The London Season – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 4.9

Synopsis: The Crawleys are in London for Lady Rose’s debut.  Lady Rose becomes acquainted with Ms. Freda Dudley Ward, the mistress of the Prince of Wales.  All is well until Mr. Terence Sampson gets hold of a highly sensitive letter that will bring scandal to the monarchy.  The Crawleys go in a mission to retrieve the letter from Mr. Sampson’s possession.

Downton Abbey The London Season Episode Summary: It is 1923 and the Crawleys are at the Grantham House in London in preparation for Lady Rose McClare’s ball.  People of high society will be attending the debutante ball including Lady Cora’s family from America.  Mrs. Crawley, however, has decided not to attend.  Lord Merton, who has taken a liking to Mrs. Crawley, finds this a pity.  He later learns that Mrs. Crawley had indeed changed her mind.  She has decided to join Lady Grantham to the ball.  She explains that she felt smug to dismiss the invitation to an event she has come to realize a tradition practiced to measure a person’s progress through life. Continue reading...

Lady Rose could not wait to be presented to enjoy the life of an adult woman that she manages to convince Lady Cora and Lord Grantham to allow her to attend a party with her friend, Madeleine Allsopp, at the Embassy Club where the famous band, Ambrose & His Orchestra, is performing.  They find Miss Allsopp’s father there with the Prince of Wales in the company of Ms. Freda Dudley Ward.  Ms. Ward expresses her gratitude to Lady Rose for their presence, noting that the Prince of Wales had become grouchy before they arrived.

Tom Branson is alone in Downton Abbey with Lady Edith leaving for London to join her family for Lady Rose’s ball.  Mr. Barrow whines about having to wait on him knowing that the man used to be the family’s chauffer whose position would have been beneath him if he had not married up.  Tom’s only fault is that he was fortunate enough to have fallen in love with Lady Sybil, who reciprocated his love.  Not wanting to be a burden to the understaffed house at Downton Abbey, Tom decides to have his dinner at The Grantham Arms.  He bumps into Miss Sarah Bunting on his way to the pub.  Lady Violet sees them and she stops her car to bid him good-bye before she leaves for London.  She boasts to the uninterested Miss Bunting about Lady Rose’s debut that will involve supper at the Palace.  The encounter with Lady Violet causes Miss Bunting to rescind her refusal of Tom’s offer of dinner at the pub.  She then puts him in an awkward position when she asks to see the mansion at Downton Abbey.  Tom reluctantly gives Miss Bunting a tour of the main rooms of the mansion and he more hesitantly brings her to the gallery as per her request.  He confesses his uneasiness of bringing her to the mansion in the Crawleys absence, but Miss Bunting insists on seeing the gallery.  His uneasiness is with basis for malicious Mr. Barrow finds them at the gallery and he is sure to make something out of nothing.  Tom finds the need to clarify their presence at the gallery in the hope that Mr. Barrow would not give malice to what he saw, but knows well that Mr. Barrow has nothing but malice in his mind.  In fact, Mr. Barrow informs Lord Grantham about seeing Tom with Miss Bunting at the bedroom gallery the moment he had a chance to speak with him privately.  Lord Grantham confronts Tom about the information Mr. Barrow relayed to him.  Tom does not deny or make excuses about the fact that he had brought Miss Bunting for a quick tour of the house after dinner.

Mrs. Martha Levinson arrives at the Grantham House with her son, Harold Levinson.  The man was reluctant to leave America, but had to due to the Teapot Dome scandal that almost ruined him.  He and his mother will be spending some time traveling around Europe.  Mrs. Levinson alone is a handful and she without a maid is another level of nuisance.  Fortunately, reinforcements from Downton Abbey arrive.  Mrs. Hughes has come to take charge in the absence of the Grantham House governess, Mrs. Bute.  She brings with her Daisy Mason to help Mrs. Patmore.  Daisy relays a cryptic message from Mr. Barrow to Miss Baxter, one Mr. Molesley overheard.  There is no doubt that Mrs. Hughes is a welcome sight given the kerfuffle that will endure for a few days.  Mr. Carson welcomes her assistance and her opinion regarding the treat he is planning for the servants as per Lady Cora’s request to show gratitude for their hard work.  He has already chosen two sights to bring the servants, but could not decide between the two.  Mr. Carson plans a fun day for the servants, but he has yet to decide whether to bring them to the new Science Museum or the Crystal Palace.  Mrs. Hughes is disappointed at Mr. Carson’s idea of a fun day, but does not share her criticism.  Instead, she suggests getting the opinion of the staff.  He takes her advice and presents the sights he has chosen for their day of fun and quickly realizes the disappointment in everyone as he went over his list of attractions.

Charles Blake takes Lady Mary out to lunch and to the viewing of the Summer Exhibition where they find Lord Gillingham speaking with Lady Rose and Ms. Dudley Ward.  They learn that Billy Aysgarth, Madeleine Allsopp’s father, introduced Lady Rose to Ms. Dudley Ward.  As it turns out, Mr. Blake is acquainted with Ms. Ward, both of whom are not invited to Lady Rose’s ball until now.  Ms. Ward immediately senses the friction between Mr. Blake and Lord Gillingham.  Soon, the grand soiree at the Grantham House commences.  Lady Rose introduces Lord Aysgarth and his daughter to Mrs. Levinson and Harold.  Lord Aysgarth rudely leaves their company to chat with his old friend, Lord Harrowby, leaving Miss Allsopp to make excuses for her father’s discourteous behavior.  The impudence is not lost on Mrs. Levinson.  Lord Grantham, on the other hand, is shocked and annoyed to find his sister, Lady Rosamund Painswick, arrive with the unwelcome guest, Mr. Terence Sampson.  The con artist obviously inveigled his invitation to the party, but the Crawleys, afraid of making a scene, could not do anything but receive him.  He begins chatting with his friend Lord Aysgarth, who is very much aware of his reputation as a card sharp.  Lord Aysgarth learns from him that the Levinsons are made of money.  In fact, they were responsible for keeping Downton Abbey afloat.  Lord Aysgarth takes an interest on the Levinsons after hearing of their wealth and he sends his daughter to mingle with Harold.  Meanwhile, Mr. Sampson once again gets himself invited to an after party at the Embassy with Lady Rose and Ms. Ward.  Lady Rose arrives at the Embassy with her friends and imparts to their male company of the letter Ms. Ward showed them.  The letter seems to be of value given the identity of its writer.  With them at the nightclub are Harold, Lord Aysgarth, and Mr. Sampson.  Lord Aysgarth persuades Harold to dance with his daughter embarrassing Miss Allsopp especially after learning that Harold is aware of Lord Aysgarth’s intentions.  Lady Rose decides to dance with Neil Foster leaving Mr. Sampson alone at their table to look after their bags.  This gave Mr. Sampson an opportunity to steal the mysterious letter from Ms. Ward’s bag.

The kitchen has been producing food relentlessly.  Mrs. Patmore could not thank Daisy enough for her assistance, which the assistant cook appreciates.  Ethan Slade, Harold Levinson’s valet, notices her aptitude at managing the kitchen and asks her about leaving Downton Abbey to further her career.  Daisy takes offense at the innocent question from the valet she had only known for half an hour.  The young valet who has not left America until now is finding the customs in England different from America.  He, however, remains tolerant and accepting of the requests asked of him including the demand for him to serve as a footman.  Unaware of the footman’s decorum, Ethan offers hors d’oeuvres like a traveling salesman causing Mr. Carson to scold him.  The reproach he received did not dampen his spirits and he returns to the kitchen cheerful as when he arrived.  He relays comments he overheard upstairs especially about the kedgeree that he learned Daisy made.  It was a dish even Mr. Levinson, a man averse to English food, devoured.  Daisy has been having a good week with all the compliments she has received for her cooking.  Alfred Nugent’s letter of good news adds to her cheer.  Alfred wrote to inform her that he has finished his course at the Ritz Escoffier culinary school and the school had offered him a job as an under chef at the Ritz.  Ethan sees the delight the news brought to Daisy and wonders whether she and Alfred are lovers.  He inquires about it to Mr. Carson and is pleased to learn that there is no romance between the two.

