Ladies of Letters

Five years after their European holiday ended in a bust-up Irene invites Vera to the funeral of mutual ex- Bill Snapes, where they strive to outdo each other in glamorous black outfits.

Vera moves to a trailer park and falls in with some very suspicious company. She sends one of her newly acquainted neighbours to sort out her former friend.

Safely abroad, Irene boasts to Vera about her new life in Australia - the fabulous weather, the delicious wine, an adorable granddaughter, and a handsome suitor called Vincent...

Vera and Irene both busy themselves raising their granddaughters, while their own daughters behave either mysteriously or very badly indeed. When Karen falls pregnant to trailer park heavy Damon, Irene can scarcely contain her joy!

When Irene's increasing isolation draws her towards composing poems, one of her letters leads the social services to scrutinise Vera's claim to custody of her granddaughter - Sabrina.

Vera is in urgent correspondence with Lesley, and then with Irene herself about her breakdown. Was it the alcohol? or something more sinister?

Having been 'rescued' from the clinic by Damon and Karen, Irene is now living rough in the outback.

Vera reports more violence and mayhem at the trailer park, but is still providing a happy home there for granddaughter Sabrina.

Vera is right to suspect that St John, the vet, is her grandson Nelson's father: he heads for Australia the moment he hears the boy may be his. Irene is now housekeeping for him.

Harsh words are exchanged by letter after Irene accuses Vera of being controlling and, whilst Irene, Karen and St. John all return to England for the wedding, Vera announces her intention to boycott it.