On the Up

- Season 3

(1992)

Ruth has moved back in and decides to throw a fancy dress party,an idea which meets with general approval. However Tony then discovers that he is meant to be playing in a Pro-Am golf tournament in Ireland on that day. Ruth agrees to cancel the party but Tony,not wanting her to act the martyr,agrees to cancel the golf tournament instead. They settle for a romantic evening in front of the fire as opposed to the other options. Unfortunately Maggie has forgotten to notify the guests that the party is off and brightly-costumed people enter the house.

Dawn is a regular visitor to Tony's house as Maggie is helping her pass her English exams but Maggie cannot resist telling Ruth that Dawn and Tony have gone fishing together. As a result Ruth spitefully tries to sack Maggie,causing Sam and Mrs Wembley to walk out. However Tony reinstates all of them and Ruth returns to London defeated. Maggie is nonetheless taking a holiday to visit her folks so Mrs Wembley suggests Dawn improve her social skills by acting as Tony's temporary secretary.

Dawn arrives to become Tony's secretary in Maggie's absence but unfortunately she has no typing or computer skills. When half Tony's drivers go down with flu though Dawn,Sam and Tony take their places,leaving a confused Mrs Wembley in the office with Tony's mum. At least Tony gets a welcome fare in Jane,who agrees to another date whilst Sam comes to defend Mrs Wembley against a rude gardener.

When Stephanie phones to say she is unable to get through to Ruth to collect her for half-term Tony arrives at the school,with Jane,to a frosty reception from Ruth,who has turned up after all. Stephanie opts to go home with Tony though she is unhappy with her parents' situation and feels torn between them as to where to spend the half-term. Fortunately Tony's mum comes up with a classic compromise whilst Mrs Wembley,having sacked the previous gardener for insulting her,finds the perfect replacement.

Tony plays tennis with Jane before taking her to the house,where she makes a very good impression on the staff. Before she and Tony can get cosy Ruth storms in,angry that Stephanie went to stay with her grandma without telling her and announcing that she is leaving Tony for good. Tony suggests they see his mother to get Stephanie's side of things but Stephanie and her Gran are at the greyhound races.

Ruth demands a family meeting as she wants a divorce and wants to know with whom Stephanie will be living. Stephanie explains that she is sick of being in the middle and expected to take sides and opts to go with Tony's mother. Everybody is thrilled to learn that Ruth will be moving in with her boyfriend Stephen and that they will never have to see her again. To celebrate Maggie kisses Sam and Tony asks Jane Webster out to dinner.