The day of Lady Rose’s presentation has arrived.  She rides in the car with Lady Cora as throngs of commoners greet them as they parade through The Mall leading to the Buckingham Palace.  Lady Rose and the other debutantes enter the Palace in awe including Lady Cora, who will be presenting Lady Rose.  Lord Grantham looks expectantly on as Lady Cora and Lady Rose wait for their turn.  At last, the master of ceremonies calls the Countess of Grantham and Lady Rose MacClare.  With a curtsey and a nod from the Throne, Lady Rose is now officially a woman.  However, unlike other debutantes, the King addresses her after the Prince of Wales informs him of her relation to Lord Flintshire.  King George V mentions the hospitality that Lord Flinshire extended to the Prince of Wales in Bombay and speaks of the success of the Indian tour under the command of the father of Lady Rose.  Lady Rose and Lady Cora join the other guests at the reception where the Levinsons are also in attendance thanks to Lord Grantham’s position as lord lieutenant.  Mrs. Levinson finds that Lord Aysgarth has become keen on her.  Harold notices the man’s sudden interest in his mother and informs Miss Allsopp of his mother’s finances.  Moreover, he tells her that when Mrs. Levinson dies, all the capital reverts to him.  His blunt discussion of money embarrasses Miss Allsopp terribly causing her to run away.  Meanwhile, Ms. Ward is also at the Presentation Court.  She confronts Lady Rose with troubling news about the loss of the letter she showed her and Miss Allsopp the night of the grand soiree.  Learning that Miss Allsopp does not have the letter, Lady Rose could only think of one other person who might have taken it, Mr. Sampson.

The following morning, Lady Rose asks Lord Grantham if Mr. Sampson is capable of doing something dishonorable.  Her inquiry forces her to divulge the story surrounding the letter and its significance.  Mr. Sampson must be looking into selling the letter to the newspapers in America for gossip of the love affair between the Prince of Wales and Ms. Dudley Ward has been all over America.  Lady Rose finds herself responsible for the theft, because Mr. Sampson would not have known its existence if she had not joked about it that night at the Embassy.  Lord Grantham’s loyalty to the monarchy prompts him to help retrieve the letter.  He devises a plan that involves sneaking into Mr. Sampson’s flat to retrieve the letter.  He enlists Mr. Bates’ help in forging a letter with Mr. Sampson’s signature informing the porter to allow them entry to the flat unaware that the forger is Mr. Bates.  He also enlists the help of Lady Mary who has the important task of retrieving the letter from Mr. Sampson’s flat, while Lord Grantham keeps Mr. Sampson in the card game he is hosting.  Lady Rose suggests inviting Lord Aysgarth to the card game for she is certain that he will not refuse.  Moreover, Mr. Sampson will most likely join Lord Aysgarth to the game without suspecting anything.  Lord Grantham will also invite Harold to the card game making the invitation too hard to refuse.  Lady Rose suggests inviting Miss Allsopp to ensure that Harold will stay for the game.  The problem now becomes Mrs. Levinson, who Lord Grantham believes will inadvertently divulge their scheme.  He suggests having Aunt Rosamund take her, Lady Violet, and Mrs. Crawley to a play just to keep Mrs. Levinson away for the evening.  Lady Mary is reluctant to play a part in the scheme that will help cover up a scandal that she believes the crowned Prince brought to himself.  Lord Grantham argues that it became their responsibility the moment they introduced Mr. Sampson to Ms. Dudley Ward and Lady Rose as good as handed him the letter.

Harold Levinson tries to make up for his offense and invites Miss Allsopp for a picnic alone with him following the advice of his valet, Ethan.  Daisy informs Ethan that in England, a man cannot go on a picnic alone with a young, unmarried woman, but learns that Lord Aysgarth and Mrs. Levinson will be joining them.  Ethan volunteers Daisy to be one of the staff that will prepare the food at the picnic.  Mrs. Patmore sees right through Ethan’s plan and welcomes it.  They set up the picnic in front of the Albert Memorial.  Harold could not believe his enjoyment of English food and the picnic despite the extra company in the persons of his mother, Lord Aysgarth, Lady Violet, and Mrs. Crawley.  He admits to Miss Allsopp of the reputation he has with women, one he managed despite his unprepossessing appearance, thanks to the wealth he inherited from his father.  He continues on the conversation about money and begins to offend Miss Allsopp again, but redeems himself with a confession of admiration towards the young lady.  He, however, as Miss Allsopp surmised, will not go along Lord Aysgarth scheme.  He does it out of respect for her whom he knows is a reluctant pawn to the plot.  Later, Ethan informs Daisy that Mr. Levinson has become such a fan of his cooking that he wants her to go with him to America to cook for him.  He informs her that she need not provide an answer right away for they will be touring Europe for a month or two.  If Daisy decides to accept the job offer, he will send her the fare and Ethan will meet her in New York.

Lady Edith informs Aunt Rosamund that Michael Gregson had given her power of attorney to give her authority over his affairs including decisions required from an editor.  She wonders about the rights of their child, but Aunt Rosamund makes it plain that their daughter’s rights to her biological parents’ affairs have been dissolved the moment the Schroders adopted her.  Lady Edith, however, has second thoughts in the vow she made to keep her bastard child a secret.  Her change of heart arose after learning that Michael’s disappearance and potential death was borne out of a noble deed.  Michael got into a fight the night he disappeared with a gang of toughs who preach about the most horrible things.  Lady Edith would like their child to receive half of the inheritance.  Aunt Rosamund recommends giving the inheritance anonymously, but Lady Edith’s concern is not really about the inheritance and truly due to the guilt of giving her child away.  Her guilt overcomes her so that Lord Grantham could not help but ask her daughter about the sadness that exudes her.  Her vague but loaded answer perplexed him.  Lady Edith intimates that she would never intend to hurt her father.  Later, a statement from Tom Branson about fighting for their wishes gives Lady Edith the courage to decide for herself.  She informs Lady Cora and Lady Rosamund of her decision to leave London the day after the ball and her plan to go to the Continent to settle matters regarding Michael Gregson.

Mrs. Hughes relays to Anna the appeal at the Scottish Church for old clothes for Russian refugees.  Although Anna did not bring to London clothes she would want to donate, she informs Mrs. Hughes of convincing Mr. Bates to buy a new overcoat and donate his old one to the cause.  Mrs. Hughes finds a ticket stub as she looks through the pockets of Mr. Bates’ overcoat to ensure that he has not left anything of his inside it.  She brings to Lady Mary’s attention the ticket stub that places Mr. Bates in London the day Mr. Green died and gets the impression that Lady Mary already knew of his presence in London that fateful day.  Lady Mary assures Mrs. Hughes that Anna does not suspect anything.  Mrs. Hughes wonders if Lady Mary will inform Anna of their discovery and intimates of her reluctance to tell her.  Moreover, Mrs. Hughes finds no reason to condemn Mr. Bates for avenging his wife’s honor if he truly killed Mr. Green.  Later, she learns from Mr. Bates that he has not been in London since he buried his mother during the war.  She then overhears Lady Mary trying to trick Mr. Bates into revealing the crime he may or may not have committed against Mr. Green and she intervenes to prevent her from pushing him to a confession.  Lady Mary speaks privately with Mrs. Hughes confessing of her unease in covering up a potential crime.  Mrs. Hughes speaks of the repercussion their unearthing the truth will produce.  She would rather not see Mr. Bates punished for taking the life of a vicious man.  Lady Mary believes that the end does not justify the means.  Mr. Bates senses the insinuation from Mrs. Hughes and Lady Mary of his presence in London.  Anna informs Mrs. Hughes of her husband becoming upset for handing over his overcoat before he has gone through its pockets.  Miss Baxter intensely listens to the conversation between Anna and Mrs. Hughes trying to make something of it.  Mr. Molesley does the same with her when Mr. Barrow speaks to her about hearing her report.  He calls for her in order to rescue her from doing something she obviously is hesitant to do for Mr. Barrow.  This offered a reprieve to Miss Baxter though only temporary.  Nonetheless, Mr. Molesley advises her not to allow herself to be part of Mr. Barrow’s schemes for the consequences of doing so are graver than the unearthing of the secret that Mr. Barrow holds over her.

