Jean rushes down the stairs looking determined to get somewhere quickly and quietly. She's carrying some articles of clothing. Lionel, who is sitting in living room, hears her and hollers "Jean" several times. There is no answer. 
He runs out into the hallway and sees no-one. He opens the cupboard which is under the stairs and finds Jean sitting inside, clutching the clothing. "Hello," she says calmly as though this were perfectly normal. Lionel's eyes widen. "Never mind hello." He wants to know what she's doing with his clothing. She tells him that she's collecting for "Help the Aged." He has already given, he says, and grabs his clothes from her. She says that what he gave is something which no-one would want to buy. He makes matters worse by offering to have his contribution back then. She says that sitting there with his clothes held tightly in his arms he looks rather like a squirrel hoarding his nuts. His contention is that he's just protecting his property, but Jean pronounces the property as "just things you don't want." He grabs a suit coat and says that he wore it yesterday. She remembers that indeed he did, but grabs another jacket and asks when he wore that. "Every so often," is his answer. She bets him that if there are theatre tickets inside the pockets, they're probably for the opening of Chu Chin Chow. He gives in and releases his grip on the pile of clothing. He tells her to have the lot. She doesn't want him to give up things he really wants. He tells her that she should have thought of that before she ransacked his wardrobe. She nods at her pile of donations and points out that it's quite a bit larger than his. He attributes this to the fact that she has a much bigger wardrobe. 
Just then, Judith walks in with two items. "Is that all? Jean asks. Judy doesn't really think she has too much that the aged would be interested in wearing, but Jean points out that the donations are not for the aged to wear, but rather for the shop to sell so that the proceeds can be given to the aged. Judith feels stupid for having said that and Jean asks if she's never before looked in a charity shop. "Not really," she answers -- she usually just puts money in the collection tin. Lionel suggests that if he were her he would start looking in those shops now that she knows the quality of the items they sell. Sandy walks in carrying a huge pile of clothing. Jean asks if she's sure she wants to donate all that and Sandy observes that it's about time she had a good clear out. And, if she misses any of the stuff she can always buy it back. At bargain prices, Jean reminds her. Lionel thinks that just then they almost made it sound like good business.
Judith reaches into Sandy's pile and grabs a blouse, saying that she's always rather liked it. Sandy tells her that she can have it. She reaches in and grabs something else, but Jean stops her and tells her not to do that or everything will wind up staying there except they will all be in different wardrobes. Lionel can't resist telling Jean that she's right -- in fact he saw a blouse he really likes. He says that very effeminately, in a way that was meant to mock her. She asks if he's not in favor of what she's doing. Lionel answers that he is in favor of a good cause, but they could save all this kerfuffle by having a whip round. Jean tells Judy to go back upstairs so she can have another look for old clothing and do better than she did the first time around. Jean says that they have to sort things into two piles. Lionel points out that there are already two piles -- men's clothing and women's. No, she wants a pile that needs dry cleaning and one that doesn't. Lionel is stunned to hear that not only do they have to give away their clothing, but they also have to pay to have it dry-cleaned. While Sandy and Jean are sorting, Lionel grabs an article of clothing and hides it behind him. No-one appears to notice. After a moment Jean tells him to "put it back." He looks a child caught with his fingers in the cookie jar.
When they finish sorting, they come out into the hallway with the clothing destined for the dry cleaners. Lionel tells Sandy to put the clothing in the boot because he'd like to be able to see out of the back window. Lionel puts his jacket on as Jean makes certain that he knows which dry cleaners get the clothes. He tells her he knows where to go, but she doesn't really expect him to go on his own, does she? She assures him that there is nothing to be afraid of. 
He's talking about parking though -- there's nowhere to park in the area and if he is going to have to risk a yellow line he wants to be in and out as quickly as possible and he can't do it while carrying a ton of dry cleaning. Jean says that she'll have Sandy and Judy go with him because she just can't bear to think of him buried under a mountain of dry cleaning. Judith comes downstairs with her new donations and Sandy grabs a green sweater and tells her that she likes that. Jean puts a stop to it and tells her to get into the car.
Rocky (who is still quite alive, despite his doctor's predictions) and Madge are having coffee in the living room and telling Jean about their experiences in Libya and the Congo. Jean tells them that they're lucky to have gotten out alive since there's a civil war in the Congo. Madge tells her that they didn't start it but Jean doesn't think that would be considered when it comes to restraining people. 
