Episode 7 Season 1 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 1.7

Synopsis: The Crawleys except for Lady Mary return to Downton Abbey after the end of the Season.  Lady Mary has stayed in London with her aunt, and receives some bad advice from Lady Rosamund after learning that Lady Cora is with child.  Mary returns to Downton Abbey, but decides, much to the dismay of everyone, to postpone accepting Matthew’s proposal until after her mother gives birth.  A few people at Downton receive some news, but it is the one Lord Grantham announces that will change everyone’s lives.

Episode Summary: It’s July 1914 and the Crawleys except for Lady Mary return to Downton Abbey after the Season.  Lady Cora congratulates Lady Sybil for the great success of her Season making Lady Edith jealous yet again.  William is also back after having gone home to see his mother in her last days. Continue reading...

Lady Mary has decided to stay in London with Lady Rosamund for a couple of weeks.  Having heard the news from Lady Cora, Lady Rosamund could not help but ask Lady Mary about her decision to marry Matthew.  Lady Mary hasn’t given Matthew an answer, but did promise him one the day she gets back to Downton.  She receives an unexpected visit from Evelyn Napier, and learns that the man has called off his marriage, but the reason for his visit is not to speak about the unfortunate turn in his engagement.  Mr. Napier, a decent and noble man, wanted to personally speak to Lady Mary to inform her that unkind rumors have been going around about her and the late Mr. Pamuk, gossip said to have come from Mr. Napier.  Being a good friend of Mary’s, Evelyn wanted to assure his friend that he is not the one who has been spreading this rumor.  This surprises Mary who now wonders who could be spreading the gossip.  Imagine her shock to learn that it was the Turkish Ambassador and his wife, but hearing where they got the news from is even more appalling for Mr. Napier learned that it was Lady Edith who told them, which is also the reason why people have not doubted its legitimacy.  Although the idea that her own sister would cause her ruin is unfathomable for most people, Lady Mary does not find this far-fetched at all.

Lord Grantham is surprised to see Dr. Clarkson in their home, and is even more surprised with the news Lady Cora has for him.  Lady Cora is pregnant.  After overcoming the shock of the news, Lord Grantham finally finds joy at the news of him fathering another child.  Still Lord Grantham could not help but have a chat with Dr. Clarkson about it given the unusual circumstances he refers to as biblical, seeing as eighteen years has passed since Lady Cora bore a child.  Dr. Clarkson assures him that there is no reason for the child to be unhealthy.  Lord Grantham is also curious to know if he could have another heir, but Dr. Clarkson makes it clear that there is no way of knowing until Lady Cora gives birth.  Mrs. Hughes unaware that the doctor is still there interrupts their conversation.  She has come to speak to Lord Grantham about Mrs. Patmore whose condition and behavior has become worse.

News of Lady Grantham bearing a child has reached the servants, and like Lord Grantham they have mixed feelings about the news.  Mrs. Hughes for one is concerned of Matthew’s fate if the child happens to be a boy.  Much to her surprise, Mr. Carson who was not a fan of the new heir when he first arrived, shares her concern.  Mrs. Hughes also wonders whether Lady Mary would not accept Matthew’s proposal given this new development.  Mr. Carson is sure that the apple of his eye would not do such a thing.

Like Mrs. Hughes, Lord Grantham has thought about Matthew’s fate, and he speaks to the young man about it promising to make provisions for him if the child turns out to be a boy.  Matthew who knows the strength of the entail understands that there is no hope for him if Lady Cora delivers an heir.  Nonetheless, Lord Grantham offers him the Crawley House.  The truth of the matter is there is only one that concerns Matthew, and that is Mary.  Matthew has not heard from her ever since she left for the Season.  However, he does relay the news to his mother who does not take it as well as he does.  Looking ahead, Matthew begins thinking about what he will do if he is no longer the heir of Downton Abbey.  He plans on going back to Manchester.

Miss O’Brien receives a letter concerning Mr. Bates.  After discussing it with Thomas, the two wastes no time to inform Mr. Carson about it unaware that the butler already knows some of the story given Mr. Bates’ startling confession.  Mr. Carson informs Mr. Bates about the letter that came from Miss O’Brien’s new friend who happens to work in the house of a colonel in Mr. Bates’ former regiment.  Unwilling to believe that the contents of the letter are true, Mr. Carson shows it to Mr. Bates giving him the chance to deny it before showing it to Lord Grantham.  Mr. Bates does not deny its contents, leaving Mr. Carson with no other choice but to inform Lord Grantham about it.

News of her mother’s pregnancy has reached Lady Mary and Lady Rosamund who ill-advises her niece to ask Matthew to wait for her answer until the child is born.  Mary worries that if she does what her aunt suggests that Matthew will think that she is only interested with him because of his position.  Mary is truly in love with Matthew for she confesses to her aunt that she wants him even without the title, but Rosamund’s bleak forecast of her future as the wife of a commoner gives her pause.

It seems that Downton will soon receive news faster than it has been getting with Lord Grantham deciding to install a telephone at their house.  He claims that his daughters have gotten used to having one when they were in London, and with the murder of the Austrian Archduke causing a stir Lord Grantham finds that this new means of communication might come in handy.  Somehow, Mr. Carson is not delighted with having a telephone in the house, but nevertheless agrees to attend to the telephone man.  Mr. Carson then speaks with Lord Grantham about the business with Mr. Bates.  Having read the letter, Lord Grantham is in disbelief to learn that Mr. Bates has been imprisoned for stealing regimental silver.

Lady Mary has finally returned to Downton, and Lady Violet is anxious to know if Mary has come to a decision about Matthew’s proposal.  She informs her grandmother that her aunt had made a suggestion, but Lady Violet is already well-aware of her daughter’s advice and informs marry not to give it any thought.  Surprisingly, Lady Violet’s advice to Mary is to take Matthew now when his whole future is at risk and he will love her more for her decision.  This prompts a question from Lady Edith of what Mary will do if the new addition to the family turns out to be a boy.  Lady Violet believes that Mary could always change her mind, but Mary truly loves Matthew and she would not drop him just because he is no longer an heir.

Lady Violet informs Lady Cora that her suspicions about her maid leaving her is true, but is delighted to tell her that her servant’s departure is due to her getting married and not because she maltreats her.  Selfish as she is, Violet is still upset at her maid’s perceived selfishness for pursuing her happiness and leaving her without a servant.  Cora could relate to being attached to their servants relaying her reluctance to let go of O’Brien despite Robert’s insistence.  O’Brien in spite of her rudeness to the other servants has gained her mistress’ trust.  Violet treats her maid’s leaving like the end of the world.  She simply doesn’t know what to do.  Cora recommends putting an advertisement in The Lady, which she will do for her mother-in-law.  Though the woman is helpless when it comes to finding a new servant, Violet is decisive in matters that concern her family.  She gives counsel to Cora telling her not to let Mary wait until the baby is born before giving Matthew her answer.  Violet believes that if Mary turns Matthew down when he might be poor, Matthew will no longer want her when he will be rich.

War is looming, and even the servants are aware of it.  One must be living under a rock not to know what is to come, which is why news of Lord Grantham wanting to speak with Mrs. Patmore was more of a surprise than the idea of the country going into war.  Mrs. Patmore certain that she will be let go meets Lord Grantham ready to beg for him to keep her.  Fortunately, Lord Grantham is truly a good and decent man and is not fond of firing servants.  He asked to speak with Mrs. Patmore to inform her that he has spoken with Dr. Clarkson who recommended an eye specialist at Moorfields.  She is to go to London accompanied by Anna where they are to stay at Lady Rosamund’s new house in Belgrave Square during her recovery.  This is all good news for Mrs. Patmore.  The only damper is that Lord Grantham has arranged for Mrs. Bird, Mrs. Crawley’s cook to take over in her absence.

Matthew and Mary finally meet again, and already they are arguing.  Matthew does have a reason to be upset for Mary seems to have taken the advice of her aunt, and breaks her promise to give Matthew an answer upon her return.  Matthew knows very well what has given Mary second thoughts.  He believes that Mary is afraid to marry a man who has to work to earn a living, which is surely what he has to do if Lady Cora’s child turns out to be a boy.  He finds it hard to understand why Mary finds it difficult to decide; if Mary loves him enough to spend the rest of her life with him then she would have decided by now.  However, to Mary it is not as simple as that.  She shares with him her grandmother’s suggestion of accepting his proposal now and turning him down later if he loses his title, and confesses that it is something that she cannot do to him.  Hearing from Matthew of Mary’s choice to delay her decision, Mrs. Crawley could not help but be disappointed with her, but once again blames it on Lady Violet whom she believes has ill-advised Lady Mary.  Matthew defends both Lady Mary and Lady Violet, and orders her mother not to start a fight with Lady Violet.

Still in disbelief of Mr. Bates having served time for petty pilfering, Lord Grantham discusses his crime with him hoping to learn the whole story since it seems that there is more to it learning that Mr. Bates only served two years for his crime.  Regrettably, Mr. Bates is unwilling to share his side of the story.  Moreover, Mr. Bates asks Lord Grantham to decide his fate solely on the information he has no matter how biased it is.  Like everyone else, except obviously for O’Brien and Thomas, Anna does not believe that Mr. Bates is guilty of the crime he was imprisoned for.  She is sure that there is more to his story.

Lord Grantham discusses the matter with Lady Cora.  Though not a fan of Mr. Bates, Lady Cora is curious to know why even Mr. Carson is unwilling to let go of a man who has done time in prison.  Lord Grantham informs her that Mr. Carson blames Thomas and O’Brien in this matter knowing that the two have been bent on making a case to have Mr. Bates fired.  Lady Cora teasingly tells Lord Grantham of what she believes he wants her to do that is to sack O’Brien instead to which Lord Grantham does not contest.  Regrettably, she has said this just as O’Brien entered the room.  This puts O’Brien over the edge, and discusses it with Thomas.  She is sure that Lady Cora is only waiting to find her a replacement before finally letting her go after ten years of service.  O’Brien warns Thomas that he could be next.  Thomas is not worried for he has already thought of a plan, taking advantage of the war that is to come.

Mr. Carson receives Mr. Bromidge the telephone man who is surprised to hear that he is to install two phones in the house, one in the outer hall for the family and another one in the pantry for the staff.  Sir Strallan arrives just as Mr. Carson and Mr. Bromidge are at the outer hall.  He has come to take Lady Edith for a spin.  Lady Sybil is right behind her and meets Mr. Bromidge who confirms Sir Strallan’s supposition that the telephone business is expanding.  Moreover, he informs them about his search for competent staff, and his trouble of finding a secretary.  Hearing this delights Lady Sybil who informs Mr. Bromidge of knowing the right person for the job.