The ladies and Harold return from the picnic and learn of the card game that evening.  Lord Grantham did not count on them refusing the offer to go to the theater and Lady Edith sensing that the card game is a ruse.  Mrs. Levinson arrives at the drawing room and learns of the evening she is to spend with Lady Rosamund Painswick at the theater.  Much to Lord Grantham’s surprise, she is the least to provide the most reluctance for the imposed night out in the town.  The male guests arrive at the Grantham House for the card game.  Meanwhile, Lady Mary along with Lady Rose and Mr. Blake gains entry to Mr. Sampson’s apartment through the signed note from him.  They soon return with news of not having found the letter.  However, not all of them found the unsuccessful escapade futile.  Mr. Blake took pleasure at knowing that Lady Mary reached out to him for help.  He forthrightly expresses his desire to be her lover.  She is uncertain of their future given their diametric background and thinking, but Mr. Blake believes in a future where caste becomes trivial.  News of the failed mission reaches Mr. Bates despite the success of his forgery.  Mr. Bates realizes that if he were in possession of a valuable document, he would carry it with him wherever he goes.  True enough, this is indeed what Mr. Sampson did.  He kept the letter in the breast pocket of his overcoat.  Mr. Bates snatched it as he helped him into his coat.  All who partook in the plot rejoice with the retrieval of the letter that would have ruined the crowned Prince, while Mr. Sampson realizes that he had lost the letter that would have brought him some fortune.  Given the Prince’s reputation, Lady Mary is uncertain that the monarchy is safe from scandal.  However, as Anna puts it, the next crisis would at least not involve the Crawleys.  Lady Mary and her family are grateful to Mr. Bates for without him the Crawleys would have been entangled in a scandal for which they are partly to blame.  Anna explains that Mr. Bates is very loyal to the family just as the Crawleys are loyal to him and Anna.  Lady Mary shows her loyalty to Mr. Bates by throwing into the fire the ticket that proves that he was in London the day Mr. Green died.

The guests arrive at Lady Rose’s ball and just as the ball commences officially with a dance between the master of the house and the debutante, the crowned Prince graces the ball with his presence.  Who better to open the ball but the Prince of Wales, heir apparent to the throne? All are in awe as the Prince dances with Lady Rose.  The rest of the family and the guests join the dance including Harold who uncharacteristically dances with Miss Allsopp.  They remain friends despite agreeing not to be part of Lord Aysgarth’s scheme.  Mrs. Levinson, on the other hand, turns down Lord Aysgarth’s marriage proposal, but offers him introductions to rich, old ladies who covet a title.  Lady Violet learns that Mrs. Levinson rejected Lord Aysgarth’s proposal, much to her surprise.  She could not fathom the lack of desire for a title that Mrs. Levinson had to remind her how Lady Violet’s world is slowly slipping away to make way for Mrs. Levinson’s world.  The thought gave Lady Violet a terrible fright.  Meanwhile, Mr. Blake is annoyed at watching Lord Gillingham and Lady Mary dancing.  He becomes much more peeved at seeing them sneaking out of the ballroom to speak privately.  Lord Gillingham learns that Lady Mary had turned down Mr. Blake, but he has refused to accept it.  He soon learns that Lady Mary had refused him for his resentment for nobility.  A true gentleman, Lord Gillingham, tells Lady Mary the truth about Mr. Blake despite the disadvantage it will cause him.  He tells her that Mr. Blake is in fact heir to his father’s cousin, Sir Severus Blake.  Mr. Blake is to inherit the baronetcy and one of the largest estates in Ulster making him a nobleman.  He, in fact, will soon become more eligible than Lord Gillingham.  Mr. Blake had always known this, but he is one who felt no desire to display his status.  To learn that she and Mr. Blake share a similar background makes a difference in Lady Mary’s attitude toward Mr. Blake.  Lady Mary confronts him about keeping it from her and learns that Mr. Blake did not want her to think that they share the same prejudices given their upbringing.  Moreover, Mr. Blake wanted to win her on his merits.  He is surprised to know that Lord Gillingham had told her about his social class.  Lord Gillingham wanted a fair fight to win Lady Mary’s heart.

Morning has come and the masters and guests are still in the ballroom, while the servants continue their service without sleep.  Mrs. Hughes brings up the matter of the outing to motivate them and is relieved to learn that Mr. Carson has finally gotten it right.  Mr. Carson has decided to spend their day off by the sea.  Meanwhile, Lady Edith is back at Downton Abbey.  She speaks with Mr. Drewe about adopting the daughter of her friend, a child she will be bringing to Downton from Switzerland.  Lady Edith explains that her parents disapproved of her friendship with the child’s mother, which is why the child cannot live with them.  She asks for Mr. Drewe’s confidence in keeping the truth about the child secret.  Mr. Drewe senses that the child is Lady Edith’s daughter and sympathetically offers to keep the secret only between the two of them.  Mr. Drewe plans to send a letter to himself, a letter from his friend who passed away and asked in her will for him to take the child.  He is certain that his wife, Margie, will not question the request and will love the child like her own.

After days of hard word, the servants at last get their day off at the beach.  All enjoy their respite from the drudgery of service, but Mr. Barrow is set on tormenting Miss Baxter.  She, however, has taken Mr. Molesley’s advice and at last stands up to Mr. Barrow despite the consequences of getting his ire.  Miss Baxter thanks Mr. Molesley for giving her the courage to confront the things in her past that had caused her fear.  She has yet to see what will happen, but she is relieved that she is no longer afraid.  Daisy also has reached a decision.  She has decided not to go to America to work for Mr. Levinson.  This disheartens Mr. Slade, who had pushed for her recruitment as Mr. Levinson’s cook to be with her.  Daisy is aware of this and is grateful for his affection.  Ivy Stuart overhears Daisy’s refusal to go to America and pleads Mr. Slade to allow her to take Daisy’s place as Mr. Levinson’s cook.  Daisy helps her get Mr. Slade to accept arguing that Mr. Levinson will not notice the difference if Ivy took her place.  Mrs. Patmore witnessed this all.  She is surprised that Daisy is not upset with Mr. Slade’s advances.  On the contrary, Daisy is ecstatic at having a man keen to court her.  The thought of it will keep her happy for months to come.  She and Mrs. Patmore watch as Mr. Carson holds Mrs. Hughes hand as he walks through the beach for the very first time.

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Episode 7 Season 4 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 4.7

Episode Summary: Lord Grantham goes to America after conceding to the demand of Lady Cora’s mother, Mrs. Levinson, to show support for his brother-in-law.  Lady Mary learns of the violation done to Anna and intervenes for Mr. Bates that he may not leave the side of his wife at her time of need.  Charles Blake sees another side of Lady Mary after a night of trudging through mud.

Downton Abbey Episode 7 Season 4 Recap: Harold Levinson is mired in the drilling leases scandal involving Senator Fall.  Mrs. Levinson demands Lord Grantham’s presence in the Senate committee hearing in America to show support for her son, Harold Levinson.  She believes that the presence of his brother-in-law, an English Earl, will make Harold respectable.  The request infuriates Lord Grantham, but he concedes nevertheless.Continue reading...

Mr. Bates, as the valet of his lordship, must travel to America with Lord Grantham.  He seeks the help of Mrs. Hughes in avoiding the trip for he could not leave Anna given the fairly recent incident that befell her.  Mrs. Hughes speaks to Lady Mary to make the request without divulging the reason behind it.  However, Lady Mary insists on knowing the facts.  Mrs. Hughes once again bears the burden of divulging Anna’s secret.  Hearing of the gross violation Anna endured Lady Mary wastes no time to persuade her father to take Mr. Barrow instead.  Lady Mary insists that the request is for good reason, but she swore to secrecy.  Mr. Barrow is delighted to take the place of Mr. Bates.  He, however, puts Miss Baxter on a mission to uncover the reason behind it.  He expects her to have an answer ready upon his return.  Mr. Molesley overhears Mr. Barrow’s demand and asks Miss Baxter about it, but the woman becomes guarded.  Anna feels that she robbed her husband of a chance to go to America, a trip for which everyone envies Mr. Barrow, everyone but Mrs. Patmore.  Anna expresses her gratitude towards Lady Mary for intervening for Mr. Bates.  She is aware that Mrs. Hughes had informed her of the violation done to her, but knows only that her attacker is a ruffian whose identity she does not know.  Lady Mary offers help to get justice for Anna, but Anna refuses to dwell on the incident.

Lady Edith has become morose.  She learned that Michael Gregson arrived in Munich, signed in his hotel, went out and never returned.  She asks her mother permission to go to London.  Unaware of the purpose of her trip, Lady Cora agrees believing that time in London might do her depressed daughter some good.  Lady Rose uses Lady Edith’s depression as an excuse to accompany her to London convincing Lady Cora to acquiesce to her request.  The truth is, Lady Rose, does not intend to spend time with glum Lady Edith.  She has come to London to spend time with Jack Ross, who is very much aware that their affair is only a fling from a rebellious young woman of status.  Lady Edith’s visit to London is of a far more serious matter.  She confides her unplanned pregnancy to Lady Rosamund and her plan to abort it.  Although having a child out of wedlock is an anathema to society especially to nobility, Lady Rosamund finds Lady Edith’s decision to undergo abortion awful.  Nonetheless, she provides her niece genuine support and offers to accompany her to the abortion clinic.  They arrive at a dubious looking clinic and Lady Edith begins to weigh her decision.  She confides her inability to bear the scandal if news of her pregnancy breaks.  She also realizes the burden of guilt she will have to live with the rest of her life.  Lady Edith foregoes the abortion.