They actually wrote to the United Nations to offer their services as good will ambassadors, but they never heard back. Jean says that it's really good to see them after such a long time and Rocky asks what she's been up to lately. Well, certainly she's done nothing as exciting as what they've done, but she's got a part-time job working at a charity shop. Madge asks what charity she's been working for and Jean, almost reluctantly answers that she's working with "Help the Aged." Rocky and Madge certainly aren't offended -- in fact, they don't relate themselves to it at all. "Poor souls," says Rocky. Madge figures it must be awful to be aged. Rocky wonders whether young Lionel helps out at all. "Can you really see Lionel helping out in a shop?" Jean asks. Rocky concedes that no, he can't -- not if they want to keep any customers. The doorbell rings and Jean excuses herself to answer it.
It's Harry at the door. Jean asks him to come in, but he tells her he's on duty. He just wonders if Sandy is in. Sandy isn't there. Harry is concerned that Sandy won't speak with him on the telephone. 
Jean says that she can hardly blame Sandy -- asking her to go to Jersey for a week and then telling her that it was a rugby tour, really wasn't the way to Sandy's heart. "She would have enjoyed it -- we won all three matches." Jean smiles and tells him that he's a nice lad, but he must put more thought into this. He will. He's about to leave, but asks her about the Cadillac that's parked out front. He wonders whether or not it belongs to anyone they know. Jean tells him that it belongs to their visitors. She asks why he wants to know and Harry says that it is parked in a Resident's Only Zone and Beeky, the ticket happy traffic warden is on his rounds. She thanks him for the warning and assures him she'll tell Sandy that he was there.
Meanwhile in the living room Madge is telling Rocky that she thought his favorite would have been Scary Spice, when Jean comes back and says they'd better move the Cadillac. She has inside information which indicates that a traffic warden named Beeky is making the rounds. Madge isn't going to park miles away for some silly man in a silly hat.
She tells Jean that they'll sort it out. Jean hopes that doesn't involve offering him a bribe. Rocky and Madge begin to playact. Rocky assures Jean that they'll think of something -- and, in his best southern accent, says -- "won't we Lulubelle?" Madge doesn't skip a beat. "We sure will Beauregard. We'll tell those wardens who they're a-talkin' to." Rocky gets up and gets mock serious, telling Jean that they probably don't realize that he is Colonel Beauregard Dupree III a senior senator from the little old state of Georgia. Jean tells Rocky she wants no part of this. Rocky accuses her and all young people today of having no spirit of adventure.
Later that day Lionel is in the kitchen washing dishes. He shakes his head -- "Beauregard and Lulubelle Dupree." He thinks that sooner or later Rocky and Madge are going to be put away. Jean, who is cutting vegetables for dinner, says that wherever they get put away they will cheer the place up no end. 
Lionel doesn't understand how Jean can take them so lightly. She denies that she does and, in fact, says that she takes them very seriously. They cope with old age by refusing to accept it. Lionel feels that's as practical as a child who covers his own eyes and then thinks that he can't be seen. Jean laughs, remembering that she used to do that, too. She wonders if Lionel did as well. He assures her that he did not. Jean sometimes thinks that Lionel must have been born with that expression on his face. He knows that he was a very bonnie baby. Awwwww, she says mockingly. She asks him if he had dimples on his bottom. He replies that they are not talking about his bottom, they're talking about Rocky and Madge. Jean tries to be serious and asks what about them. He figures it really doesn't make any difference because nothing he can say will alter the way they carry on.
Jean sincerely hopes not. She asks Lionel to give her the cleaning tickets so she can put them in a safe place. He reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out many -- maybe 12 or 13 -- tickets. This surprises her and he says he, too, was surprised at the number. "Well, we had a good clear out." Well, she did. "And it is for a good cause." He knows. She repeats that it is a good cause and asks whether or not he minds her helping out at the charity shop. He tells her that of course he doesn't mind. Jean seems contemplative. She guesses she's like most people. She always means to help out, but apart from putting the odd pound in the box, that's all she ever gets round to. But with a little bit of extra effort.... He interrupts her and tells her to sit down. She looks at him strangely, but sits down. He asks her what she's building up to. "Who says I'm building up to anything?" 
Lionel tells her that he may not know whether or not he has dimples on his bottom, but he certainly knows when she's building up to something. She mentions that he's heard her talk about Phylis. He says he hasn't. Phylis Loader at the charity shop. They were talking the other day and she came up with this idea. Lionel wants to know if it involves him. She tells him it doesn't and he immediately pronounces it a good idea. She modifies her position: it does indirectly involve him. Before she can say more, the doorbell rings. Lionel gets up figuring it might be the traffic warden. Jean tells him to say that Rocky and Madge are out. He's not sure whether she means "of their minds" or "the house."