Mrs. Bird has arrived to get the lay of the kitchen, and already she and Mrs. Patmore are at each other’s throats.  Afraid that Mrs. Patmore might lose her place at the Downton House, she instructs Daisy to make Mrs. Bird’s food taste bad just so the Crawleys will miss her cooking.  A few days later, Anna and Mrs. Patmore arrive at Moorfields Eye Hospital.  Mrs. Patmore becomes anxious upon learning that she is to go into surgery, but Anna tells her not to worry.  Having to stay in the hospital for a week makes her even more anxious, but Anna promises to visit her every day.  Anna makes the most of her stay in London, and decides to fill the holes in Mr. Bates’ story.  She goes to the army office, and asks an officer about any information he might have about John Bates making a story of her being his cousin, and her desire to get in touch with him.  The officer confirms that John Bates was imprisoned for theft, and adds that his case was odd, but says nothing more about it.  The officer, however, gives her the address of Mr. Bates’ mother.

Mary finally confronts Edith about her letter to the Turkish ambassador.  Edith confirms her guilt by asking her sister how she found out instead of denying it.  Moreover, she finds no remorse for what she has done, telling Mary that the Turkish ambassador has the right to know that his countryman died in the arms of a slut.  This seems to have shaken Mary easily losing control of the confrontation.  Things appear to be going well for Edith much to Mary’s dismay.  Ostensibly, Sir Strallan has hinted of proposing to her at the garden party.  Meanwhile, Mary could hardly look at Matthew probably from both her shame and guilt.

Mrs. Crawley despite being told not to provoke Lady Violet with her belief of her being responsible for Mary’s having second thoughts tells the old woman anyway.  She is surprised to hear to the contrary.  In reality, Lady Violet told Mary to accept Matthew’s proposal, it was Lady Rosamund who advised otherwise.  Lord Grantham speaks to Matthew after learning that he and Mary are having trouble.  He informs him that he will be happy to be his son-in-law even though he is no longer an heir.  He is, however, disappointed to hear that Matthew believes that Mary does not feel the same way.

Mr. Molesley barges in Mr. Carson’s office just in time to see Thomas taking the butler’s wallet from his coat.  Thomas makes a story of how he found Mr. Carson’s wallet, and was merely putting it back in his coat.  Mr. Molesley pries no further and joins the other servants in the hall for dinner.  Mr. Carson invites Mrs. Bird to join them, and relays the praise Lady Cora has for her cooking.  Mr. Carson is startled to hear Daisy’s disbelief for Lady Cora’s praises, and after a few sips of their soup quickly learns why.  Mrs. Bird is the first one to spit her soup, and angrily confronts Daisy about it in front of the other servants.  Daisy confesses to having added water and soap to the soup.  Luckily, Mrs. Bird was already suspicious of the kitchen maid that she has switched the pot of soup that went out to the Crawleys.  Sadly, this means the servants are stuck with dinner that tastes like soap.  The poor kitchen maid is left to answer to the angry cook and governess for her actions.  Luckily, her loyalty to Mrs. Patmore who has urged her to do what she did in order for her to keep her job draws pity from her superiors including Mrs. Bird who was first to comfort her.  Fortunately, Mrs. Bird has prepared beef stew for tomorrow, and so they are rescued from having a foul tasting meal.

Mr. Bromidge is back at the Downton House to oversee the installation, and is confronted by Lady Sybil who expresses her disappointment upon learning that he did not respond to Gwen’s application.  Mr. Bromidge informs Lady Sybil that he could not find any proof of Gwen’s work experience.  Lady Sybil asks one of the maids to call for Gwen, and informs Mr. Bromidge that the reason why the young woman did not provide details of her work is because she is working at the Downton House as a housemaid.  Gwen arrives and meets Mr. Bromidge who supposes that she had left out details of her current work, because she assumed that he would turn up his nose at a housemaid.  Gwen confesses to have done just that, and is surprised to hear that Mr. Bromidge has a lot of respect for housemaids with his mother having been one.  Moreover, he believes that housemaids know a lot about hard work and long hours.  With Lady Sybil’s help, Gwen gets her interview with Mr. Bromidge right there in the Downton House’s library.

Anna pays a visit to Mr. Bates’ mother determined to find out the truth about the man’s incarceration especially after hearing the sergeant’s comment of the case being odd.  Just as she suspected, Mr. Bates is innocent of the crime he was imprisoned for, because the real thief was his wife Vera.  According to Mr. Bates’ mother, Vera worked at the barracks at times when there were some big dinners, and it is in one of those dinners that she committed the crime.  Everybody knew it was Vera.  In fact, there were even some witnesses, but Mr. Bates confessed to the crime anyway.  He confessed out of guilt for ruining Vera’s life with him being a drunkard and a wounded man.  Although he was never violent, he was harsh with his words.  The African War has made John Bates a miserable man, and he blamed himself for his wife’s actions even though Vera was already a wicked woman even before his bout with alcohol.

The telephone has finally been installed at the pantry, and the servants are curious as to how it works.  With Mr. Carson claiming to know how to use the phone, Daisy asks him to teach them, but refuses.  Left alone in the pantry, Mr. Carson figures out how to use the telephone.  Soon he learns the difference between the receiver and the handset, and he begins to practice his greeting.  Much to his chagrin, somebody is on the other line, and the woman scolds him for shouting at the receiver, and finds what he was doing as stupid.

Thomas knowing that his time at Downton is nearing its end puts his plan in motion.  He speaks to Dr. Clarkson about his interest in the medical field who then informs him that there’s a need for volunteers to train for the Territorial Force hospitals.  Moreover, Dr. Clarkson will make inquiries for him.  He is right to have planned for his immediate future for Mr. Molesley has informed Mr. Carson of having caught him with his wallet in his hand.  Mr. Carson relays this information to Lord Grantham, and with the evidence they need from a witness who has no dispute with Thomas, there’s only one thing left to do, and that is to relieve Thomas of his duties at Downton.  Lord Grantham who is not fond of terminating servants asks Mr. Carson to wait until after the garden party.

Mrs. Patmore is back from her operation, and she and Mrs. Bird are at it again.  The two, however, seems to have found some common ground when Mrs. Bird refuses to let Mrs. Hughes order the ingredients for the dishes they are to serve for the garden party.  With Mrs. Bird and Mrs. Patmore in agreement, Mrs. Hughes is left to accede to both cooks’ wishes.  Anna is back as well and has decided to speak to Lord Grantham about the information she gathered in London about Mr. Bates.

O’Brien having heard from Thomas who misinformed her about Lady Cora looking for her replacement has made herself believe that his mistress is truly looking to replace her.  She believes to have ascertained this when she hears Lady Cora speaking to Lady Violet about some candidates while she was preparing her mistress’ bath.  Her anger seems to have clouded her judgment that when Lady Cora dropped the bath soap, O’Brien did not bother to pick up the other half of the soap and even kicks it out from under the tub.  However, while she is sorting out Lady Cora’s clothes, O’Brien gets a surge of conscience, but it is too late.  Lady Cora has stepped out of the tub, steps on the soap, and slips on the floor.  With that, Lady Cora loses her unborn child.  How Lord Grantham wept at their loss, and learning that the unborn child was a boy only made it much harder.

All feel for the loss of the Crawleys including O’Brien who is overcome with guilt.  The only person who feels no sympathy for the death of Lady Cora’s unborn son is Thomas.  The servants are appalled for his lack of respect, and when he turned on William for having grieved for his mother, the young footman releases his anger and attacks Thomas.  Although, Mr. Carson does not approve of fighting, he feels for William and even gives the young man a pat on his shoulder when he and Branson finally manage to break the brawl apart.

The garden party pushes through in spite of the unfortunate loss of the Crawley’s unborn son.  Thomas is first to get some good news with Dr. Clarkson informing him that he may have a place at the Division at Richmond.  In fact, Dr. Clarkson already has the papers for Thomas telling him that he is to report to the local recruiting office that he may begin work under Colonel Cartwright.  Moreover, Dr. Clarkson is being drafted back as a captain, and may be able look after him.  Meanwhile, Daisy has realized that she owes William an apology, and chooses to ask for William’s forgiveness during the busy garden party.  William has a lot of faith in Daisy, and believes that the young and sometimes foolish kitchen maid had been manipulated to do such unkind things.  He accepts her apology and vows that they will always remain friends.

It seems like forgiveness hangs over Downton with Mrs. Bird and Mrs. Patmore working side-by-side.  The ringing of the phone interrupts their work.  None have heard a phone ring before much more answer it.  With Mr. Carson away attending to the guests, and no one else bold enough to answer it, Branson takes it upon himself to attend to the phone.  Upon taking the message, Branson rushes to Lady Sybil to inform her of the good news.  Lady Sybil is ecstatic and excuses herself from the startled guests as she and Branson rush towards Gwen.  Lady Sybil breaks the news to Gwen that she got the secretarial job at Mr. Bromidge’s company.  The three could not contain their happiness and rejoice.  Leave it to Mrs. Hughes to put a dampener in their celebration.  Moreover, seeing that Branson has fallen for Lady Sybil, Mrs. Hughes warns the young man about it.  Meanwhile, Thomas wastes no time to inform Mr. Carson that he had received news that he has been accepted for a training scheme with the army medical corps unaware that he just did Mr. Carson a favor for handing his notice.

Lady Mary is walking with Sir Strallan.  Knowing very well what Sir Strallan is going to ask Lady Edith, she takes the opportunity to furtively dissuade the old man from proposing to her sister.  Her malicious remark of how Lady Edith is trying to evade being cornered by some old bore who was to propose to her did the trick.  Hearing of this, Sir Strallan decides to leave the garden party earlier than expected leaving Lady Edith disappointed.  This is how Lady Mary gets back at Lady Edith for divulging her scandalous secret to the Turkish Ambassador.

Miss O’Brien fully aware of what she had done tries to compensate by being extra attentive to Lady Cora.  Her mistress who has every excuse to leave the garden party chooses to put on a face unwilling to cast a dampener on a joyous event.  Lady Cora showing her appreciation only added to her guilt, and to add to her already guilty conscience she learns from Lady Violet that Lady Cora was helping her find a new lady’s maid, which explains the advertisement on the newspaper.  Lady Violet asks her if she could get her the applications they received from the ads, and even asks for her opinion about them.

Mr. Bates had learned from Lord Grantham that Anna had uncovered some facts about his case, which made him decide to keep him as his valet despite his record.  Anna apologizes to Mr. Bates for investigating his case arguing that she only wanted to find out the truth, but Mr. Bates insists that she still does not know the whole truth for she only know his mother’s side of the story.  She still has to hear his wife’s version of the truth.  Although Mr. Bates tries his best to keep Anna away, he makes it clear to Mr. Molesley who has shown interest in the head housemaid that there is a man who is very keen on Anna.  Matthew Crawley, on the other hand, has lost interest on Mary whose argument only supports his reason for ending their relationship.  Mary argued that Matthew could not have known if she was going to turn him down even if her mother gave birth to an heir, and makes it clear now that she was not going to refuse him even if that had been the case.  Matthew has grown tired of not being sure of anything.  He has decided to leave Downton, which would allow him to take charge of his life again.  Lady Mary asks a question whose answer only breaks her heart.  Matthew would have stayed if she had accepted his proposal.  Matthew bids Mary farewell.