Mrs. Crawley visits Lady Violet whom she heard has fallen ill and finds that her condition has worsened.  Mrs. Crawley fetches Dr. Clarkson and learns that Lady Violet has bronchitis.  Dr. Clarkson recommends hiring a nurse to look after Lady Violet for her bronchitis could progress to pneumonia without proper care.  Mrs. Crawley volunteers to become her nurse knowing very well that the cottage hospital is short of nurses.  She does so knowing that she will have to provide care for the whole duration.  A trained nurse, Mrs. Crawley takes on the task of keeping Lady Violet’s temperature down in order to prevent pneumonia.  Lady Cora and Lady Mary pay her a visit and are quite relieved that Mrs. Crawley had volunteered to take care of the old woman, discharging them of the responsibility.  With Mrs. Crawley attending to Lady Violet, Tom Branson is left without a companion to the Liberal MP’s talk at the Ripon Town Hall.  He and a woman at the talk becomes the center of attention after the speaker, John Ward, notices the woman calling Tom’s attention.  Tom had earlier asked if he could take the empty seat beside her only to learn that the woman had reserved it for a friend.  The talk had commenced and her friend is still nowhere in sight that she decides to offer him the seat.  It was good that Mrs. Crawley had stayed with Lady Violet for it allowed the old woman to recover from her illness.  Lady Violet could not wait for Mrs. Crawley to leave her be, but soon realizes her ingratitude after Dr. Clarkson tells her of Mrs. Crawley’s genuine concern and dedication.  The woman had nursed her to recovery for the last two days and nights, sacrificing her health that Lady Violet may weather the worst.  This knowledge persuaded Lady Violet to acquiesce Mrs. Crawley’s offer to accompany her that evening.

Mr. Carson receives a letter from Alfred Nugent updating him of his progress at the Ritz Escoffier.  Moreover, he asks the butler’s permission to visit Downton for he will be returning home to see his ill father.  Mrs. Patmore and Mrs. Hughes ask Mr. Carson to refuse Alfred’s visit, afraid of the quarrel over him between Ivy and Daisy.  Regrettably, Mr. Carson does not know of any other way to contact Alfred.  He takes it upon himself to fetch the former footman from the train station that he may divert him from Downton Abbey.  Taking Mrs. Hughes’ advice, Mr. Carson tells Alfred that several servants have contracted the flu, which is why he booked him a room at the pub instead.  It was the right decision for Daisy and Ivy are at it again after learning that Alfred will not be visiting.  Regrettably, Alfred decides to drop by Downton before he catches the train back to London.  He expresses his delight at hearing Ivy’s claim of missing him.

Lady Mary and Mr. Blake continue their disagreement.  Mr. Blake expresses his aversion to the estate owners who are unwilling to change their lifestyle despite the obvious ruin of their estates.  With everyone away including Evelyn, who has agreed to have dinner with his parents’ friends, Lady Mary and Lady Cora are left to spend dinner with Mr. Blake.  Later, Lady Mary and Mr. Blake visit the Tamworth pigs that had just arrived earlier that day.  She explains the new venture into pig farming with the hope to expand if it succeeds.  Mr. Blake notices a pig that is nearly dead due to dehydration after the pigs had upturned the trough leaving them without water.  With help too far away and too little time to save the pigs, Mr. Blake and Lady Mary take it upon themselves to bring the pigs water.  They manage to save the pigs after hours of lugging pails of water through mud in their dinner clothing.  Mr. Blake sees the other side of Lady Mary, one covered in mud and serving him scrambled eggs she cooked by herself.  News of their adventure reaches the others, and Evelyn intimates of Lady Mary obtaining another suitor.  This does not delight her, who had confessed before of not being ready to become happy again.  To add to her dilemma, Lord Gillingham is coming to stay at Downton.  He brings with him his valet, Mr. Green.  The change in Anna and Mrs. Hughes’ countenance at his arrival made the identity of Anna’s attacker very clear to Mr. Bates.  Mrs. Hughes confronts Mr. Green to make him aware of her knowledge of the crime he committed against Anna.  Mr. Green is unperturbed by her confrontation and insists that Anna is also to blame.  Moreover, the knowledge of Mr. Bates’ unawareness of his identity gives him pleasure much to Mrs. Hughes’ dismay.  Mr. Green initiates the conversation about the last night of the house party contrary to Mrs. Hughes’ demand not to draw attention.  He goads Mr. Bates with hints that reveal him as Anna’s attacker.  The reaction from the Bates did not go amiss with Miss Baxter.

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Watch Episode 7 of Season 4 of Downton Abbey

Episode 6 Season 4 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 4.6

Episode Summary: Lady Rose arranges the jazz band, The Lotus, to play after dinner as a surprise birthday present for Lord Grantham.  Lady Mary begins to regret extending her hospitality to Evelyn’s boss, Charles Blake, for he manages to annoy her immediately.  This, however, delights Evelyn, who seeks to court Lady Mary.

Downton Abbey Episode 5 Season 4 Recap: Mr. Barrow expects a report from Miss Baxter and she relays the conversation she overheard between Lady Rose and Lady Cora.  Lady Rose appears to have a secret she wants Mrs. Hughes to keep.  Miss Baxter believes that the secret is trivial, but Mr. Barrow thinks otherwise that he persuades her to gather more information about it.  Unbeknownst to him, the secret revolves around the surprise birthday party they have planned for Lord Grantham.  Lady Rose had hired a band to play after dinner on the night of his birthday.  She wants Mrs. Hughes to keep the band members downstairs while the family is having dinner so as not to ruin the surprise.  Lord Grantham, however, learns of the dinner party his family is throwing for him through friends who could not keep a secret.  Fortunately, Lady Rose has kept hiring a band to play at the party from everyone except Mrs. Hughes.Continue reading...

Lady Violet notices that the Netsuke ivory carving of a fisherman has gone missing from her desk and suspects young Pegg of the theft.  Mrs. Crawley learns that young Pegg has been dismissed from his job as gardener without knowing the reason for it.  She confronts Lady Violet about the young man’s termination and reproaches her for her penchant for materialism at the expense of justice.  Mr. Spratt’s arrival with news of having found the Netsuke in the maid’s cleaning bucket confirms Mrs. Crawley’s suspicion of young Pegg’s unjust dismissal.  Lady Violet, however, maintains her belief that the young gardener took the valuable letter opener.  Mrs. Crawley takes it upon herself to investigate.  She purposely drops by the Dower House when Lady Violet is not around and feigns dizziness that the butler, Mr. Spratt, may allow her to sit in the drawing room.  Mrs. Crawley begins to snoop around the room in search of the valuable letter opener Lady Violet insisted young Pegg pilfered.  Her search bore fruit for she found the letter opener stuck down the side of an armchair.  Later, Mrs. Crawley returns with Dr. Clarkson keen to reproach Lady Violet for the unjust dismissal of young Pegg.  She is surprised to learn that Lady Violet had already hired young Pegg back.  In fact, she had explained to him of the reason for his dismissal and apologized for falsely accusing him of theft.

Alfred Nugent has lost his desire for cooking following the rejection from the Ritz Escoffier.  He, however, soon receives a letter from the prestigious cooking school offering him a slot after one of the chosen candidates dropped out of the course after receiving a job offer.  He is to leave Downton Abbey as soon as possible so as not to miss any more classes.  Daisy Robinson could not contain her tears at the news of Alfred’s departure.  She blames Ivy Stuart for driving him away.  All the same, Alfred is leaving Downton and the family has been informed.  He expresses his gratitude for their kindness towards him and also of Mr. Carson’s generosity in being his mentor.  Everyone but Daisy bids Alfred goodbye and he knows why.  Alfred makes it a point to say goodbye to Daisy.  He apologizes for the hurt he has caused her, but explains that he can never be the man for her.  Daisy accepts his apology and wishes him good will.  Mrs. Hughes asks Mr. Carson about hiring Mr. Molesley as Alfred’s replacement now that they are short of a footman, but Mr. Carson does not intend to hire Mr. Molesley after he hesitantly accepted the job offer.  Mr. Carson finds that Mr. Molesley’s hesitance to accept the job of a footman showed ingratitude.  Mr. Molesley learns that Downton is in need of a footman and speaks to Mr. Carson about it only to learn that he is no longer being considered as a candidate after he had expressed his disinclination to accept a permanent inferior position.  Mr. Molesley speaks with Mrs. Hughes, who is sympathetic to him.  Mrs. Hughes comes up with a plan to persuade Mr. Carson to take him on as a footman.  She sends for him the day of Lord Grantham’s birthday that he may serve the servants’ tea, a task that shows Mr. Carson his humility.  Mrs. Hughes’ plan worked for Mr. Carson gives in and offers Mr. Molesley the position Alfred left vacant.