Before Lionel can answer it Madge heads him off. She's always felt there was something exciting about answering doors and wants to open it herself. She opens the door and sees Harry, who says "Good afternoon." 
She says she wants to first tell him that she and her husband, Colonel Beauregard Dupree...." Harry tells her she doesn't have to do that because he knows who she is. Sandy has told him all about her. She hopes he doesn't mind a harmless little prank. She asks if she can help him. He asks if Sandy is back yet. Lionel, who is standing within earshot, says hello to Harry, tells him that Sandy is upstairs and asks him to come in. He says he can't because he's still on duty so Lionel goes upstairs to get her. Madge tells Harry that she shall be unusally discreet and withdraw. She backs away from him.
Upstairs, Lionel knocks on Sandy's door and advises her that Harry's there. "Tell him we've nothing to say to each other." 
Lionel asks her to tell that to Harry herself. She eventually comes out and says she just doesn't want to see him. Jean passes the front door and sees Harry. She asks him to come in, but he tells her that he's on duty. He says he's waiting for Sandy because Lionel went upstairs to get her. Jean's glad. Lionel comes back downstairs and apologizes, saying that Sandy doesn't want to see him. "Thanks all the same," Harry says. Lionel closes the front door. 
Sandy skips down the stairs and asks Lionel if he's gone. He says that, of course he's gone -- she said she didn't want to see him. She knows she did, but... "Well then?" Lionel wonders what she expected him to do. Sandy wants to know if he said anything. Yes, he said "I see, thanks anyway." Sandy has difficulty believing that was it. "I don't know," she shakes her head. She walks into the living room. Lionel rushes to the front door and opens it, but sees no-one and shrugs his shoulders.
Jean is setting the table for dinner and musing about what the world is coming to when you tell a man you don't want to see him and all he says is "I see" and goes. Everyone else is seated in the living room and trying to figure out the same thing. "He just goes." remarks Judith. "Thanks anyway," says Sandy. Rocky sometimes thinks that men are just pawns in the game. 
Alistair agrees, but adds that it's "wonderful, isn't it?" Lionel walks into the living room, trying to get it straight. He recaps. "You did ask me to say that you didn't want to see him?" Sandy admits that that happened. He asks if he was supposed to wink as he said it or what? Sandy assures him that she never asked him to wink. He still doesn't understand what happened. Marge suggests he just leave it. Jean agrees. 
She walks into the living room and says she wants to ask them all something now that they're all assembled there. Lionel interrupts and says that he wants to know more about this idea of Phylis' that indirectly involves him. Jean tells him that that's just what she wants to talk about. He doesn't think it's fair for her to try to get everyone on her side first, because that way if he says no.... She interrupts him and tells him not to be paranoid. She says that this is a team thing. She wants everybody to help and doesn't want anyone to run for the door. Sandy asks if it is compulsory. Jean protests, saying she can't make anybody do anything. Judith thinks it best that Jean just tell them the idea.
It was actually Phylis who had the idea and Jean sort of developed it. "Oh, my," says Lionel. Jean shuts him up. Phylis thought it would be nice if they gave a tea party for the residents of the local old people's home. Lionel asks "where?" Jean can hire the church hall. Lionel reminds her she said it would be a little tea party. That, she tells him, is where her developing it comes in. 
She thought it would be nice if they turned it into a real party -- not just sitting around with cucumber sandwiches and fancy cakes. She points out that these people don't go out much at all. But she can't do it on her own. "So what do you think?" she asks them all. Rocky tells her that he thinks it's a splendid idea. Rocky and Madge are both in. Alistair asks when he's ever said no to a party. He adds that they'll need music because you can't have a party without it. Madge offers to bring her drum kit but Jean lets her down lightly by reminding her that drums aren't a solo instrument. Alistair has a friend who's a DJ who owes him a favor. He can borrow his gear. "Rock on!" says Rocky. Jean points out that everything is coming together. She looks to Judy and Sandy who aren't nearly as enthusiastic as the others. Jean says that, of course, it isn't compulsory. Judith is about to say she doesn't want to help when her mother plays the guilt card: she certainly doesn't want to pressure anyone and "you two have your own young lives to lead and, of course, if you think you can't give over a few hours to some old people who aren't quite as lucky as you two..." Okay, they're in. Jean looks quite pleased with herself as she turns to Lionel. He tells her "I can't wait." He's wearing his grumpiest face.