Unbeknownst to Matthew and Mary, Lady Violet and Lady Rosamund had been watching them from afar.  Seeing that Matthew had left Mary in tears, it is obvious that the two have ended their relationship.  Lady Violet blames Lady Rosamund for her meddling that cost her granddaughter the only decent offer she will ever get.  Lady Rosamund apologizes for expressing her opinion, but without any real remorse.  Mr. Carson walks over to Lady Mary to comfort her in her time of anguish.  Mrs. Crawley speaks with Lady Violet about the disappointing end of the young couple’s relationship.  Lady Violet does not want to hear any of Mrs. Crawley’s scolding especially since she had wanted the two to be together, but she is pleasantly surprised that Mrs. Crawley puts some blame on her son too.  Mrs. Crawley believes that Matthew may be making a mistake with his decision to leave Mary.

The only couple whose relationship is as strong as ever is Lord Grantham and Lady Cora with Robert checking on his recovering wife, and Cora being gracious for her husband’s concern.  Mr. Carson delivers a letter to Lord Grantham, and happily informs him that Thomas has handed in his notice.  Lord Grantham is relieved to hear Mr. Carson’s news, but the contents of the letter he had just received washes it all away.  Lord Grantham calls everyone’s attention as he regretfully announces that the country is now at war with Germany.

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Episode 6 Season 1 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 1.6

Synopsis: The by-election is causing a stir, and has enthused Lady Sybil’s political interests.  Learning that his daughter has gone to a Liberal rally without his knowledge, Lord Grantham could not help but become furious.  Meanwhile, a troubling letter reaches the hands of Mr. Carson and Lady Violet with the Dowager Countess learning the truth about the night Mr. Pamuk died.  To add to Mr. Carson’s already preoccupied mind, Mr. Thomas accuses Mr. Bates of stealing wine.

Episode Summary: Lady Sybil is at the Liberal rally in Ripon amidst the angry mob of men and anxious women eager to hear the speech of the liberal candidate supporting women’s right to vote.  Luckily, Mrs. Crawley, a supporter of women’s equality, is there to advise her to leave before things get out of hand.  With the men starting to throw things at the speaker, Mrs. Crawley appeals to the young woman arguing that Branson will surely get fired if anything happens to her.  Lady Sybil finally agrees, and the two of them have a thoughtful chat about politics on the way home.  The young woman applauds Branson’s ambition of going into politics, but Branson’s political interests go beyond women’s equality or Ireland’s freedom for he is most concerned about the gap between the aristocracy and the poor.  Branson quickly realizes that he is expressing his thoughts to an aristocrat who also happens to be the daughter of his employer.  The young man has nothing against Lord Grantham for he finds him a good man and decent employer.  He finds it unfortunate that Lord Grantham represents an oppressive class. Continue reading...

Lady Sybil all disheveled after having to fight through the angry mob enters the Downton house through the back door to avoid being seen.  Unfortunately, Mr. Bates unwittingly informs Lord Grantham that Mr. Branson was at the rally, which leads the man to ask whom he was with.  Though reluctant to divulge the identity of the person Mr. Branson was with, his master’s urging left him with no other choice but to reveal that the young man was with Lady Sybil.  Lord Grantham tries to control his temper when he begins to question his youngest daughter about her being at the assembly, but loses it quickly after having confirmed that Lady Sybil was indeed at the rowdy rally.  He scolds his daughter for not having asked his permission, and passes the blame on Branson.  Lady Cora steps in defense of Branson for it was she who arranged that Branson drive her daughter to Ripon.  Lady Sybil argues that she was there to do some canvassing, but because the by-election was not far off she decided to go see it.  Meanwhile, the thought of Lady Sybil canvassing sets off Lady Violet, which then prompts Lady Mary to come to her sister’s defense.  All in all it was a disastrous family dinner with members taking their sides.

Mr. Carson informs Lady Cora of a letter he received from the valet of the Marques of Flintshire that troubled him deeply.  According to him, Lord Flintshire is a minister at the Foreign Office who has dealings with the Turkish ambassador who has shared with him a scandalous rumor concerning Lady Mary and the late Mr. Pamuk.  Mr. Carson shows Lady Cora the letter, and informs her that he was planning on sharing this awful news to Lord Grantham, but that night’s events prevented him from doing so.  Lady Cora is somewhat relieved that Mr. Carson has not shared the contents of the letter to her husband, and assures the man that she will be the one to inform Lord Grantham.

Mr. Thomas becomes nervous after being reminded that Mr. Bates is aware of his stealing wine from the cellar.  He and O’Brien connive once again at framing Mr. Bates for the theft of the wine before the man tells on him.  Mr. Thomas goes to Mr. Carson telling him the story of having seen the cellar key swinging on its hook when Mr. Bates was at Mr. Carson’s office.  He then continues by asking Mr. Carson if any wine was missing.

Lord Grantham apologizes to his wife after having reprimanded her in front of everybody including the servants.  Moreover, he tells his wife that they must try to keep control of Lady Sybil to which Lady Cora answers that their youngest daughter is the least of their worries.  She asks Robert that they must give their support to Mary that year even though it is Sybil’s first season, because it is high time that Mary is settled.

The shock of the Turkish ambassador spreading scandalous stories about Lady Mary has prompted Lady Cora to find a husband for her eldest daughter.  Luckily, Sir Anthony Strallan has returned from Austria and Germany, and decided to pass by Downton to show off his new open Rolls Royce.  Having taken on driving, Sir Anthony asks Lady Mary if she would like to ride with him, but the young woman politely turns down his offer.  Lady Edith wastes no time to grab the opportunity, and volunteers to go with Sir Anthony much to Lady Cora’s dismay.

At least, Lady Mary’s excuse was not a lie for she truly was on her way to go horseback riding when Sir Anthony asked her out.  William later finds her looking for Mr. Lynch after Diamond loses a shoe.  With Mr. Lynch not in sight, William offers to attend to the job himself.  This surprises Lady Mary who later learns that William looked after the horses on his father’s farm, a job he truly loved, but had to leave to fulfill his mother’s dream of him becoming a butler someday.

Mr. Carson calls Mr. Bates to his office to speak to him about what Thomas had said to him.  Although Mr. Carson is vague about their meeting, Mr. Bates knows very well that the matter is about the missing wine.  Mr. Carson has his work cut out for him for reticent Mr. Bates is not one to talk.  He then meets with O’Brien and Thomas who brings with them Daisy.  O’Brien flat out lies to Mr. Carson about seeing Mr. Bates with a bottle of wine and feigns not finding anything malicious about it believing that the valet was merely helping Mr. Carson.  He then asks Daisy about what she saw, and with Thomas’ urging, Daisy informs the butler that she may or may not have seen Mr. Bates in the cellar.

O’Brien makes it slip to Lady Cora that Mr. Carson has found something about the person he admires that has made him glum.  Believing that the scurrilous letter caused the butler’s morose mood, Lady Cora urges O’Brien to reveal to her the identity of the person whom Mr. Carson is disappointed with.  She is relieved to learn that O’Brien was only speaking about Mr. Bates.

Lady Sybil not wanting to see her father’s wrath a second time, asks her father’s permission to go to Ripon.  Lady Sybil pleads with him informing him that she must attend the meeting of her borstal charity on Friday evening.  Lord Grantham gives her permission, but only if Mary or Edith goes with her.  Lady Sybil begs him not to force her to bring one of her sisters for they will only be bored.  Somehow, Lord Grantham has a change of heart that he allows her youngest daughter to go to Ripon, and even arranges for Branson’s packed dinner.

Lady Mary is pleasantly surprised to see Matthew who has come looking for Lord Grantham to speak to him about one of the farms.  Because the purpose of his visit is not really urgent, the two spend a few minutes chatting outside.  Mary informs him that Sybil has discovered politics, which incenses their father.  Matthew admires Sybil’s passion and so does Mary, but she informs the young man that unlike her father she appreciates a good argument.  Given the countless times the two have argued, Matthew jokingly suggests that they must see more of each other.  This puts a smile on both their faces.

Lady Violet speaks with Lady Cora about a troubling letter she received from Susan Flintshire.  Soon Lady Violet learns that the horrid rumors going about Lady Mary are true.  Moreover, Lady Cora is an accomplice in the cover up, and now Lady Violet too is one of the few people who know the truth.  The old woman is outraged, but Lady Cora stands by Mary’s side.  No matter how upset she is with Mary’s unbecoming behavior, she is not one to disown her daughter.

Mrs. Crawley drops by the Downton House wanting to speak with Lady Cora and Lady Mary about a situation they had at the cottage hospital.  She informs them that William’s mother has a fatal heart ailment, which she had asked them to keep secret from her son.  The woman has been sent home to spend her last days with her family except for William who is currently unaware of her mother’s condition.  Thinking that William must see his mother before she passes away, Mrs. Crawley asks Lady Cora if she will allow the young footman a few days off to see his dying mother.  Lady Cora without any hesitation gives her blessing their only problem now is whether or not they inform the young man given that his mother had explicitly asked that he must not know.  Both Lady Cora and Mrs. Crawley agree that they must abide by William’s mother’s dying wish, but Lady Mary disagrees with them.  She offers to tell the young man.

Sir Strallan drops by Downton unannounced surprising the Crawleys.  Lady Mary is embarrassed to have assumed that he had dropped by to ask her to come with him to the concert in York when it is Lady Edith that he wants to go with.  This thrills Lady Edith who accepts his invitation without any hesitation.

Lady Sybil had once again fooled her father, and this time Branson too.  The young chauffer was unaware that Lady Sybil had intended to go to Ripon for the counting of the votes.  With him having to park the car, Branson becomes truly concerned about Lady Sybil who had gone directly to the by-election on her own.  The mob becomes angrier and angrier as the votes are announced.  Branson finally arrives and pleads with Lady Sybil that they take their leave, but the young woman has yet to hear the number of votes the Liberal Party received.  Branson could see that the people are eager to start a riot, but they are too late; a truckload of men looking for a fight has arrived. Matthew was there as well trying to convince Lady Sybil to leave.  Knowing that the men will be going after the well-dressed Matthew, Branson begs one of the men not to cause any trouble, but his pleas were left unheard.  The man takes a swing at Matthew and a riot ensues.  In the commotion, Lady Sybil is pushed to the side where she hits her head on a table.

