explains that Nell's nephew is planning to open a rival Coffee shop and will need Daphne's custom. Clive comments he's not looking forward to Daphne finding out.

Back at the Coffee Shop, Des arrives to see Daphne who angrily tells him all about Nell. Daphne asks if he can help her on the new move across to her new shop in Lassiters. Des agrees and asks about the furniture she still has at No.28 - Seeing an opportunity to be alone with her he asks her to come over to dinner to discuss it further. Daphne warily agrees.

Fred tells Madge he's always loved her but their kids made him feel unwanted. Madge softens and tells him it is all different now for them. Fred tells her she's right as he has Susan and the baby to look after and he wants her to keep the diamond ring - as long as she doesn't claim for any share of their house and business. Madge is in shock as Fred then bids her farewell. Madge cannot believe that she thought they were about to be reconciled.

At Lassiter's, Charlene catches up with her father as he packs. She asks if she can come back to Coffs Harbour with him but Fred tells her not until the baby is born and then only maybe - Charlene is not convinced her father wants her back at all.

Back at the pub, Jack can see Madge is upset and Clive goes over to her. Madge tells him "Fred lied to me, he always lies to me." Madge agrees to let Clive walk her home.

At the Coffee Shop, Shane tells Daphne the reason behind Nell's actions but becomes angry himself on learning Des has asked her over for dinner. Daphne assures him it is only to discuss their furniture and he has nothing to worry about.

At number 22, Clive brings Madge inside and refuses to let her go home to an empty house. Madge tells him she no realises Fred only used her to get out of supporting Charlene. Madge fears how upset Charlene would be to find out her 'idol' doesn't care about her. Clive promises he'll never tell her.

At the Ramsay house, Charlene returns home to only find Shane home. She tells her cousin she hoped Fred would want her back but it is clear he doesn't. Shane tells her he's sorry but it might be best for Madge.
Shane explains he's home alone as Daphne is at Des's house and he's worried that their relationship isn't as over as he thought.

At the restaurant, Des tells Daphne he's enjoying being a father figure to Bradley - Daphne quickly changes the subject and tells Des just to sell her furniture. Des tries to tell her it all seems a waste after what they had together. Daphne changes the subject again.

At number 22, Clive tells Mike he'll use Gift of the Gab for him to win over Nikki. Shane arrives and is deeply jealous of Des being with Daphne. Clive explains it's only business but Shane isn't convinced Des sees it like that.

Daphne reminds Des about the Italian restaurant they went to celebrate their engagement. Des ask if she regrets coming out with him tonight and Daphne tells him no despite Shane being angry about it. Des tells her he understands but he has her for one night where as Shane has her for the rest of his life. Daphne says nothing.

Back at number 22, Clive tells Shane not to over react as Des and Daphne come in the house laughing but Shane fired up asks them "How many more intimate dinners will it take to sort out the furniture?"
Des tries to calm Shane down but Daphne is furious and tells Shane he's acting like a school kid and can leave. So Shane does.