Lady Edith learns that Michael Gregson has gone missing.  To add to her grief, she receives a letter from the doctor she visited in London, which confirms her pregnancy.  Lord Grantham finds her in the library in tears.  He correctly supposes that his daughter’s grief stems from the disappearance of Gregson and offers to send someone to look for him in Munich.  Lady Edith, however, informs him that Gregson’s office already sent a detective to look for him.  She just wants to know what has happened to her lover regardless of the dreadfulness of the truth.

Jimmy Kent and Ivy Stuart make their way back to Downton after seeing Rudolph Valentino’s film, The Sheik.  They extend their date a little longer and sit on a bench under the moonlight.  They begin to kiss passionately, but Jimmy has something else in mind.  This disgusts and upsets Ivy, but Jimmy is equally upset for he expects a reward in return for his supposed generosity.  Ivy leaves Jimmy after learning of his ulterior motive.  Ivy reports the incident to Mrs. Hughes and Ms. Patmore in Daisy’s presence.  The incident made her realize of Alfred’s decency, which upset Daisy enough to go into a tirade about how Ivy caused them grief by choosing Jimmy over Alfred.

Anna suggests that she and Mr. Bates go on a date as part of their effort to live past her horrible ordeal.  Mr. Bates insists that he is happy whenever he looks at her, but Anna knows this to be a lie.  She believes that her rape overshadows everything they do.  Mr. Bates agrees with her and begins to understand the necessity of their date.  They are to have an evening together where they vow not to think of the ghastly violation done to her.  Anna and Mr. Bates arrive at the Netherby hotel where Anna booked a reservation at its restaurant.  The arrogant maître‘d who had judged them with the clothes they are wearing refuses them entrance feigning not having their reservation.  He adds that there are no tables available for the Countess of Grantham is at the restaurant with a large party.  Lady Cora sees Anna and Mr. Bates with the maître‘d and speaks to them with familiarity embarrassing the obsequious maître‘d for behaving rudely to the friends of the Countess of Grantham.  By some miracle, he has found Anna and Mr. Bates a table at the restaurant, once he originally said was unavailable.  Later, Anna is once again reminded of the violation done to her despite her promise to put it behind for at least one evening.  She tells her husband that she is not a victim, while her husband intimates his guilt of failing to protect her.  Unfortunately, Lady Cora arrives at their table before they could discuss further.  She generously offers them a lift home.  The strain between husband and wife did not go amiss with Lady Cora.  She conveys her observation to Lady Mary while Miss Baxter is in the room.  She had heard that Anna was hurt somehow and that Mr. Bates feels guilty for failing to protect her.  Miss Baxter reluctantly relays the information she gathered to Mr. Barrow despite Lady Cora’s request to keep it to herself.  Soon, Mr. Barrow learns of the secret Mrs. Hughes is keeping for Lady Rose when the young mistress informs them that a London band from the nightclub, The Lotus, is coming to play after dinner as a surprise gift for Lord Grantham.  She asks for their confidence in keeping it a secret so as not to ruin the surprise.  Moreover, she asks that they extend hospitality to the musicians who will be staying with them.  Mr. Carson assures her that they will behave as expected, but betrays his assertion when the black bandleader, Jack Ross, arrives much to everyone’s shock.

Evelyn Napier arrives with Charles Blake at Downton Abbey after accepting the Crawleys’ invitation for them to reside there for the duration of their project.  Lady Mary learns that her understanding of the goal of their project is the opposite of its true objective.  Mr. Blake explains that they are to analyze the situation in order to determine whether their society is shifting fundamentally.  Their work is not to provide advice to landowners that will allow them to save their estates, but simply to ensure food production for the kingdom.  Mr. Blake bluntly relays Mr. Lloyd George’s priority of feeding the population over rescuing the aristocracy.  Mr. Blake manages to annoy Lady Mary in the few minutes he has spent at Downton.

The dinner party for Lord Grantham commences.  Mr. Blake sits beside Lady Mary giving him another chance to exasperate her.  Lady Cora notices her daughter’s annoyance and shares her observation to Evelyn Napier, who explains that Mr. Blake finds people with a sense of entitlement a challenge.  Therefore, Lady Mary’s annoyance only encourages him.  Evelyn, on the other hand, confesses his enthusiasm for Lady Mary, one Mr. Blake claims he does not share.  Mr. Blake finds Lady Mary a person who expects to reap rewards without lifting a finger.  He does not find people like her deserving.  Evelyn states that the feeling between Mr. Blake and Lady Mary is mutual.  Mrs. Crawley hears of Tom’s plan to immigrate to America and speaks to him about it.  Tom surprises himself after coming to a realization that he has come to love the Crawleys.  Nonetheless, he could not see making a life at Downton especially if he is to marry a commoner.  Soon, Lady Cora concludes the dinner and leads the ladies to the drawing room, leaving the gentlemen to drink and converse.  However, Lady Rose announces a deviation from the custom and instructs the band that is waiting outside to begin playing music.  This surprises everyone and pleases Lord Grantham until he comes across the black bandleader.  Lady Edith utters what is in everyone’s mind, but Lord Grantham decides to see past the color of Jack Ross’ skin.  He takes Lady Cora for a dance as a gesture of graciously accepting his niece’s birthday present.  Even Lady Violet shows progressive thinking when she advises Lady Edith to put aside her provincial mentality.  The hosts and the guests dance to the jazz band at Downton Abbey, the very first one to perform at the estate.  Mrs. Crawley uses the appearance of a jazz band at a formal dinner party in telling Tom that unexpected changes can come to Downton.  He should know for his marriage to a woman of nobility remains the most startling change in the history of Downton Abbey.  The dinner party was a success.  Lord Grantham enjoyed it so much that he agrees to Lady Mary’s suggestion to cover the bill.  Lady Mary goes downstairs to inform Jack Ross when she finds him and Lady Rose kissing passionately.  She gives them the courtesy to become aware of her presence, allowing them to compose themselves.  Lady Mary says nothing of the incident she had just witnessed.

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Watch Episode 6 of Season 4 of Downton Abbey

Episode 5 Season 4 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 4.5

Episode Summary: Mr. Bates forces Mrs. Hughes to divulge to him the truth about the cuts and bruises Anna sustained on the last night of the house party.  Lord Grantham persuades Lady Mary into rescinding the foreclosure of the Yew Tree Farm.  Alfred takes the exam at the prestigious Ritz Escoffier cooking school.

Downton Abbey Episode 5 Season 4 Recap: Anna Bates now resides at the main house of Downton Abbey.  Mr. Bates makes it a point to be the first one to greet her in the morning despite his wife’s insistence that there is no need for it.  He argues that there is every need for he remains befuddled as to how his perfect life with his loving wife unraveled in the space of one evening.Continue reading...

Anna maintains her impertinence towards Mr. Bates alarming Mrs. Hughes who pities the unwitting husband.  Mrs. Hughes speaks to Anna about her behavior and urges her to reconsider her decision to keep the secret to her husband.  Regrettably, Anna remains resolute in her choice believing that Mr. Bates will do the unthinkable if he found out the truth.  Unbeknownst to the two women, Mr. Bates overheard their conversation.  Unable to persuade Anna to tell her the truth, Mr. Bates confronts Mrs. Hughes instead.  He tells her that not knowing the truth will cause him to leave Downton and his wife.  He believes that Anna has fallen out of love with him so much so that the sight of him tortures her.  It is only noble to free her of such torment.  He threatens to hand in his resignation and will depart before Anna’s return from Ripon that day.  Mrs. Hughes assures Mr. Bates that Anna loves him greatly.  Moreover, his abandonment will devastate her surely.  It is for this reason that Mrs. Hughes will go against Anna’s wish to keep her secret from anyone especially Mr. Bates.  Mrs. Hughes tells Mr. Bates of Anna’s rape that occurred on the last night of the house party.  Mr. Bates immediately suspects, Mr. Green, Lord Gillingham’s valet as the rapist, but Mrs. Hughes disputes his suspicion.  Mrs. Hughes swears that Mr. Green was not Anna’s attacker after Mr. Bates demanded her to do so.  Nonetheless, he avows of finding Anna’s attacker.  Later, Mr. Bates speaks to Anna of his discovery.  He tries to verify Mrs. Hughes’ story most especially the identity of the rapist, but Anna confirms that it is a stranger, one whose identity they have no way of knowing.  He learns of Anna’s reason for withholding from him the violation done to her.  She feels unworthy of her husband.  Mr. Bates, on the other hand, finds her higher and holier for the suffering she endured.  In fact, he loves her more now than ever.  Anna informs Mrs. Hughes that she has decided to return to the cottage for she and Mr. Bates have decided to try to forget her ordeal.  Mrs. Hughes expresses her delight about the news to Mr. Bates only to learn that he does not intend to forget the violation done to his wife.  He informs Mrs. Hughes quite portentously of his pursuit to discover the identity of the attacker.

