Staycation with my fiancee's motherFiancé meets future mother-in-law, forgets his own engagement party

The story

Our desk has learned that Jake is the happiest man alive, at least until dinner. He and Sophie are newly engaged, and her mother, Mrs. Veronica Parker, welcomes him to a lakeside week of lazy days. Her husband is running late, as ever. Toasts are raised, Sophie turns in early, and Veronica asks her daughter's fiancé for one dance. Episode 1 shows a man who cannot stop looking, a hostess who notices every glance, and a parting line that keeps the whole room quiet. Insiders say the ring is still shiny. His composure is not.

The twist

Episode 2 opens on the morning after, and Jake is rattled. Sophie slips off to the city for work, Veronica is up early and in need of a helping hand, and the shower is running. Who is knocking on whose door? Our reporters are still asking.

Developing story

Sophie is due home by evening and her father is expected eventually. Three paid episodes decide whether this holiday ends in a wedding or in a very awkward family photo.