With Lady Sybil injured and unconscious, Branson speaks to the other servants to fetch Lady Mary without alarming the rest of her family.  He and Matthew had taken Lady Sybil to the Crawley House.  Mrs. Crawley is attending to the unconscious and bleeding Sybil when Mary arrives.  The young woman is filled with worry at the sight of her bloody and unconscious youngest sister.  Mrs. Crawley wondered why Matthew was there, thinking that he was aware that the young woman would be attending the count.  It was a providential coincidence that Matthew had stayed late at work forgetting that it was election night.  Lady Sybil regains consciousness and is grateful to him, and also defends Branson who once again has been blamed for her current state.  Lady Sybil explains that the young chauffer was unaware of her plans to attend the by-election.  Moreover, Branson had begged her not to go as soon as he learned of her plans.  Lady Mary asks her sister that she must stand in Branson’s defense for he sure will lose his job because of her.  Matthew seems to once again have unwittingly charmed another Crawley daughter as Lady Sybil looks up to him with admiration.  Lady Mary notices this, while Mrs. Crawley observes her reaction.

Mrs. Hughes discerns that something is troubling Mr. Carson.  Unaware of the letter the butler received, she attributes it to the business of Mr. Bates being accused of stealing wine.  Mr. Carson assures her that that is not what is troubling him, but says nothing more about the real cause of his worry.  At any case, Mrs. Hughes would very much like to get to the bottom of the accusation slung over Mr. Bates that has caused an uneasy atmosphere among servants.  Her wish may be fulfilled right there and there as Daisy asks to speak with Mr. Carson.  Ever since she was coerced to lie to Mr. Carson, Daisy has not had any peace of mind.  With her conscience troubling her, Daisy has finally come forward to inform Mr. Carson that she had lied to him about Mr. Bates.

Meanwhile, it is Lady Sybil’s turn to confess.  Lord Grantham finds no sympathy to her injured daughter for his fury gets the better of him.  Just as they expected, he blames everything on the socialist chauffer whom he believes have incited politics in their house.  Despite Lady Sybil’s pleas that Branson was unaware of her plans, Lord Grantham has decided to let go of the chauffer.  Lady Mary too comes to the young man’s defense, but that does not seem to have any weight.  Lady Sybil threatens to run away if she finds that her father has truly let Branson go.  Matthew anxiously awaits word of Lady Sybil’s well being, and could hear the shouting from upstairs.  Soon Lady Mary and Lord Grantham meet him to inform him that Lady Sybil is fine.  Moreover, Lady Mary had asked Mrs. Hughes to prepare some food for Matthew.

Having heard Daisy’s confession, Mr. Carson with Mrs. Hughes and Anna as his witnesses calls the servants that are entangled with the business about the missing wine.  Mr. Bates asks Mr. Thomas to verify his story of having seen Mr. Bates handling the cellar key.  He then asks O’Brien about her testimony of having seen Mr. Bates carrying a bottle of wine, and the woman stands by her lie.  Mr. Carson then turns to Mr. Bates to confirm or deny O’Brien’s claim.  Mr. Bates denies it without hesitation, and in support of his story he reminds them that they have never seen him drink alcohol since he arrived at Downton.  There is only one lingering question that Mr. Carson would like the answer to, and that is, how did Mr. Bates know that wine is missing from the cellar.  Dignified Mr. Bates still does not find any urge to tattle.

Mary accompanies Matthew as he eats his dinner.  Matthew is surprised to learn that Mary does have interest in politics.  She finds it hard to ignore the excitement of a hung Parliament even though she knows very well that whatever the outcome is that nothing will change.  Mary personally thanks Matthew for rescuing Sybil from the mob, and is quite impressed at hearing that he had knocked a man down.  Matthew informs her that he found it his duty to come to Sybil’s rescue.  This leads Mary to ask him if his forthcoming behavior with her is simply brought about by his duty.  Matthew is slighted by her question, but is charmed by it just the same.  No longer able to resist each other, Matthew and Mary finally kiss.

When his accusers have left, Mr. Bates speaks with Mr. Carson, Anna and Mrs. Hughes privately to confess that he was a drunkard and was imprisoned as a thief.  Mrs. Hughes is in disbelief, and refuses to believe that what Mr. Bates has told them cannot be the whole story.  Mr. Bates offers his resignation, but Mr. Carson is not quick to accept it knowing very well that Mr. Bates has no intention of leaving Downton, but is merely acting on what is expected of him.  Mr. Carson informs him that he needs time to think this through and will have to discuss it with Lord Grantham.

Mary informs her mother that Matthew has left, and that the young man had asked her to marry him.  Cora thinking that her daughter was teasing her could not be more thrilled to learn that Lady Mary is not joking at all.  Though Mary hasn’t accepted his proposal, she hasn’t turned him down as well.  Much to Cora’s delight, she learns that Mary is truly in love with the young heir.  In fact, Mary has come to a realization that she may have loved Matthew for much longer than she knew.  Her need to go against what is expected of her may be one of the reasons why she has not yet decided to accept Matthew’s proposal; the other reason being her having taken Mr. Pamuk has her lover.  Mary is truly in love with Matthew for she finds it necessary to tell him her scandalous secret.  This disappoints Cora who is afraid that Matthew might recant his proposal, but before the two of them could discuss this further Robert arrives to sleep on the same bed as his wife.

Lady Mary finds William attending to Diamond.  Seeing him reminded her of his mother’s condition.  She asks about him taking time off to see his family, and learns that he is not due for a vacation.  Hearing this, Lady Mary offers to personally arrange a few days off for him to see his family.  This surprises the young footman, and so Lady Mary finds no reason to lie to him about his mother’s situation, but left off the fact that the woman is dying so as not to cause the young man any more pain.  Learning that his mother is ill, William accepts his mistress’ gracious offer.

Lady Violet drops by Downton to speak with Lady Cora.  After giving it some thought, she now finds that she would have done the same if she were in Lady Cora’s shoes.  She believes that there is no point of wishing away something that had already happened.  The best recourse is to minimize the damage, which is why she had written back to Susan Flintshire informing her that what she has been hearing is a propaganda being spread by Mr. Pamuk’s enemies to discredit him.  Even though Susan Flintshire believes this to be a lie, she is most likely not to spread any more rumors lest it reflect badly on her.  However, because this solution only does very little, Lady Violet believes that the best solution is to find Mary a husband.  Luckily, Lady Cora has some very good news about that, and tells Lady Violet that Matthew has proposed to Mary.  The only downside of this news is that Mary has not yet accepted his proposal, and that the young woman is planning on telling Matthew about Mr. Pamuk believing that it is the honorable thing to do.  This disappoints Lady Violet who would rather her granddaughter go down the aisle keeping a lie from her soon-to-be husband.  Still unsure of whether or not Mary will accept Matthew’s marriage proposal, Lady Violet hatches up a contingency plan that is to take Mary abroad. Lady Violet and Lady Cora agree that they are to take Lady Mary to Rome if she is to turn down Matthew.  Lady Cora is grateful to Lady Violet for not turning against Lady Mary.  The Dowager Countess may have a lot of rules, but to her family comes first.

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Episode 5 Season 1 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 1.5

Synopsis: Unkind gossip has been floating around London about Lady Mary.  This worries Lady Cora who knows very well that the rumors are true.  She wastes no time to find another suitor for her daughter that she invites Sir Anthony Strallan to dinner.  Meanwhile, Miss O’Brien sensing that Daisy knows something about the night Mr. Pamuk died convinces Lady Edith to speak to the kitchen maid.  Moreover, she and Thomas come up with a plan to get Mr. Bates fired.

Episode Summary: Daisy attends to the fireplace of Lady Mary’s room and remembers the night she saw Lady Mary carrying a body inside Mr. Pamuk’s room.  This puts her on edge, and leads Anna and Gwen to ask her about it, but the young kitchen maid is unwilling to share what she witnessed.  Concerned for the young girl, Anna asks again about the incident at Lady Mary’s room.  This made the other servants curious of what’s putting Daisy on edge.  Pushed to a corner, Daisy reveals that the tragic deaths of the heirs, and Mr. Pamuk have been troubling her.  William, however, wonders how Lady Mary’s room could have brought those disquieting thoughts.Continue reading...

Lord Grantham receives a concerning letter from Lady Rosamond, and becomes more troubled to learn that Lady Mary envies the life of her rich, widowed aunt who lives alone at a mansion at Eaton Square.  Lord Grantham shares to his wife the contents of her sister’s letter, and his worries.  According to Lady Rosamond, there is buzz going about London about Evelyn Napier losing interest on Lady Mary.  In fact, the young man has decided to marry one of the Semphill girls instead.  Lady Rosamond feels that Mr. Napier’s change of heart presents badly for Lady Mary for it gives an impression that her niece is not good enough for Mr. Napier.  Lady Cora asks her husband to speak to their daughter about finding a husband.  This makes Lord Grantham scoff for he knows very well that her stubborn daughter never listens to him, and adds that if she did she would marry Matthew.  Lady Cora finds a potential suitor in Anthony Strallan, but this does not fare well with Lord Grantham for Mr. Strallan is as least his age and is as dull as paint.  Lady Mary would never be interested with Anthony Strallan, but desperate times call for desperate measures.  Lady Cora believes that Lady Mary should marry soon.

Lady Sybil receives a letter as well, and excitedly tells Gwen about it.  She took it upon herself to apply for a secretarial opening for Gwen without the young maid’s knowledge for she did not want to disappoint her if it so happens that the firm ignores her application.  Both are pleased to learn that the firm had scheduled an interview for the next morning to meet Gwen.  Later, Lady Sybil informs her father that she has borrowed the governess cart for her trip to Malton tomorrow.  She claims that she is to visit Mrs. Stuart who lives there.  Knowing Malton to be a busy town filled with motorists, he advises her daughter to have Branson drive her instead.

Mrs. Crawley senses that Lady Edith is interested with her son, Matthew.  Not wanting to disappoint the young lady, she informs her son of her plan to settle their promised church visit.  Moreover, she informs her son that he had caught Edith’s eye.  This annoys Matthew who has no shred of interest for Edith.  Meanwhile, Mr. Molesley asks for some time off to help with the Downton Village Flower Show that will be held next Saturday.  Moreover, he wants to help his father with his stall.  Mrs. Crawley curious about the flower show drops by the hall, and asks about Mr. Molesley about the prizes.  She recalls a cup that caught her attention the previous year.  Mr. Molesley informs her that that was The Grantham Cup, a prize that the late Lord Grantham donated to the show that is awarded to the person with the best bloom in the village.  Curious Mrs. Crawley asks who won the prize last year, and learns from Lady Violet that she did.  This piques Mrs. Crawley’s curiosity even more and begins to ask who won the prize from the previous years only to learn that Lady Violet did as well.