Lady Cora has a new lady’s maid, Miss Baxter, the candidate Mr. Barrow recommended for the position.  The woman appears to be pleasant and diametric to Mr. Barrow, which makes Mr. Bates wonder about her affiliation with the devious under butler.  Lady Cora is pleased with Miss Baxter thus far for the new lady’s maid is not only affable, but considerate as well.  The only one who has reservations with her is Mrs. Patmore, but her qualms are directed to the maid’s electric sewing machine that she had set up in the servants’ hall.  As it turns out, Mr. Barrow has been helping Miss Baxter win over Lady Cora for personal gain.  Moreover, he warns her about making enemies of her colleagues and notes that it was a mistake Miss O’Brien made that led to her ostracism.  With Mr. Barrow’s help, Miss Baxter wins the approval of Mrs. Patmore after she fixes her torn apron in time for Lady Cora’s visit of the kitchen.  Miss Baxter finds herself indebted to Mr. Barrow for procuring for her the job at Downton, but she is now only learning the reason for his generosity.  Mr. Barrow would like her to spy for him, believing that the information she gathers from the masters will be to his benefit.  Miss Baxter wonders why he has not sought the help of Anna if he does not see her as an enemy.  She learns that Mr. Barrow has tried, but Anna just proved to be incorruptible.

Newspapers announce the engagement of Lord Gillingham and Mabel Lane Fox.  Although she was forewarned, Lady Mary could not help but feel a tinge of disappointment upon hearing the news.  She tries her best not to reveal her true feelings about Lord Gillingham’s engagement.  Lady Mary finds distraction from the disheartening news when another man from her past pays an unexpected visit, Evelyn Napier.  Mr. Napier is doing government research in Yorkshire.  The department he is working for is assessing the damage of the war years on the landed estates undergoing difficulties with the goal of determining the likelihood of their survival.  Although he could not divulge the names of the estates that are in serious trouble, Mr. Napier conveys that Downton Abbey is not in danger.  Lady Mary, however, would like to get his opinion on the management of Downton.  She and Lady Cora invite Mr. Napier and his boss, Charles Blake, to reside at Downton while they are in Yorkshire.

Dr. Clarkson seeks the help of Mrs. Crawley to aid the cause of the son of a villager looking for work.  Dr. Clarkson believes that Mrs. Crawley will be able to persuade one of the Crawleys to employ the young man, but Mrs. Crawley sees herself an outsider especially with the passing of her son, Matthew.  Although she appreciates the kindness Lord and Lady Grantham had shown her, she maintains the belief that she is not truly part of the family.  Nevertheless, Mrs. Crawley speaks to Lady Violet about taking on young Pegg as a gardener.  With some persuasion, Lady Violet agrees to hire young Pegg as one of her gardeners.  However, she begins to suspect him of theft after she finds him in her study watering the plants and notices that the paper knife given to the late Lord Grantham by the King of Sweden had gone missing.  She speaks to Mrs. Crawley and Dr. Clarkson of her suspicion, but they ask her not to inform the head gardener of her distrust until they have done their investigation.

Lord Grantham attends the funeral of the father of Mr. Drewe, the tenant of the Yew Tree Farm, and learns that Mr. Drewe desires to take on the tenancy his father left.  Unfortunately, Lady Mary and Tom Branson already foreclosed the lease of the farm the Drewe family has tilled since the reign of George the Third due to the family’s failure to pay rent.  The Crawleys are to farm the land themselves.  Mr. Drewe pleads Lord Grantham to allow him to keep the tenancy and repay the debt his father kept from him.  Lord Grantham agrees to see him to discuss the matter, but becomes disappointed at the offer Mr. Drewe presented.  The man would like the foreclosure rescinded that he may take on the lease despite his inability to pay the arrears in full.  Mr. Drewe’s only argument is the century long partnership he and his family have with the Crawleys.  This, however, is enough cause for Lord Grantham to allow Mr. Drewe to take on the tenancy.  Aware that Lady Mary will reject the offer with an outstanding debt, Lord Grantham offers to lend the difference in the arrears that Mr. Drewe may pay his father’s debt in full.  Lord Grantham informs his family of the meeting he had with Mr. Drewe.  Lady Mary initially did not receive it well for it seemed as though her father already made the decision without asking for her approval and she did not find it legal given that the foreclosure papers have been served.  Her family, however, including Tom agrees with Lord Grantham who had insisted that Mr. Drewe would pay the arrears.  Moreover, he notes the moral right the Drewe family has on the land given their history and partnership with the Crawleys.  Lady Mary is surprised that Tom is in agreement with Lord Grantham forgetting his socialist ideals that make him decide in favor of the farmers.  Adding to her surprise is her father’s demand that she inform Mr. Drewe of their acceptance of his offer.  She does so and Mr. Drewe is very grateful for rescinding the foreclosure of his tenancy.  Lady Mary gives the credit to Lord Grantham and learns that his father had not only persuaded them to allow Mr. Drewe to keep his tenancy he had also lent him the last fifty pounds of the debt the Drewes owed.  Lady Mary thinks more highly of her father after learning of his good deed that he tried to hide from them.  Talk of his political beliefs reminded Tom of the last night of the house party where he felt like an intruder among his late wife’s family and friends.  He speaks to the Crawleys of moving to America where he has family.  Tom would like a fresh start for his daughter.  He is afraid of Sybbie being known as the daughter of an uppity chauffeur.  Although the Crawleys did not dismiss his plan, they ask him to reconsider for they do not want to lose him.

With Mr. Carson’s permission, the kitchen staffs assist Alfred in his training for the exam at the Ritz Escoffier.  Notwithstanding her conflicted desire to help the footman and her dislike to see him leave Downton Abbey, Daisy accepts the job of mentor.  Soon, Alfred receives a letter from the Ritz Escoffier informing him that his application has been accepted.  He is to be in London for the exam the day after tomorrow.  All but Jimmy are happy for him and the masters of the house commend the Bouchees de Fromage he prepared for dinner with Daisy’s supervision.  Alfred makes his way to London for the exam.  The exam at the Ritz Escoffier commences and Alfred finds himself unable to answer the questions from the Sous Chef of the Ritz, Arsene Avignon.  He, however, did well in the practical exam.  The sous chef wonders why Alfred had not chosen to make a living in the kitchen and had instead chosen to become a footman.  He learns that Alfred did so in order to fulfill his mother’s wish.  Although he is not unhappy working for the Earl of Grantham as a footman, he believes that he can improve his life with a culinary training.  Mr. Carson learns that the footman truly has a chance of being accepted at the respected cooking school.  In danger of losing a footman, he decides to offer the job to Mr. Molesley.  Much to Mr. Carson’s surprise and annoyance, Mr. Molesley asks for time to consider the offer, because he could not bear to accept a permanent position that is inferior to his qualifications.  He returns the following day to inform Mr. Carson that he has decided to accept the job after much deliberation only to learn that the position is no longer open, because Alfred will not be leaving Downton Abbey.  Alfred had just recently received a letter informing him that he did not make it to the top four although he was near.  Daisy sympathizes for the disappointing news Alfred received, but is delighted to learn that the footman will be staying at Downton.

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Episode 4 Season 4 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 4.4

Episode Summary:  Miss Braithwaite uses the night of passion she spent with Tom Branson to trick him into marrying her.  He seeks Mrs. Hughes for help.  Meanwhile, Lord Gillingham falls in love with Lady Mary and begins to court her.

Downton Abbey Episode 4 Season 4 Recap: Anna Bates avoids her husband and makes her way to Downton Abbey alone.  She endures having to sit beside the man who severely violated her and having to answer her inquiring colleagues about the cuts and bruises on her face.  Mr. Bates suspects that Anna is keeping the truth about the previous night’s incident that led to her injuries.  Moreover, he suspects that Mrs. Hughes knows the truth.Continue reading...