They walk into the church hall which is quite a mess. There's a lot of cleaning up to do. They mop in synch. Lionel fights with a folding table that doesn't want to remain standing. Alistair battles the feedback from the sound system. Rocky battles what appears to be a huge coffee urn. 
They hang banners, position balloons, set the tables and set up the cooking equipment. Alistair brings flowers for the tables, which they all found to be a wonderful surprise. One by one they all kiss him, until he gets to Lionel, who pulls back, naturally. Things go smoothly and not so smoothly and finally they can stand back and feel proud of themselves. The room is spotless and ready for the partygoers. They put their coats on and leave.
Back at home they're taking care of the final details. Jean hollers that someone should bring some things to the hall to unpack. She's very busy co-ordinating and comes into the kitchen where Lionel is busily wrapping little cakes in cling film, just as as he says she told him to do. She's amazed and says she didn't tell him to wrap them individually. She grabs the roll and covers the plate of cakes. He points out that she would have saved him a lot of trouble had she explained that concept properly. She asks if she had asked him to bring coal, would he have brought it in lump by lump? He tries to deflate her argument by saying that you don't wrap coal in cling film. 
Judith walks into the kitchen and asks if those are the last of the sandwiches to go. Jean wonders if they've made enough. Judith tells her that she's made enough to feed the whole of London. "And most of the home counties," adds Lionel. That doesn't discourage Jean -- she thinks there's nothing worse than running out of food. Judith laughs and Jean says "wait until it's your turn." For what? Jean tells her that depends on how enthusiastic they are this afternoon. Sandy and Judith insist that they oozing enthusiasm and leave with the sandwiches. Lionel says he was thinking. Jean interrupts and tells him that, yes, he does have to come. That's not it. He wants to know what they're supposed to do with all these aged people. She doesn't know what he means -- they're just young people who have become old people, not toys you take out of a box and play with for a while. He asks what they should do if one of them dies. "That's a cheerful thought," she answers. When he reminds her that it is not an impossibility, she asks rhetorically what they should do if there's an earthquake under the church hall. She thinks he's uncomfortable with this whole idea. He doesn't know much about old people. Jean says he makes them sound like aliens. The only old person he knows is Rocky, but Rocky isn't typical. Jean agrees, but advises that if he just turns on the charm he'll be fine.
Phylis hollers that she's there and Jean sticks her head out the kitchen door and tells her that they're in the kitchen. Lionel says "perhaps it's cancelled." No such luck. Phylis walks in and says that her father-in-law, who is rather a feisty old thing, told her to come straight in. 
Jean introduces Phylis to Lionel, who upon hearing his father described as feisty asks if he's done anything. Phylis looks puzzled. She tells Lionel that Jean has described him as being very enthusiastic about this party. "Has she?" he asks. Jean jumps in and says that she can hardly restrain him -- he can't wait to get down to the hall. As she's explaining, Lionel is mocking her. 
Phylis tells them she popped in to have a look at the hall on her way over and reports that it really looks lovely, particularly with all those flowers. Jean says that's Alistair's doing. She says that she met him -- rather good looking young man with a mobile phone. Lionel says it's like an extra organ. Phylis asks if he means that Alistair gets a tune out of it as well. Lionel tries to explain what he meant, but Phylis stops him and says that was a joke. Jean wonders if it's okay that she brought some crackers. Lionel questions whether or not the bangs will startle the old people. Phylis assures them that they love crackers and says she'd better be going. Lionel asks if there's anything they should know. She looks puzzled at the question and Jean explains that Lionel is a worrier. She says there's nothing to worry about -- "any trouble, just use the flame thrower." Lionel's eyes widen. Phylis says that was another joke. She adds that they're really a lovely crowd and then thinks for a second and suggests that they might have to keep an eye on Mrs. Thrupp. Phylis leaves.
Lionel tells Jean that she heard what Phylis said. Jean says that Phylis told them they were a lovely crowd. All except Mrs. Thrupp. We might have to keep an eye on Mrs. Thrupp. "Why should we have to keep an eye on Mrs. Thrupp?" Jean suggests that perhaps she's very frail. He accuses her of clutching at straws. Jean says he's jumping to conclusions. "Balmy," he says. He bets she's balmy. She tells him to stop it because he's turning the poor woman into a monster before he's even met her. "Why poor woman?" She's getting frustrated and says that it's just an expression. She tells him it's time to go. He doesn't want to drop the subject. He asks why she used that expression. Jean says she felt sorry for her, particularly because Lionel's going to watch her like a hawk all afternoon -- not that he'll even be able to pick her out from all the rest anyway. Lionel thinks she'll be easy to pick out -- she'll be the one wearing five hats.
