Love in the Time of Coleridge

Laura's on a one way track to the altar - she's made her commitment and standing by it. No amount of doubt on Miranda's behalf is going to dissuade her. Celebrants are interviewed, the dress has been chosen.

Max has been offered a lucrative job deal with a prestigious international newspaper. Old colleague, Ian Cameron, can't believe Max would contemplate returning to the lifestyle which not so long ago nearly cost him his sanity. Nor can he believe how desperately someone wants Max out of Pearl Bay. Max has no doubt as to who that someone is, Morton Tregonning. Not that there's much reason to stay. Laura has made her decision, and the town have refused to speak to him since he was revealed as author of the satirical 'Still Waters' articles.

Max's announcement he's leaving shocks them nonetheless and Meredith tries to gently question his history of being drawn to life's tragedy. The words of the 'Ancient Mariner' are dragged back from his past. Has he too 'shot the albatross' in letting Laura slip away from him?

At the eleventh hour Max forces Laura away to hear what he must confess - aptly they end up careering downriver in an out-of-control dinghy. Amid all Max reveals his feelings and it's only Kevin's offer to tow them back to safety which stops Laura in her tracks. Her commitment to Warwick must stand firm.

The hen's night and buck's nights unroll - one as appalling as the other. Unable to take it any more Laura finally makes a hasty exit straight into the arms of the awaiting Max. At last.

Bob's on the campaign trail for mayor and Morton's in control. In the hands of Astrid, the sexy image consultant, Bob becomes putty. Bob tries to warn Heather she's letting a tiger on the loose by ignoring him, but she fails to respond so Bob limbers up for Astrid. He's out of his depth, however, and sweating over the prospect of having to 'perform' for the brazen Astrid, Bob looks for an escape.