The guests from the house party make their departure that morning.  Tom Branson receives genuine and comforting advice from the Duchess of Yeovil who believes that Tom’s aloofness at the party was due to the loss of his wife, Lady Sybil.  The Duchess tells him that he will learn to manage without the love of his life just as she did when her husband died.  Soon as the guests have left, Lady Mary wastes no time to talk business with her father.  She informs Lord Grantham of seeing the tax people earlier than scheduled due to an unexpected opening in their calendar.  She is to meet with them without Lord Grantham to discuss their options.  Lady Mary remains adamant about not selling off land to pay their death duties even if it means paying their debt for years to come.  She believes that this is the only way to keep Downton self-sufficient.

Tom Branson speaks with Edna Braithwaite and confesses to have been heavily inebriated the previous night.  He apologizes for the mistake he is unsure of committing.  Edna accuses him of discarding her after using her and threatens him of the possibility of having gotten her pregnant for the one night they spent together.  Edna demands that Tom marry her and recognize the child if their night of passion led her to conceive.  Tom does not concede to her demand and instead confesses to have nothing in him but regret.

Lord Gillingham surprises Lady Mary when he joins them at dinner at Lady Rosamund’s house in London.  The small dinner party was a result of Lady Cora and Lady Rosamund’s scheme to get him and Lady Mary to spend time together.  Sir John Bullock invites them to the Lotus Club after dinner where Tom becomes Lady Rosamund’s reluctant dance partner and Lady Mary becomes Lord Gillingham’s date.  Lady Mary dances with Lord Gillingham and confesses her appreciation of his presence for it enabled her to play truant.  Lord Gillingham asks to see her again before she leaves for Downton, but learns that they will be leaving soon after the meeting with the tax people.  Lady Mary senses that the man is courting her.  She confesses that it will be years before she gets over the loss of her beloved husband.  Meanwhile, a heavily intoxicated Sir John Bullock is causing a scene at the club mortifying his dance partner, Lady Rose.  He, however, becomes nauseous on the dance floor causing him to rush out leaving Lady Rose without a partner in the middle of the dance floor.  Jack Ross, the black bandleader, leaves the stage and rescues Lady Rose from further humiliation unaware that his dancing with her caused discomfort to the Crawleys including Tom Branson.  Tom comes to fetch Lady Rose, who could not understand why her family appears more humiliated with the sight of seeing her dancing with Mr. Ross than the drunkard Sir John Bullock.  They return to Lady Rosamund’s house and Lady Mary takes the opportunity to ask Tom about his glum attitude.  Tom reveals nothing, but confesses that the truth will make Lady Mary despise him.  Lady Mary intimates to have said exactly the same thing to someone before.  She reveals that the confession she dreaded to make actually made things a lot better.  Tom agrees that she must be right, but he cannot bear tell her the truth.  Lady Mary urges him to find a confidant even if it is not her.

Lady Mary, Tom Branson, Lady Rose, and Anna return from London.  Anna remains morose and reticent even to her husband.  In fact, her uncharacteristic taciturn attitude has become apparent even to the masters.  More troubling to her husband is that his touch brings about fear and anger from Anna.  The woman would not even look at him.  Soon he learns that Anna had decided to sleep in the servants’ quarters instead of their cottage.  Unbeknownst to him, Anna feels shamed, dishonored, and underserving of his love.  In fact, she has revealed to Mrs. Hughes the guilt of somehow bringing about the violation done to her, one Mrs. Hughes assures her is false.  Mrs. Hughes urges Anna to report the crime to the police, but Anna refuses to do so afraid that the truth will lead her husband to commit murder.  Mr. Bates tells his wife that he will not press her now of the reason for her change in behavior, but he promises her that he will soon find out.  This troubles Anna, but not as much as the news of Lord Gillingham’s sudden arrival.  Ostensibly, Lord Gillingham rode the same train as Lady Mary to Downton Abbey managing to avoid being seen that he may elude explaining to Lady Mary’s company of his presence.  Lord Gillingham made the impromptu trip to Downton to propose marriage to Lady Mary.  The question shocked Lady Mary who does not accept or reject the surprising proposal and confession of love from a man she knew only as a child.  Lord Gillingham has fallen so in love with Lady Mary that he offers to wait years for her decision so long that she will eventually accept to be his wife.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Hughes learns of another secret, this time concerning Tom.  He has come to her for help with Miss Braithwaite.  Mrs. Hughes sets out with a plan immediately.  She sends for Miss Braithwaite and the lady’s maid arrives believing that they have decided to bribe her for her silence.  On the contrary, Mrs. Hughes has no plans of paying off Miss Braithwaite for she is certain that Miss Braithwaite could not have conceived on the night she slept with Tom.  Mrs. Hughes found in her belongings Marie Stopes’ book of Married Love, which showed that Miss Braithwaite made sure she would not conceive until Tom has agreed to marry her.  Mrs. Hughes believes that Miss Braithwaite would have gotten herself pregnant by any man if Tom had agreed to marry her.  Because Mrs. Hughes does not have any proof of Miss Braithwaite’s scheme, she instead threatens her to have the doctor examine Miss Braithwaite by force if necessary to prove her ploy.  Miss Braithwaite threatens to reveal the affair to Lady Cora, but Mrs. Hughes counters with a threat of not providing her a reference leaving her without any chance of getting a decent job.  Miss Braithwaite yields to the threats proving Mrs. Hughes’ theory that the woman could not have conceived that night.  She leaves Downton Abbey with more enemies and no friends, not even Mr. Barrow whom she insulted on her departure.  Mr. Barrow sensed that the woman had set in motion a scheme that did not bear fruit for which he is delighted.  Lady Cora receives Miss Braithwaite’s notice of resignation with a claim of family troubles as the reason for her sudden and immediate departure.  Miss Braithwaite’s departure relieves Tom Branson.  Moreover, it gave Anna a reason to reside in the main house instead of the cottage she shares with her husband.  She argues that staying in the Downton house will allow her to attend to both Lady Cora and Lady Mary more competently.  Lord Grantham, however, asks Mr. Bates of the reason for Miss Braithwaite’s departure, but the valet is equally unaware of the true cause.  Mr. Bates is preoccupied with problems with his wife to discern other servant’s issues.  He confides to Lord Grantham of Anna’s decision to move back into the house for reasons kept from him.  Mr. Barrow is another person who benefits from Miss Braithwaite’s departure for it gave him a chance to recommend a candidate for her replacement.

Lord Gillingham’s unannounced visit gave hope to Lord Grantham and Lady Cora who both are hopeful that Lady Mary will find another suitable husband.  Much to their surprise, Mrs. Crawley nobly receives Lord Gillingham despite his obvious intentions of courting Lady Mary.  Mrs. Crawley had confessed to Lady Violet her feelings of jealousy despite her desire for Lady Mary to find happiness once again.  She is ashamed to feel such emotions for seeing Lady Mary come alive again, but Lady Violet finds such feelings justifiable.  Lady Mary speaks with Lord Gillingham the following day and refuses his proposal after confiding that she has not gotten over Matthew.  She feels that she will never get over her beloved late husband.  Hearing so, Lord Gillingham informs her of his decision to push through with his engagement with Mabel Lane Fox.  He confesses that it is Lady Mary whom he truly loves, but he will marry Mabel Lane Fox to fulfill his obligation to his family.  He promises to leave her in peace, but asks for a kiss before doing so.  Lady Mary wastes no time to inform her family of Lord Gillingham’s engagement with Mabel Lane Fox in order to eliminate any false hope they might have perceived from her dealings with Lord Gillingham.  She, however, confides with Tom about having done something she might regret in the future.

Lady Edith is spending much time in London in order to be with Mr. Gregson.  The step he has taken that will allow him to marry Lady Edith legally has taken shape.  He is to reside in Munich indefinitely, while he awaits his German citizenship.  Mr. Gregson asks Lady Edith to sign a contract that will allow her to have authority over his affairs in his absence.  The great lengths Mr. Gregson is willing to take in order to marry her made him even more desirable such that Lady Edith could no longer contain her lust for him.  Lady Edith spends the night with Mr. Gregson.  Her arrival in the wee hours of the morning did not go unnoticed in Lady Rosamund’s household causing her aunt to admonish her.  Lady Rosamund feels that Lady Edith is gambling her future for actions she may soon regret.  She, nevertheless, agrees to keep her niece’s indiscretion from Lady Cora.