Miss O’Brien learns of Lord Grantham’s disappointment with Mr. Napier for spreading rumors about Lady Mary, but accuses Thomas that it was he who has been gossiping about their mistress.  Knowing that only four people were aware that Mr. Pamuk was in Lady Mary’s room that fateful night, Miss O’Brien is convinced that Thomas was the one who’s been spreading the news.  She believes that the only people who knew of Mr. Pamuk’s presence in Lady Mary’s room were she, Lady Mary, Thomas, and possibly Daisy.  Seeing that none of the women could have said anything to anybody, he deduces that Thomas must have been the one.  Thomas denies having said anything about Mr. Pamuk, but admits to have written to the valet of Lord Savident that Lady Mary was no better than she ought to be.  Unlucky for Thomas, he expressed his thoughts to the servant of a man with an open mouth.  Thomas has dug a hole for himself with his gossiping and also for having been caught filching a bottle of wine from the cellar.  Although Mr. Bates has not said a word to Mr. Carson, he believes that it is only a matter of time before the valet turns on him.  Miss O’Brien advises that he must make his move before Mr. Bates causes trouble for him.

Unsure of whether Daisy knows anything about Mr. Pamuk being in Lady Mary’s room, Miss O’Brien tries to draw out some information from her, but Daisy could not be broken just yet.

Matthew finds Lady Mary in the village as she is on her way to send a telegram to Lady Rosamond that her aunt may send her butler to King’s Cross to receive the supplies from Downton Abbey.  Mary asks Matthew about his church visiting plans with Edith, and learns that Mrs. Crawley has been setting something up.  Mary warns the young man that her sister has big plans for him, but Matthew makes it clear that he has no interest on Edith.  This seems to have put a smile on Mary’s face, and her reaction appears to have delighted Matthew as well.

Daisy is running late on her chores, this after taking what should have been a short nap.  To catch up on her duties, she decided to skip breakfast.  Feeling sorry for the young girl, Anna hands Daisy a jar of Lady Sybil’s biscuits knowing that none of their mistresses eats those.  Daisy gladly accepts knowing very well that Lady Sybil would not mind if she has some.  Unlucky for her, Mr. Carson walks in the room while she was having a go at the biscuits, and about the same time when Gwen has fallen ill.  Mr. Carson learning that the young maid is not feeling well sends her to bed, but wonders why Daisy is holding Lady Sybil’s jar.  Daisy makes an excuse of polishing the glass jar before putting it back, but Mr. Carson lets this go.

Later, Mrs. Hughes finds Mrs. Patmore being difficult with Lady Cora.  Lady Cora informs the governess that she has invited Sir Anthony Strallan to dinner on Friday, and was trying to persuade Mrs. Patmore to prepare their guest’s favorite Apple Charlotte pudding.  Mrs. Patmore, however, is unwilling to change her menu to accommodate her request, because everything’s been ordered and prepared.  After looking at the recipe, which appears to be simple enough to do, Mrs. Hughes wonders why Mrs. Patmore is making a huge fuss about Lady Cora’s request.  Daisy volunteers to read the recipe for her, but this only adds to Mrs. Patmore’s agitation.  Lady Cora not wanting to cause any more trouble concedes to foregoing her request.  However, she does ask Mrs. Hughes in confidence to look after Daisy seeing how Mrs. Patmore scolds the young kitchen maid.

Lady Sybil drives the governess cart and meets Gwen who has been hiding behind a tree by the road.  Gwen is wearing the dress Lady Sybil gave her for her interview.  Knowing that Gwen has feigned sickness to be able to make the interview, Lady Sybil worries that the young maid will be in trouble if someone finds that she’s not in her room.  Gwen is not worried for Anna is her roommate, and she is confident that the head housemaid will not betray her.

With Gwen supposedly out sick, Anna is left to change Lady Edith’s beddings.  Mr. Bates gives her a hand, and learns that like him, Anna feels sorry for Lady Edith too.  His concern stems from learning that the young lady was in love with the late Mr. Patrick, and Anna gives him more reason to feel sorry for her for Lady Edith never stood a chance because Mr. Patrick being the heir of Downton Abbey was set up to marry Lady Mary.  Anna mistakes Mr. Bates’ sympathy for Lady Edith for her loving a man who does not love her back, but embarrassingly learns that he was merely sad that the young man died.  Seeing that he has embarrassed Anna, he tells her that it’s possible that the young man loved Lady Edith only he could not say it, because it wouldn’t be right.

Mrs. Crawley drops by Lady Violet’s house to speak to her about the flower show.  She informs her that the roses in Mr. Molesley’s garden are the most beautiful ones she has ever seen.  Moreover, she bravely expresses her belief that Lady Violet’s winning the cup has become the local tradition.  This is an accusation the old lady denies believing that she had always won fair and square.  Mrs. Crawley finds this hard to believe, since Lady Violet always wins despite Mr. Molesley’s remarkable garden.  She asks the Dowager Countess to release the committee from any obligation to let her win, but Lady Violet insists that the committee does choose the best bloom; it just so happens that it belongs to her.

Mr. Bates finds Lord Grantham in his dressing room.  His master informs him that one of his snuff boxes had gone missing.  Mr. Bates being unfamiliar with his collection, Lord Grantham describes to him the item that is missing.  It is a blue snuffbox made for a German prince that has a miniature framed in French paste.

Gwen’s interview lasted only five minutes.  She and Lady Sybil make their way home, but their horse has cast a shoe.  Gwen worries that people might start looking for Lady Sybil, and she is right for Anna has been asking for her, since it’s almost time to ring the dressing gong.  The young ladies walk their cart to the next village where a blacksmith lives, but learns that the man is out for a week working in an estate.  Moreover, there’s no other blacksmith in town.  To add to their problem, Dragon, the horse, has decided to take a break and wanders off the road to eat.  Lady Sybil and Gwen begin to push the cart just when the horse decides to run off, and the two off them fall face first on the muddy grass.  Lady Cora hears of her daughter’s absence, and becomes worried.  Luckily, after walking for miles, the two finally made it back home.  Anna finds Gwen sitting on her bed, and knowing that she was not in their room the last time she checked, she asks the young maid where she was out of concern.  Learning that Anna had not betrayed her, Gwen admits to have been out of the house.  Knowing very well that Gwen with Lady Sybil must have gone to her interview, Anna asks whether she got the job, but Gwen has yet to hear back from the firm.

Hearing from Lady Cora the growing distrust among her daughters, Miss O’Brien is struck with an idea.  She pays Lady Edith a visit first to inform her that Lady Sybil has returned, but really to speak to her about the night Mr. Pamuk died.  She informs Lady Edith her belief that Daisy knows something about what happened, but is unwilling to share her thoughts.  However, she believes that Lady Mary is somehow involved.  Feigning concern for the family, Miss O’Brien thought it best to come to Lady Edith since Daisy is unwilling to speak to the other servants about it.  Lady Edith instructs Miss O’Brien to have Daisy meet with her tomorrow after breakfast.

Miss O’Brien brings Daisy to Lady Edith’s room, but the kitchen maid insists that she did not see much.  Seeing that Miss O’Brien’s presence is causing Daisy’s unease, Lady Edith asks that she let the two of them talk privately.  Lady Edith convinces Daisy who has started to cry that it is not fair to her to be burdened by Lady Mary’s secret, and promises her that telling her what she knows would make her feel a lot better.

Lady Cora, a member of the flower show committee, drops by the hall to view some of the flowers on display.  Mrs. Crawley calls her attention to Mr. Molesley’s display adding that the man has worked so hard on his stall.  Mrs. Crawley continues her praises for Mr. Molesley’s roses, and Lady Violet sees right through it.  Lady Violet informs Lady Cora that Mrs. Crawley believes that she has an unfair advantage, and that she has won the cup not from merit, but because of local tradition.  Matthew somehow apologizes for her mother for thinking so, but Mrs. Crawley insists that although it may be hard to top Lady Violet’s roses, it’s not impossible that someone else might better hers.

Mr. Carson informs the servants that Lord Grantham is missing a very valuable snuffbox.  He asks any one of them who may know information about the missing item to come see him, and assures them that whatever they say will be heard in strictest confidence.  Miss O’Brien and Thomas seem to already have pinned Mr. Bates as the culprit arguing that he is the only one who comes to the room where the item is stored.

Lady Cora pays Lady Mary a visit in her room right before dinner to ask her to look after Sir Anthony Strallan for he would be a suitable husband for him.  This annoys Lady Mary who once again finds herself being set up for marriage.  She finds it ridiculous that her mother would think that she will be interested with Sir Strallan, a man that’s less appealing than Matthew Crawley whom she refused.  Lady Cora delights at hearing that her daughter has begun to think more highly of Matthew, but this is not the point she is trying to make.  Lady Cora informs her daughter that a rumor in London has been floating around that presents Lady Mary as not virtuous, and that after the incident with Mr. Pamuk her chances of finding a husband has thinned.  Shocked at learning about the rumors about her, Lady Mary worries that her father has found out about Mr. Pamuk, but her mother assures her that Lord Robert only knows it to be gossip for he is still unaware of the truth.  However, Lady Mary finds the prospect of not ever finding a husband better than forty years of boredom and duty.  Lady Mary tells her mother that she is a lost cause, and that she should let her manage her own affairs.  Moreover, she tells her to concentrate on Edith instead for her sister needs all the help she can get.  Lady Cora reprimands Mary for being unkind to Edith, but does not deny that the young woman has fewer advantages than Mary.  Regrettably, Lady Edith is at the hall by Mary’s room and heard all the unkind things that were said of her.

Mrs. Patmore takes the food from the oven, drops them on the floor, makes a scene and blames everything on Daisy.  Good thing, quick thinking and trustworthy Anna was the one who was there.  She instructs Daisy and Gwen to pick up the roast chickens from the floor and wipe them.  They put them back on the tray, and no one’s the wiser.  Meanwhile, dinner has started, and Lady Mary sits beside Sir Anthony Strallan who is boring her to death with talk about farming and mechanization.  Luckily, Matthew is seated next to her.  Lady Edith sees an opportunity and she impresses the man with her remark about the difficulties of accepting progress without being unfair to workers.  Sir Anthony pleased to have found someone interested with his thoughts agrees to show her the new harvesters.  By dessert, Lady Cora has picked up a conversation with Sir Anthony much to Lady Mary’s relief.  She turns to Matthew and has a pleasant conversation with him about how Mr. Molesley’s roses will turn everyone’s heads, but asks him not to share her remarks to Lady Violet.  Matthew would not dare, and adds that he’ll leave that to her mother.  Lord Robert is delighted to see Mary and Matthew getting along well.  Mrs. Patmore sprinkles a condiment on the desserts before sending it out.  Sir Anthony is the first one to take a bite; he cringes in disgust and gags.  He explains that he had a mouthful of salt.  Lady Cora tastes the dessert, requests everyone not to take a bite, and orders Mr. Carson to take it away and replace it with something else.  Matthew and Lady Mary could not contain their laughter at Sir Anthony.