The party is in full swing and everyone in the Hardcastle household is busy walking round the large table, serving the residents of the home who all seem to be having a good time. 
The people are all wearing party hats and chattering and even Lionel looks as though he's feeling good about "volunteering" to help. One of the residents refers to Lionel as "young man" and Jean says that doing this sort of makes you feel like a teenager. Not being able to lose his grumpy self, Lionel asks how long they have to go and Jean tells him that they've only just started. She asks him if he's seen anyone with five hats yet. He knows that he might have exaggerated, but he still feels that Mrs. Thrupp should be identified. He shoves a pot at Jean and tells her it needs filling. "Off you go then," she says and tells him to watch his back. 
Sandy offers old Mr. Wellington some more food and he says no, explaining that he is supposed to be watching his testosterone. She says he means his cholesterol. Whatever. She tells him to "be a devil" and he takes a sandwich after all. He thanks her very much and pinches her behind. Judith watches this and tells Sandy that she thinks a sharp fork might be the answer. Sandy says she did tell him to be a devil. Judith tells her that all she did was offer him a ham sandwich.
Rocky is in the kitchen fixing pots of tea. 
Lionel tells him that the tea is going down very well out there at the party. He says he's not surprised and hands Lionel a fresh pot. Lionel is ready to take that pot out, but Rocky stops him, opens a liquor bottle and pours the liquor in with the tea. Lionel wonders whether or not that's wise. Rocky assures him that it is. Jean comes in and tells Lionel to hurry up with the tea because they're running dry out there. "They love your tea, Rocky," she says. He smiles and tells her that it's all in the brewing. Madge walks into the kitchen and says that the girls have told her that there's a bottom pincher at the end of the table. 
Lionel wonders what they should do, but Madge says that they should leave it to her -- first chance she gets she'll go and pinch his bottom. Jean reminds Lionel that he has yet to identify Mrs. Thrupp. They leave the kitchen. Rocky places a pot of tea in front of Madge and pronounces it "Nectar from the Gods." Not quite, she says, and grabs the liquor. He asks her how she knew the bottle was there. She reaches under the counter, pulls out a bottle of her own and tells him she saw it when she hid the bottle she brought in. He laughs heartly and everything about him says that he finds her delightful. He gives her a big kiss.
Lionel is serving the tea and Rose Phelps tells him that this party is a real treat for them. Lionel is glad of it.
He leans down and asks her if there is a Mrs. Thrupp at the party. "Oh her," she says and points her out. She's wearing a green hat. Everyone else is wearing a party hat, but this looks like one from her personal collection. Everyone else is chatting with a neighbor. Mrs. Thrupp is staring straight ahead. Lionel walks over to Jean, who is busy serving, and asks if he can have a word with her. She excuses herself and walks over to him. He tells her that he's identified Mrs. Thrupp as the woman wearing the green hat. "Just the one?" Jean asks. Lionel says he's just pointing her out. Jean wants to know what she's done. She hasn't done anything, but now they can at least keep an eye on her. She is of the opinion that he should have had security cameras installed. Jean stares at her and says that she doesn't look very cheerful. She wants to walks over to talk with her. He asks if that's wise. She gives him a dirty look and moves towards her.
Jean leans over and says "hello" to Mrs. Thrupp. She introduces herself and sits down next to her. Jean asks her if she's enjoying herself and Mrs. Thrupp tells her that she's given it up. Jean is startled and asks if that was a conscious decision. Mrs. Thrupp says it wasn't -- she just stopped doing it is all. Jean tells her that the cakes will be there soon. Mrs. Thrupp doesn't like cakes. Jean asks "what about a cracker?" She doesn't like them either, because they get all down the front of your dress. Jean laughs and says she doesn't mean that kind of cracker and she tells everyone to pull a cracker. She and Jean pull one and Mrs. Thrupp gets an end with nothing in it and says she loses. Jean says she doesn't -- inside is a hat, a present and a joke. Mrs. Thrupp is not impressed. Jean tells her that she'll read the joke.
A snail is mugged by a tortoise. When the police asked the snail if he could identify his assailant, the snail replied "no, it all happened too quickly."
