Plot

J.R. tries to push his mother and Bobby into a decision that would open Jock's will. Bobby and J.R. agree that it is time their mother gets out and meet old friends.

JR calls Harv Smithville, the Ewing Lawyer, to apologize for coming on so strong about seeing Jocks will. Harv seems annoyed, but thanks JR all the same. JR finds Miss Ellies invitation for the Oil Barons Ball in the mail. JR gives Miss Ellie the invite. He and Bobby encourage her to go, but before much can be discussed; a helicopter lands and Bobby runs aboard. Miss Ellie is seriously considering attending the ball. JR uses the Oil Barons Ball invitation as a way to discuss his unhappiness with being dethroned as president of Ewing Oil. He goes on to question Miss Ellies direction for the family.

Pam has gone into town with Lucy to see the doctor regarding Lucys pregnancy. Lucy was raped and is now pregnant. Pam suggests Lucy see a psychologist, if she chooses to get an abortion. The doctor tries to talk Lucy into having the baby, because she is in good physical condition to do so and woman often have negative psychological effects after abortion. Lucy explains that because she was raped, she really cant go through with it. Later in the episode, while on a horse ride, Pam tells Bobby about Lucys abortion and he seems surprised, but is still angry about Lucys rape.

Ray and Donna plan a trip to New York to take her latest manuscript to her publisher. They talk about it being a real honeymoon, since they never had one. Later Ray receives a phone call from his Aunt Lil. She explains that Rays father, Amus Krebbs has passed away and asks him to come to the funeral. The only thing is that Amus isnt Rays real father, he found out that Jock Ewing was his real Father. Aunt Lil doesnt know this and Ray doesnt plan to tell her. Ray and Donna have to cancel their trip to New York, but Ray is an honorable man and has to go to the funeral.

JR meets with Nelson Harding, a slick tax man. JR is asking Harding to put pressure on Bobby to settle Jocks estate for tax purposes. Harding is a shrewd businessman and understands JR. In the next scene, Harding is doing just as JR asked, and is putting pressure on Bobby, basically threatening him. Bobby kicks Harding out and gets on the phone with good Harv Smithville, the Ewing Lawyer. Harv tells Bobby that Harding is a tough tax man and they should meet to discuss it in the morning. Harv tells Bobby the next morning that Ewing Oil has no tax problem, but it is in the familys best interest to settle Jocks estate and read his will.

JR goes to see Holly Harwood on her boat in a harbor somewhere. They discuss Harwood Oil business and JR suggests Holly buy a refinery. She thinks the market is unstable and this wouldnt be a good decision, but JR insists its the best idea and he knows best. When Holly gets up to make a drink, JR advances on her and tries to give her a kiss. Holly backs away and they banter back and forth about mixing business with pleasure, but Holly wins with the line, I hired you because I thought you would be the best at running Harwood Oil. And if I had wanted a package that included sex, I would have hired your brother, Bobby. JR is forced to back down with his tail between his legs.

Cliff is takes a job for Marilee Stone, but says that he has a hard time trusting her and feels like JR will somehow get him again. Apton has a strange jealousy about the arrangement and thinks Marilee has ulterior motives. Later in the episode, Apton has Cliffs mom over to her apartment. Apton vents to her about being concerned that Marilee Stone is secretly working for JR.

JR helicopters out to Southern Cross Ranch and brings John Ross with him. Clayton is skeptical of JR throughout the visit, but says the reason he came was to invite Sue Ellen to the Oil Barons Ball. She is pleased that John Ross is there and says she will call JR when she has decided. Clayton believes is using John Ross to get to Sue Ellen. Before he leaves, JR says to Sue Ellen that it is about time for John Ross to have a proper family.

Miss Ellie announces she is going to the Oil Barons Ball. Everyone rejoices in her decision. Pam and Miss Ellie go to put the boys to bed and JR approaches Bobby and brings up settling Jocks estate, which is all he can talk about these days. Bobby recognizes the coincidence of Nelson Hardings visit the other day and calls JR out on his tricks. JR dodges Bobbys suggestion and questions why he doesnt want to open the will. Bobby storms out.

At the hospital, Lucy is having a hard time waiting around before her procedure. Pam tries to comfort her, by telling her that she cant judge her, because of what she went through with Roger. Lucy makes Pam promise not to hate her and Pam insists she could never hate her.

At the Cattlemans Club, Holly Harwood, approaches Bobby, who is dining alone. She wants to check out JRs advice on purchasing the refinery, so she asks Bobby if it is good advice, without revealing that it is JR that gave it to her. Bobby confirms that buying a refinery, if you have the capital, is a good move. Holly slightly flirts with him, but leaves to join her date. Bobby seems pleased that Holly would ask him such a thing.

Back at the hospital, Lucys abortion is over and she lies crying in her bed. Pam enters and tries to relate to Lucy by saying she also felt very empty after her miscarriage.

At Southfork Ranch, the unemployed JR is sitting by the pool in his pajamas. Bobby walks by and JR once again, brings up settling their fathers will. Bobby notices a work truck and JR explains that Miss Ellie is remodeling the house. Bobby asks where Miss Ellie is and JR tells him she has gone into town, dress shopping, with Mavis Andersen. Bobby exits and JRs phone rings. Its Sue Ellen and she tells him she will go with him to the Oil Barons Ball. He is pleased, of course.

We see Mavis Andersen and Miss Ellie out on the town. Mavis is very kind and gentle woman and she seems to be just what Miss Ellie needs during this tough time. Miss Ellie explains that she still feels very strange about being alone, since Jock died. She says without her family she doesnt think she could take it.

Pam is checking Lucy out of the hospital and she seems to be a bit more emotional stable. Pam tells her that her modeling agency called. Lucy says she doesnt know if she wants to be a model anymore, because of what happened with Roger.

Sue Ellen is in the pool at Southern Cross Ranch, Clayton tells her that Dusty is coming to visit in a few days. Sue Ellen thinks his arrival may complicate things; because she is still has feelings for him, but that she does want to see him.

Mavis and Miss Ellie pull up to Southfork and Miss Ellie invites her in. Mavis says that she has to go, because Punk doesnt like it when she isnt there when he gets home. Miss Ellie approaches the house and sees her sons. JR congratulates her for deciding to go to the Oil Barons Ball and redoing the house on her own. He goes on to say that its time she settle Jocks estate and read his will. Bobby agrees, but Miss Ellie says it will be her decision when the time comes. She exits and Bobby tells JR to leave her alone. JR says Bobby, one way or another, that will is going to be read.