Downstairs, it’s a different story.  Mrs. Patmore sobs at hearing the news about her failed dessert, but still manages to blame it on Daisy.  Mr. Carson assures poor Daisy that she is not to blame.  Mr. Bates asks the other servants to leave Mr. Carson with Mrs. Patmore.  Mr. Carson gently takes Mrs. Patmore’s hand and urges her to tell him what’s troubling her.  Mrs. Patmore confesses that she is losing her eyesight.  She has so far managed without anyone noticing it for she knew where everything’s kept, but again manages to slip in a criticism about Daisy.  Mr. Carson kindly tells her that she might owe Daisy an apology, and Mrs. Patmore agrees for her behavior towards the young girl merely stems from the fear of her going blind.  Meanwhile, Anna tells Mr. Bates that she believes Thomas hid the snuffbox in Mr. Bates’ room to frame him as the thief.  Her advice is for him to go look for it in his room, and when he does find it there he could either put it in Thomas’ room or hand it to her and she’ll put it in Miss O’Brien’s room.

After dinner, Mary makes a funny impression of Sir Anthony when he took a bite of the overly salty dessert.  Edith chastises her for having a good laugh with Matthew at the expense of Sir Anthony.  Mary fights back shaming her sister with the fact Matthew shared with her; Matthew is not interested with her.  In an attempt to prevent Edith from falling to pieces, Lady Cora compliments her for looking after Sir Anthony noting that she saved the day.  Her compliment worked, Edith confesses to have enjoyed her conversation with the man.  Mary confronts Edith about her making a show, and receives a challenge from her sister.

Lord Grantham shares his delight with Matthew at seeing him and Mary getting along.  Knowing that he and Mary got off on the wrong foot, Lord Grantham asks the young man if he and Mary start again for he does not see any reason why they cannot be friends.  Unfortunately, having taken up the challenge to catch Sir Anthony’s interest, Mary has decided to put Matthew aside to entertain Sir Anthony.  Edith tries to compete with her sister, but Sir Anthony is already engrossed with the book Mary is showing him.  Hurt with having been thrown away like a used rag, Matthew excuses himself feigning a headache.  Mary sees Matthew leave, but is too late.  She has once again managed to hurt Matthew.  Lord Grantham sees this, and shares his cryptic thoughts to his wife.  He observed that his daughter has acted much like a child, playing with a man’s feelings.  However, he failed to see that Edith has been hurt as well.

At the servant’s hall, Mr. Bates suggests to Mr. Carson that they should conduct a search for the snuffbox.  This startles both Thomas and O’Brien.  Anna recommends that Mr. Carson can search the men’s rooms, while Mrs. Hughes will search the women's rooms.  Moreover, since all are already aware that a search will be conducted, they must act quickly to prevent the thief from hiding it.  As soon as Mr. Carson agrees and leaves to fetch Mrs. Hughes, both Thomas and O’Brien run to their rooms sure that Mr. Bates must have hidden the snuffbox in either of their rooms.  Mrs. Hughes catches Miss O’Brien in her room that is now in complete disarray.  Clearly, she has been trying to look for something.

Mrs. Crawley is surprised to see her son back home early.  Matthew though seemingly upset informs her that he did enjoy his evening, and was going to tell her something else but changes his mind.  The next day, all attend the flower show.  Lord Grantham and Lady Cora admire Mr. Molesley’s roses.  Lady Cora notices that he has roses like no other, and rightfully so for it is a species that the old man has just discovered.  Lady Cora asks the man if he would be kind to tell their gardener about it, and invites Mr. Molesley to their rose garden interested at hearing his ideas.  Lord Grantham notes that in a fairer world, Mr. Molesley will surely win the prize.  Lady Violet is still convinced that the judges have been fair, and that she has been winning the prize on merit.  Meanwhile, Lady Mary approaches Matthew to apologize, and is relieved to know that they still are in speaking terms.  However, the young man appears to be avoiding her.  Lady Edith sees this and rubs it in on Lady Mary who resorts to criticizing her clothes.  Seeing Miss O’Brien she is reminded of the secret she knows.

The servants make their way to the flower show.  Anna is a bit disappointed that Mr. Bates has done the noble thing, and returned the snuffbox instead of planting it in Thomas or Miss O’Brien’s room.  Mr. Bates explains that he is happy with those two knowing that he is aware of what they have done.  Unable to contain it anymore, Anna confronts Mr. Bates about the secret he has been keeping, and is surprised to learn that he truly is keeping one.  Anna wishes that Mr. Bates would tell her what it is, but Mr. Bates regrettably informs her that he cannot.  He does tell her that he has been married, but there is more to it.  Nevertheless, Anna confesses that she is in love with him.

The servants have finally arrived at the flower show.  Lady Sybil speaks with Gwen and learns that the firm has turned her down for not having met their qualifications.  Gwen has once again given up on her dream, but Lady Sybil assures her that their fight to attain it is far from over.  Lady Violet takes up the stage to announce the winners, and finds that the committee once again names her the winner for best bloom.  With all the talk of her winning not on merit, Lady Violet announces that the Grantham Cup goes to Mr. William Molesley despite the judges naming her as the winner.  All are in disbelief that someone else has won the prize for best bloom including Mr. Molesley who thanks Lady Violet for letting him have the prize, but the Dowager Countess assures him that it was the judges who decided.  Moreover, she genuinely congratulates him for his Comptesse Cabarousse rose.  Lord Grantham and Lady Cora compliment Lady Violet for her sacrifice.

Later that night, Lady Edith has taken to heart all the hurt she has received from her family especially Lady Mary.  She sits at her desk and writes to the Turkish Ambassador.  She who laughs last laughs longest indeed.

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Episode 4 Season 1 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 1.4

Synopsis: Mrs. Hughes’ former boyfriend arrives at Downton Abbey and asks her to marry him.  Lady Violet asks Matthew to find a way to challenge the entail putting him in an awkward position.  Meanwhile, Lady Sybil is becoming vocal about her political beliefs as she voices her support for women’s rights.

Episode Summary: The Dowager Countess has become concerned about Lady Mary, unaware of what happened between her and Mr. Pamuk; she attributes her sullen disposition to the uncertainty of her granddaughter’s situation.  Lady Cora, however, is resigned with the fact that the entail is unbreakable, which means that there is no chance for her daughter to inherit.  Lady Violet has not given up on the fight, and believes that all they need is a decent and honor-bound lawyer, and she claims to know the right person for the job. Continue reading...

Mrs. Crawley notices a rash on Mr. Moseley’s hand, and begins to fuss about it.  It seems that her success with correctly diagnosing Mr. Drake’s condition has given her fodder to continue playing doctor.  She diagnoses Mr. Moseley’s rash as erysipelas, and is convinced that the butler must have cut himself despite the man denying having done so.  Determined to have it treated, Mrs. Crawley insists that they pay a visit to the hospital.  Mrs. Crawley seems to have overstepped her role as the chairman of the Downton Cottage Hospital when she orders the nurse to open the medicine cupboard for her that she may take the medicine that she needs.  She prescribes tincture of steel, and a solution of nitrate of silver to Mr. Moseley.

A fair has come to Downton, and the servants have received permission to come see it.  Meanwhile, Mrs. Patmore seeing how Daisy is uncharacteristically glum orders the young kitchen maid to take the night off to go see the fair.  Even Mrs. Hughes has decided to take a night off, and seems to be looking forward to it.  Unluckily for Anna, she has come down with a flu.  Miss O’Brien reluctantly takes over Anna’s job as per the order of Mrs. Hughes.  William unsure whether Daisy is going to the fair asks Mr. Bates within Thomas’ earshot if the young girl is going.  Learning that she is, he begins to ask her on a date, but Thomas just to spite him cuts him off so he could get the young girl to go with him.  Daisy who is smitten with Thomas could not be more pleased.

Matthew Crawley receives an announced visit from Lady Violet to speak about the entail.  Knowing that Matthew would never want to benefit at Mary’s expense due to ignorance of the law, she has come to him for help.  She would like to understand the exact terms of the entail, and the deed of gift when Lady Cora’s money was transferred to the estate.

Mrs. Hughes after a very long time has finally decided to take a night off, but she worries that Mr. Carson will be left all alone to manage the house with Anna out with the flu.  Mr. Carson not wanting to keep her from her time off assures Mrs. Hughes that he can manage.  His only concern at that moment is his discovery that they seem to be missing bottles of wine.  Mr. Carson may have cause to regret letting Mrs. Hughes take the night off.  Without Mrs. Hughes, the kitchen is in disorder.  Despite all the commotion in the kitchen, Daisy seems to be back to her old cheery self for she is looking forward to going to the fair with Thomas much to William’s chagrin and Mrs. Patmore’s disappointment.

Night has fallen, and the fair has opened its doors to the people of Downton Abbey.  Lady Mary finds Matthew at the Coconut Saloon, and he buys her tickets to play the game.  He also takes the opportunity to ask Lady Mary if Lord Grantham is available for a chat that evening.  His request is the consequence of his talk about the Great Matter with Lady Violet earlier that day.  Seeing each other at the fair has given the two the opportunity to have a decent conversation that is free from angst.  Lady Mary makes it known to Matthew that although she once remarked that his job made him very middle class she sometimes envy him for his work gives him purpose.  She, on the other hand, does not really have a life for women like her do not do anything but wait for a husband.  Matthew is somewhat relieved to hear from Lady Mary that her anger stems from her way of life and not from him.

Lady Mary informs Lord Grantham that Matthew is coming to pay him a visit unaware that Lady Violet is coming as well.  Lord Grantham asks her daughter to keep Lady Violet from learning that Matthew has come to see him.  Matthew arrives at the Downton House and sees that Lady Violet is there as well.  Lucky for him, it is only Lady Mary who has seen him arrive.  She tells him to wait in the library, while she informs her father that he has arrived.  Matthew informs Lord Grantham of the meeting he had with Lady Violet.  Matthew unable to come up with a reason that could challenge the entail asks Lord Grantham’s advice on how to break the news to Lady Violet.  He is afraid that the woman would think that he intentionally failed the task, because succeeding would be a detriment to him.  Lord Grantham does not deny that his mother’s opinion of him cannot be changed, but assures him that he and Lady Cora would not share Lady Violet’s judgment.  It, however, surprised Lord Grantham to hear that Matthew is more concerned about Lady Mary’s resentment towards him.

While admiring the flamethrower, Mrs. Hughes is approached by her old friend, Joe Burns.  The two have dinner together to catch up on things.  She learns that Joe’s wife has died, and he is left alone in his farm for his son has joined the army.  Learning that Elsie Hughes has come to call herself Mrs., Joe asks about it, but Mrs. Hughes explains that it is a salutation used by housekeepers and cooks.  Joe seems delighted to learn that Elsie has never married.  She brings her back to the fair, and wins for her a prize, a token to remember him by.  Joe Burns who once asked Elsie to marry him asks her one more time, but requests her to give it a long thought for he does not want her to come to a decision that she will regret.  Elsie promises to think long and hard before giving him an answer.  The other servants see her with Joe at the fair.  Thomas informs them that Mrs. Hughes seems to have gotten herself a boyfriend for the man could not be her brother since she only has a sister.  Daisy is impressed with Thomas that upsets William, but it is Daisy who upsets him more when she tells him to go home for being a spoilsport.