Jean laughs as she reads the last line. Mrs. Thrupp doesn't. She just sits there with her arms folded and glares at Jean. Jean points at the joke and tries to explain it, but finally asks Mrs. Thrupp to excuse her. She gets up and walks past Mr. Wellington, the pincher. He stops her to ask if there will be any cakes. She tells them there will be lots of cakes and starts to walk away. Mr. Wellington pinches her and looks quite pleased with himself. Jean looks startled.
She walks into the kitchen where they're preparing the cakes. Madge comments on the strange texture of one of the cakes, but Lionel tells her that's cling film. He asks what Jean found out about Mrs. Thrupp. She reports that Mrs. Thrupp is just an unhappy woman. Rocky asks who Jean is talking about and Jean tells her she's talking about the woman in the green hat. She tells them what Mrs. Thrupp said about giving up on enjoying herself anymore. Judy thinks that's a very sad thing to say. Sandy thinks Rocky should give it a try because he's good at cheering people up. Everyone agrees and Rocky puts down his tray and walks into the main room ready to take the challenge. Lionel thinks they've all earned a sit-down, but Jean says that the cakes have to go first and she hopes he's removed all the cling film.
Jean offers a tray of cakes to a woman and asks if she wants plain or fancy. 
The woman tells her that she doesn't care which way they come, like men. Jean is straining to watch Rocky and Mrs. Thrupp and while her attention is diverted the woman shovels several cakes onto her plate. Rocky is having no luck in the cheering up department and walks away, proclaiming her a miserable old bat. Jean thinks that perhaps some music would cheer her up. She calls Alistair, who tells her he really likes these old folks, and asks him to slip into his DJ mode. 
"Chris Evans, eat your heart out," he says and walks to the microphone. He puts on a hat, stands between two columns of flashing lights and starts playing the keyboards, telling the "swingers" that they should fill the floor with those dancing feet. 
They start to get up but the music sort of takes off without him and starts playing. He apologizes, stops the music and tells them to make the most of their hip replacements as they play YMCA. They get up again and start to do the whole YMCA routine which is so familiar at sporting events -- the one in which you use your body to form the letters Y-M-C-A. Everyone, with the exception of Mrs. Thrupp, is having a delightful time. Arms and smiles are shooting all over the place. But Mrs. Thrupp just sits there.
As the party continues, Jean and Lionel are finally having that sit-down in the kitchen. Jean looks worried and asks if Lionel is sure he can't think of anything else.
He says that there's nothing left -- they've tried everything and the closest thing she came to a smile was when Lionel skidded on a crushed fairy cake. That that's not the sort of thing you can do all evening, is it? He says "never mind" because everyone else is having a good time. Well, she just wishes... She hears a song that seems familiar and asks Lionel what it is. He tells her that he doesn't know. She listens again and says "yes you do -- it's The Stripper. They look at one another. "Judy?" she asks. "Sandy?" he theorizes. "Not Madge," she concludes. They race out to have a look.
Alistair is on stage, strutting around, teases his audience and slowly removes his clothing. Jean and Lionel watch from the kitchen doorway, laughing and pleased that everything has finally come together. Everyone is having a wonderful time. Alistair removes his vest and swings it around in time to the music. The guests are howling and applauding. 
He does a little dance with his suspenders, turns his back towards them, bends down and tries to remove the last suspender clip, meanwhile showing them his behind. Even Mrs. Thrupp is filled with glee. She's encouraging him to "take 'em off." Judith, Madge and Sandy aren't even trying to contain their laughter. Mrs. Thrupp gives Alistair the thumbs up. There is no longer any doubt that this party is a total success.
As Jean and Lionel wash and pack up the dishes in the kitchen, Lionel wonders where all their helper elves have gone. 
Jean thinks they've all turned into dance hosts and hostesses. Jean tells him that he can always swap places with Alistair if he wants to, but Lionel thinks that one of the ladies, Mrs. Dodds, is very predatory. He observes that they all seemed to have a good time. "Even Mrs. Thrupp," Jean adds. She says that she doesn't suppose that Alistair would be willing to pop into the home every now and again and do a striptease. 
Lionel would like to think it was a one-off. The softer music seems to make him pensive and he asks Jean if she thinks that someone will look after them when they get very old. She tells him that that's what all this is really about. She laughs to herself and says it's only a drop in the ocean. A very nice drop, he says. The Last Waltz is playing in the background. She supposes he doesn't have the strength to totter around. He thought she'd never ask. They dance to the music -- she, still wearing her long yellow rubber gloves and apron and he, wearing a smile.