Branson, Lord Grantham’s new chauffer, is unlike his predecessor.  Aside from showing interest in history and politics, the Irish lad is vocal about his opinions of the aristocrat’s idea of charity.  Meanwhile, Miss O’Brien is still griping about being ordered to take over Anna’s job.  Learning that Anna is still out sick, Mr. Bates returns the kindness she once showed him.  He brings her a tray of food to eat putting a smile on the young woman’s face.

Mr. Carson unaware that Lord Grantham’s meeting with Matthew is to be kept from Lady Violet lets it slip that the two are in the library.  Lady Violet makes her presence known and more so her anger.  She finds it hard to understand why her son seems glad to have his own daughter disinherited.  Lord Grantham argues that he has merely accepted her daughter’s fate for the entail left them with no other option.  Worn out, most likely from Lady Violet’s fury, Lord Grantham goes to bed, but instructs Mr. Carson not to inform Mary and Matthew until the two rings for him.  Matthew informs Mary that the only way to break the entail is for Parliament to pass a private bill, but this can only happen if the estate were in danger, which it is not.  It surprises Mary that Matthew is genuinely concerned about her, and is even more startled to find herself attracted with the young man.

Mr. Bates seeing that William is upset tries to speak to him, but the young man wants to be left alone.  Thomas fully aware of what he has done shows no remorse, and is even proud about having trampled upon the young man.  Mr. Bates takes Thomas by his collar and threatens him, but the footman is unfazed.  Thomas continues to embarrass William, and he seems to be rubbing on to Daisy.

With Anna still sick, Miss O’Brien is left to manage the young ladies of the house.  Gwen makes a lie about Lady Cora sending her a message for Lady Sybil in order to get Miss O’Brien out of the room.  Gwen has come to see Lady Sybil to show her the letter she received from one of the firms she applied for.  Learning that Gwen was not permitted to take a day off, Lady Sybil advises her to feign sickness sure that nobody will notice that the housemaid is not at the house just as nobody asks for Anna knowing that she is ill.

Lady Mary confronts her father about his laissez faire attitude towards the entail.  He explains that if he had made his own fortune and bought Downton for himself then he surely would fight for her to the teeth, but unfortunately he did not.  He believes that his fortune is the work of others who labored to build a great dynasty, and it is not his place to destroy their work for the sake of his daughter.  He is merely the custodian of Downton Abbey and not the owner of it.  He does have the option to take Lady Cora’s fortune out of the estate, but this would be the ruin of Downton for it would have to be sold to pay for it.  Such are the options they have at their hands, and so Lady Mary must find a way to accept it even though it would mean that she is to get out of the way and only concern herself with finding a husband.  Lord Grantham gives her another option, and that is to marry Matthew Crawley.  Lady Mary reminds her father that she will never agree to an arranged marriage for she is a stubborn woman.

Branson drives Lady Sybil to Ripon to get her fitted for a new dress.  Overhearing Lady Sybil’s support of women’s rights, the young chauffer is curious to know whether Lady Sybil will succumb to her mother’s taste or if she will insist her own style.  Seeing her as an open-minded young woman, Branson gives her some pamphlets about the matter of giving women the right to vote.  Knowing that her father and grandmother disapprove of this, she warns Branson to keep his political interests from them.  Lady Sybil is pleasantly surprised to find the young man to be a socialist with dreams of getting a better life for he is sure that he will not always be a chauffer.

Lady Violet who is speaking with Dr. Clarkson is surprised to see Mrs. Crawley arrive with Mr. Moseley.  Mr. Moseley’s rash is the reason for their visit for the medications Mrs. Crawley prescribed do not seem to work.  This piques Lady Violet’ curiosity and so Mr. Moseley informs her that he has erysipelas, and shows her his infected hand.  Seeing it, Lady Violet makes her own diagnosis.  She believes that Mr. Moseley merely has a rue allergy knowing that he has been helping his father turn his late mother’s herb garden into grass.  Lady Violet’s recommendation is for Mr. Moseley to wear gloves when helping his father, and believes that his rash should be gone in a week.  Moreover, she advises Mrs. Crawley to leave diagnosing patients to doctors.

Lord Grantham and Matthew visit some old cottages that need repairing.  Matthew is pleased to hear that Lord Grantham expects her mother to be done with her scheming and that the time has come for everyone to accept that the entail cannot be broken.  Lord Grantham is equally glad to hear that Matthew has finally seen that his future is with Downton.  The young man confesses that when he first arrived that he could only see the absurdities and not the possibilities so much so that he was determined not to let it change him.  Now he has come to realize that a man will die if he refuses change.

Daisy confides with Mrs. Patmore her love for Thomas, but the cook tells her that they are not right for each other not that Daisy is not good enough for him, but because they are not a match.  Mrs. Patmore knows that Thomas is a troubled soul and not a ladies’ man, but Daisy seems to like him more because of it.

Lady Sybil begins chatter among her sisters about her beliefs starting with why women are expected to wear corsets.  She then moves on to the matter of women’s suffrage.  Anna seems to share her beliefs with her acknowledgement of the women’s courage to stand up for their rights.  Later after dinner, Lady Mary finds it difficult to sit and listen to her father talk about nothing else but Matthew.  Lord Grantham is very pleased with his heir for starting the cottage restoration project that has a goal of restoring old cottages every year.  Even Lady Sybil is pleased with it knowing that the people of Downton will benefit from it.  Lady Mary excuses herself feigning illness, and Lady Cora follows her to her room only to find her weeping.  Her distress comes from the realization that her father has found a son in Matthew, and it is for this reason that he has not bothered to fight for her.  Lady Cora explains that the only reason Lord Grantham did not put up a fight is because he knew that he could not win.  This seems to anger Lady Mary even more seeing that her mother has turned against her as well, believing that her mother now thinks less of her for having taken a lover without any thought of marriage.  Lady Cora seeing that her daughter cannot be consoled leaves her alone, but not without advising her not to quarrel with Matthew for she may someday need him.  Lady Mary once again takes it the wrong way and finds that her mother’s remark was born out of her knowing that she will eventually be ruined, and Matthew is the one person who can protect her.

Mrs. Hughes having observed how Thomas has shamed William gives the young man advice.  Moreover, she tells him that the only reason Thomas has been picking on him is because he is jealous of him.  Everybody likes William, but unfortunately the one person who matters most to him likes Thomas more.  Mrs. Hughes informs him that the girl is foolish and does not deserve him.  William is grateful for Mrs. Hughes’ kind words, and in return praises her by telling her that he could not imagine how the house will function without her.  This seems to have reminded Mrs. Hughes of the decision she made.  She confides to Mr. Carson about Joe Burns who turned out to be her boyfriend before she started work at Downton.  Learning that she had taken the job, Joe asked her to marry her.  Joe, a farmer, and Mrs. Hughes a farmer’s daughter seem to be a good match.  Moreover, Joe is a very nice man.  However, Mrs. Hughes has grown to love her work, and would not want to give it up, which is why she turned down his marriage proposal.  Joe was left to marry someone else, but then three years ago his wife died.  Joe never forgot about Mrs. Hughes that he wrote to her asking that they meet again.  Curious to know how the man has been, she agreed to meet him, and they had a lovely time at the fair.  Mrs. Hughes is delighted to see that Joe continues to be the nice man she met years ago.  Moreover, he had once again asked her to marry him.  Although Mrs. Hughes wanted to accept his proposal, she is surprised to learn that she has changed.  She is no longer the farm girl that Joe once knew, and it is for this reason that she once again turned him down.  Mrs. Hughes has decided to stay at Downton.

Lady Sybil’s new frock finally arrives, and she is very excited about it.  Moreover, she has prepared a dress for Gwen’s interview, but learns that the firm has cancelled her interview for they have already found someone who is more suited and better qualified for the job, which explains why the young housemaid has become sad and dejected.  Gwen begins to once again doubt herself, but Lady Sybil comforts the young woman telling her that they are not to give up.  Later, the Crawleys including Matthew and Isobel anxiously wait for Lady Sybil who has taken a lot longer than usual to dress.  She is upstairs with Anna who dresses her, and who is equally excited about her master’s new frock.  Lady Sybil surprises everyone for she is wearing a pair of pants.

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Episode 3 Season 1 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 1.3

Synopsis: Lady Cora learns that Lord Branksome’s son, Evelyn Napier, will be dropping by at Downton and decides to invite him to stay at their house.  Mr. Napier brings with him Mr. Pamuk, the son of one of the Turkish Sultan’s ministers who is vital in the peace talks in Albania.  Lady Mary seeing the gorgeous, young man becomes quite taken with him, and the young man could not resist her as well.  Their attraction leads to an incident that will change their lives forever.

Episode Summary: Mr. Bates drops by the post office, and finds Gwen there seemingly anxious to mail a package.  She becomes even more alarmed at the sight of Anna fussing about the top of their room’s cupboard where her luggage sits.  Anna becomes curious about the contents of Gwen’s heavy luggage, and asks her about it.  The young lady is hesitant about divulging its contents, but is left with no other choice for Anna demands that she tell her.  Gwen finally let’s Anna in her secret, and shows her the typewriter that she has been hiding inside her luggage.  Gwen used every penny she saved to buy the typewriter and to pay for the typing and shorthand correspondence course she has been taking.  She hasn’t told anyone about it, not even her parents, for they will surely disapprove unless of course she finds herself a job to prove that taking the course was not for naught. Continue reading...

Lady Cora finds Lady Mary reading a letter from Evelyn Napier who wrote to inform her that he has a hunting meet at Downton, and wanted to drop by for some tea.  Eager to find a match for her daughter, Lady Cora suggests that Lady Mary invites him stay at their house.  Excited at learning that a noble young man seems to be interested with her daughter, Cora wastes no time to inform her husband and mother-in-law.  Robert is not very thrilled with the idea, and neither is Violet for she worries that finding a husband for Mary would give Robert a reason not to fight for Mary’s inheritance.  Cora is resigned with the fact that Robert has already given up the fight for her husband has accepted Matthew Crawley as his heir seeing that it is the only way to save Downton Abbey.  Moreover, Cora has grown to like Matthew.  Regrettably, Mary has not.  It seems that Lady Cora is not the only one who has grown fond of Matthew for Lady Edith has offered to take him around town to show him the local churches.

Miss O’Brien, having barged into Anna and Gwen’s room while Gwen was showing Anna the typewriter, takes the typewriter down to the Servants’ Hall without the knowledge of its owner.  Gwen becomes upset at finding her typewriter unjustly taken from her room.  Mr. Carson would want to know why she has been secretly keeping a typewriter to which Anna corrects him that the young woman merely wants to keep it private.  Gwen informs them that she has bought a typewriter and has taken a postal course in shorthand for she has ambitions of becoming a secretary; not that she finds anything wrong with being a maid, but it is not what she wants to do.

Lady Cora excitedly informs Lady Mary that she has a letter from Mr. Napier informing her that he is bringing his friend Kemal Pamuk.  Mr. Pamuk is an attaché at the Turkish Embassy, and the son of one of the Sultan’s ministers.  He has come to England for the Albanian talks, and is eager to try an English hunt.  Lady Edith informs her less informed sister that the talks aim to create an independent Albania.  In fact, Mr. Napier’s role is to entertain Mr. Pamuk before the conference since Turkey’s approval is vital to the cause.  Seeing that Mr. Pamuk is an important person, Lady Cora decides to invite him to stay with them as well.  Moreover, much to Lady Mary’s annoyance, she must go hunting with them.

Mr. Bates sees an advertisement for a limp corrector, and pays a visit to the establishment.  The irascible shop owner greets him, and shows him the limp corrector.  He informs Mr. Bates that he is to adjust the contraption to the right height to minimize the limp and as the leg straightens the foot is lowered on the floor therefore correcting the limp.  He is to tighten the screws as tight as he could stand, and he cannot slack.  Moreover, Mr. Bates is to wear it everyday, all day.  Eager to fix his lame leg, Mr. Bates buys the contraption.

Early in the morning as Anna and Gwen are preparing Lady Mary’s riding outfit, Gwen bursts into tears.  The young woman has realized that she might have been in over her head about becoming a secretary.  She has lost hope after seeing the doubtful faces of her fellow servants.  Mr. Bates who happens to be there as well tells Gwen that she must not lose hope.  She has the power to change her life if she wants to, and it may be hard, but it can be done.  Later Mr. Bates winces in pain, but says nothing about it even to Mrs. Hughes who offers him help seeing that he has turned pale.

The hunt party with their hounds arrive at Downton.  Mr. Napier having rejected Lady Cora’s invitation to send the horses down early arrives late.  Mr. Pamuk is yet to arrive for according to Mr. Napier, the man is a bit dandy.  Lady Mary sure that Mr. Pamuk is a funny little foreigner with a wide, toothy grin and hair reeking with pomade is pleasantly surprised to find him a good looking young man.  Lady Mary who was to be escorted by Mr. Lynch dismisses her chaperone, and so the hunt begins.  Mr. Pamuk goes off track, and Lady Mary follows him off the beaten track.  Meanwhile, Lady Edith and Matthew are in the town visiting the local churches.  Hoping to learn more about Matthew, she is disappointed to find him more curious about Mary.

At last, the hunters arrive home with Mr. Pamuk and Lady Mary probably the most worn out of them all.  All are happy to see the gorgeous Mr. Pamuk including the servants and Thomas most of all who is to be his valet for he left his man in London.  Mr. Thomas while helping the man dress flirts with Mr. Pamuk.  Mr. Pamuk is appalled with his valet coming on to him, but is willing to forget about it if he helps him pay a visit to someone’s room.

Gwen’s plight for a better life as a secretary becomes the hot topic in the Downton house so hot that it is the subject at the Crawley’s dining table.  Lady Violet could not fathom why the girl would leave a life of service in a large and pleasant house for a cramped and gloomy office.  Lady Mary could not care less, but Lady Cora believes that they must see to it that the people who live and work at their house are content.  Meanwhile, Lady Sybil believes that they should help Gwen in her ambition, to this Mrs. Crawley agrees for she believes that they should encourage the less fortunate to improve their lives.  The foreigner Mr. Pamuk offers a different view, believing that the English care too much about other people’s lives.  He believes that if the law permits it then the choice lies with the maid.  Lady Violet now thinks that perhaps the law must not permit it for the common good for she yearns for a simpler world even if it means that some people may have to live a life of serfdom.

Matthew is disappointed to see that Lady Mary is enjoying Mr. Pamuk’s company, and the young man is too for he had invited her to Istanbul.  Lady Mary does not seem to have a lack of suitors seeing the three young men gathered around her, Lady Violet worries that she might not be a sensible judge, but Lord Grantham is not worried for he believes that it is his role to judge what is right for his young daughter.  Unfortunately, Lady Mary seems to have already made a choice.  She brushes off Matthew’s offer to go riding with him, and excuses herself while Mr. Napier was mid-story to follow Mr. Pamuk who has gestured to her to come with him.  Mr. Pamuk goes inside one of the rooms, and Lady Mary hesitantly follows him.  He then grabs her and passionately kisses her catching Lady Mary by surprise.  He then asks that she let him in her room that night.  Lady Mary though attracted to the young man rejects his proposal, but promises not to inform her father about it knowing that he will surely throw him out of the house.  This, however, seem to only make Mr. Pamuk want her more.

That night, with the help of Mr. Thomas, Mr. Pamuk enters Lady Mary’s room much to her surprise.  She threatens to scream, but Mr. Pamuk argues that no one will hear her.  She then threatens to ring the bell, but then Mr. Pamuk argues that it will be embarrassing for her if someone learns that there is a man in her bedroom.  Mr. Pamuk moves closer to Lady Mary and begins kissing her neck.  They fall on her bed with Lady Mary still unsure of what to do claiming that she is not the rebel everybody seems to think she is much more she is still a virgin.  Regrettably, the lure of Mr. Pamuk is too much to resist that Lady Mary gives in.

Soon after, Lady Mary sneaks inside Anna’s room, and wakes her.  She informs Anna that Mr. Pamuk is dead in her room.  Anna tells her that they must bring him back to his room, but because it is miles away and the young man is too heavy for the two of them to carry, they are to enlist the help of Lady Cora, the person who stands to lose as much as Mary if word of her scandalous tryst ever gets out.  True enough, the lifeless, naked body of Mr. Pamuk lays on Mary’s bed.  Lady Cora could not comprehend why he is on her daughter’s bed, and is disappointed to learn that he had Lady Mary’s consent.  Lady Cora at first would not want to be involved in a cover up, but thinking of the scandal they are to face that is to be the ruin of her daughter she agrees to be part of it.  At dawn, the three carry the corpse of Mr. Pamuk back to his bedroom without being seen by anyone but Daisy.  They successfully lay his body on his bed, but Lady Cora could not find forgiveness in her heart for her daughter.  She vows not to tell Lord Grantham but only because it would certainly ruin his life and probably kill him to know of his eldest daughter’s shame and the deed they have done to keep it secret.  She asks Anna to do the same.

Mr. Thomas brings tea to Mr. Pamuk’s bedroom, and finds his corpse.  News of his death spread around the house, and Mr. Napier feels awful to have brought death to their house.  He, nonetheless, asks Lady Mary for a tour of their gardens, but is surprised to see her so dejected about Mr. Pamuk’s death.  He, however, just attributes it to the young woman’s infatuation to the gorgeous, charming man.  Mr. Napier bids goodbye to Lady Grantham who could not wait to have him back.  Feeling that Lady Cora finds him a suitable suitor to Lady Mary, Mr. Napier makes it clear that although he very much so likes Mary he is afraid that the feeling is not mutual.  He believes that marriage should be based on love, and with that he ends any hope of him becoming Mary’s husband without damaging his relationship with the Crawleys.

So Mr. Pamuk’s death prevails over Gwen’s plight to become a secretary, and becomes the subject of conversation in the house.  Mr. Thomas seems to know more than what the other servants know about his death, but he is not keen to share.  Lucky for Gwen, Lady Sybil is still more interested with her ambition than the death of one of their guests.  She shows her an ad on the newspaper.  The new firm in Thirsk is looking for a secretary.  Gwen is surprised to learn that Lady Sybil heard of her plans to leave service thanks to Mr. Carson who informed Lord Grantham.  She is even more surprised to learn that Lady Sybil approves of her plan to better her life so much so that she offers to be her reference.

Hearing of the news, the Dowager Countess drops by for a visit shocked to hear of the young man’s death.  She is even more shocked with Mary’s melodramatic behavior, but is understanding of the cause, believing that the young woman is merely shaken with the news.  Matthew wonders if he and his mother should have dropped by the Downton house to show their concern, but Mrs. Crawley thinks that they might just be in the way.  Matthew is concerned about Mary knowing how infatuated the young woman has become of Mr. Pamuk.  Rightfully so, Mary is the most affected of them all.  Mr. Carson finds her in the room where Mr. Pamuk stayed, sitting in the dark.  He is surprised to hear the young woman open up to him telling him of her deepest feelings.  Lady Mary confesses that she finally understands what it is to be happy.  Regrettably, she is sure that she won’t be.  Mr. Carson mistakes her sadness as the result of her losing her inheritance, but is made aware that Mary was not even thinking about that.  He, nonetheless, lets her know that the whole staff are behind her, which seems to lift her spirits at least a bit.  Lady Mary finds that Mr. Carson has always been good to her to whom the butler confesses that even butlers have favorites, and fortunately she is his.

It is not only Mr. Carson who is concerned about Lady Mary.  Matthew worried about Mary drops by for a visit eager to see how she is doing.  Failing to see her at church the previous day made him even more worried, but he is glad to see her up and about.  Mary was simply not up to go to church for she has not gotten over the untimely death of Mr. Pamuk.

Lord Grantham could not believe that a fit young man would die of a heart attack.  Thinking back he remembers the young man being vital to the Albanian peace talks, and begins to wonder if there is something foul about his death.  He shares his theories to Mr. Bates who winces in pain.  Lord Grantham becomes worried with his valet.  However, Mr. Bates insists that he is in no need of any help, and assures his master that he is fine.  Lord Grantham knows very well that Mr. Bates is suffering, and speaks to Mrs. Hughes about it.  Mrs. Hughes having seen Mr. Bates wincing in pain more than once demands that he tell her the cause of his pain for she will not leave the room until he tells her the truth.  And so, Mr. Bates shows her his now badly scarred leg.  The contraption created fresh wounds on his leg.  Mrs. Hughes convinces Mr. Bates to get rid of the supposed limp corrector.  The two of them go to the pond to throw the device that did nothing but cause Mr. Bates pain.  Before throwing out the limp corrector, Mrs. Hughes makes Mr. Bates promise that he will never again try to cure himself even though his limp will be the butt of people’s jokes.  Mrs. Hughes reminds him that everybody has scars, inside or out, and that all are the same in that manner.

Thomas’ remark about Mr. Pamuk living each day as if it were his last piqued the curiosity of the other servants that Gwen asks him about it, but he keeps his mouth shut.  O’Brien is anxious to know what it is that Thomas knows about his death, and is sure that the young man will share it with her.  True enough, Thomas shares with her the events that happened in that fateful evening.  He tells her how he escorted Mr. Pamuk to Lady Mary’s bedroom in the middle of the night.  O’Brien now suspects whether Mr. Pamuk even made it back to his room by himself.

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