Jimmy continues to pursue Ivy.  Alfred and Daisy catch them in the kitchen about to kiss causing Alfred to threaten to report them to Mrs. Patmore, but it was an empty threat.  Preparing the sauces for the house party rekindled Alfred’s passion for cooking.  He welcomes the news of the establishment of a training school in honor of Monsieur Escoffier at the Ritz Hotel in London.  The school will accept candidates who pass the test and will provide free training with a basic wage.  The candidates will also be given an opportunity to work at the Ritz Hotel.  Mrs. Patmore suggests that Daisy take the exam, but she has no desire of doing so.  Meanwhile, Alfred has Ivy in mind and asks for her.  In a fit of jealousy, Daisy maliciously informs Alfred of her whereabouts very much aware that Ivy is in the boot room with Jimmy.  Alfred finds Jimmy and Ivy making out in the boot room.  The sight broke his heart causing him to apply to the Ritz Escoffier cooking school in London.  Mrs. Patmore and Daisy help him prepare for his exam.  Daisy, however, is reluctant because she does not want Alfred to leave Downton Abbey.  It was a decision she inadvertently pushed him into making due to one moment of nastiness she now heartily regrets.  Mrs. Patmore urges the assistant cook to help the footman fulfill his dreams for it will be better if they part as friends.  Moreover, the cook is very well aware that Alfred does not share the same feelings Daisy has for him.

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Episode 3 Season 4 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 4.3

Episode Summary: Lady Cora throws a glamorous house party at Downton Abbey that culminates with a performance from the world famous opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba.  Nobility and aristocrats attend the house party including Lady Mary’s childhood friend, Lord Gillingham whose valet, Mr. Green, flirts with Anna Bates annoying Mr. Bates.  The last night of the house party, however, leads to a serious crime at Downton Abbey.

Downton Abbey Episode 3 Season 4 Recap: Anthony Foyle, now Lord Gillingham following the death of his father, arrives at Downton Abbey along with other guests of Lady Cora’s house party.  Lady Mary remembers Lord Gillingham as a superior young man who found three little girls extremely tiresome.  It has been years since they saw each other last and she learns that Lord Gillingham no longer resides in his ancestral house after it served as a hospital during the war.  It now serves as a girls’ school.  He now resides at the Dower House, a residence Lady Mary visited once as a child.  She fondly remembers having tea with Lord Gillingham’s grandmother who spoiled her with ice cream that she got all over her dress.  Their re-acquaintance revealed that Lord Gillingham has not yet married nor sired children, but he is in the process of starting a family.Continue reading...

Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes learn that ten guests will be at Downton Abbey, but not all of them brought servants to attend to their needs as many have done so after the war.  They find that even nobility endured financial losses due to the war, one of which is Lady Raven, whom they learn is living a meager lifestyle.  So different it was years ago especially for Tom Branson, who is now part of the family and a guest at the party.  Miss Braithwaite sees him in a white tie and asks why they have not spoken since her return.  She expresses her desire to remain friends with him.  Tom agrees to maintain their acquaintance, but nothing more.  He makes his way to the party and speaks with the Duchess of Yeovil who appears to have become fond of him.  His little knowledge of the interests of nobility, however, makes him an insipid companion that the Duchess decides to converse with someone else.  Tom might have a person to converse with if Mrs. Crawley was there, but the woman decided to attend only the last night of the party in order to hear the opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba.  She finds attending the party inappropriate given her son’s recent passing.  It is, in fact, the first party the Crawleys has thrown after Matthew’s death and Mrs. Patmore is feeling out of practice and overwhelmed despite her staff’s competence.  Mrs. Hughes finds Mrs. Patmore up late at night preparing for the next day’s feast.  Meanwhile, Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson discuss where their esteemed guest shall dine given that she is not nobility.  Mr. Carson believes that entertainers cannot dine with nobility, which is why he instructs Mrs. Hughes to have Dame Nellie Melba dine in her room instead.  It is a decision Lord Grantham approved along with allowing all servants including the kitchen staff to hear Dame Nellie Melba sing.

Lady Mary goes riding with Lord Gillingham after failing to convince others to join them.  She learns that he is seeing the greatest heiress of the season, Mabel Lane Fox.  Although Lord Gillingham does not have issues with the match, he has reservations at the fact that it is a match both sides of the family approve.  Lady Mary advises that a match everyone approves of can turn out to be extremely happy as per her experience.  She confesses that she was wonderfully happy with Matthew despite everyone forcing them to fall for each other the moment he arrived at Downton Abbey.  Lord Gillingham finds her lucky to have known a great love.  Lady Mary did love Matthew.  However, she has come to realize that he had made her softer.  She wonders if she might be happier if she had been as tough as she was before.  Riding through the estate, Lord Gillingham comes to appreciate the Crawleys managing to keep it all in one piece.  Lady Mary, however, intimates that they are in danger of losing some of their land due to her father’s desire to sell land to pay for the tax bill.  With Lady Mary’s permission, Lord Gillingham recommends having Lord Grantham meet with the tax people to hear the best deal they can offer.  He is speaking out of experience for he had the same dilemma when his father died.  In the end, they were able to keep the land in exchange for their house.  Lady Mary finds it refreshing to have someone by her side.  She speaks to her father about it, but Lord Grantham remains intransigent and maintains his plan to sell land as a capital gain free of tax.  Lady Mary argues that doing so risks having an estate that cannot support the house.

Lord Gillingham’s valet, Mr. Green, flirts with Anna Bates.  Unfortunately, Anna is naïve of the man’s flirtation, but not Mr. Bates, who treats him with rudeness.  Anna speaks to her husband about it and Mr. Bates confesses that he has behaved rudely for the simple fact of disliking the valet for no clear reason.  Meanwhile, the kitchen maids are having trouble opening a jar.  Alfred and Jimmy try to prove their manhood by opening the jar.  Jimmy, with some effort, manages to open the jar.  He shows off his achievement by throwing the jar up in the air to catch it, but ends up on the floor with a broken jar.  Later he learns that he has sprained his wrist from his display of bravado preventing him from serving at dinner.

It appears that Mr. Sampson thrashed all his opponents at a game of poker and everyone is abuzz of his achievement.  He sets up another game that evening and Lord Grantham decides to join them.  Michael Gregson joins the game as well seizing an opportunity to spend time with Lord Grantham having proven that the man has been avoiding him.  Lord Grantham fails to listen to Lord Gillingham’s warning about Mr. Sampson’s card skills that he loses a large amount to him, one he asks the men to keep secret from Lady Cora.  Meanwhile, Lady Rose brings out the gramophone and invites people to dance.  Tom regrettably ends up dancing with the Duchess of Yeovil and Lady Mary ends up with Lord Gillingham.  Lady Mary, however, recognized the gramophone as the gift Matthew received as a present for his engagement with Lavinia, the same one they danced to that rekindled their passion for each other.  She excuses herself and runs up to her room.  She intimates to Anna of wondering for whom she truly mourns, Matthew or the person she was when they were together.  Anna assures her that she is a fine and strong person despite her self-doubt.  Later, Tom leaves the party for bed.  Miss Braithwaite sees him and asks about his evening.  Tom conveys feeling like a fool and out of place.  This seems to delight Miss Braithwaite.

The following day, Lady Violet sees Mrs. Crawley in town and urges her to attend the party that night.  Mrs. Crawley remains undecided about hearing Melba and confesses of avoiding happiness in her fear that it makes her forget about her deceased son.  Lady Violet quotes the poet Christina Rossetti in an attempt to help Mrs. Crawley realize that she can allow herself to be happy.  Meanwhile, Mr. Carson learns that Mr. Molesley has been delivering groceries for Bakewell’s.  In need of a footman, he offers Mr. Molesley a temporary job as a footman believing that the man will be grateful of the opportunity.  Mr. Molesley, however, could not hide his disappointment at the job offer; he accepts it nonetheless.  While others are busy attending to the guests at dinner, Mr. Green organizes a game of Racing Demon for the rest of the servants causing laughter and fun at the servant’s hall.

Mrs. Crawley’s presence at the last night of the house party shows that Lady Violet was successful at her persuasion.  Meanwhile, Lady Cora has noticed Dame Nellie Melba’s absence at the drawing room.  She learns from Mr. Carson that Lord Grantham has agreed for the world-renowned opera singer to have dinner served in her room believing it inappropriate that she mingle with the aristocrats.  Lady Cora seats Lord Grantham beside the opera singer at dinner as punishment.  Lord Grantham learns that Dame Nellie Melba is quite a wine connoisseur and finds a talking point for conversation.  Tom seats beside Mrs. Crawley and observes a look of disapproval at seeing Lady Mary enjoying a conversation with Lord Gillingham.  Tom points out that it is the first time she has laughed since Matthew died.  Although Mrs. Crawley wishes Lady Mary happiness, she finds that she could not allow herself to be merry given her loss.  Downstairs, Mrs. Patmore frenetically instructs her staff with the presentation of the meals and causes more trouble than help when she suffers from what appears to be a heart attack.  Fortunately, Alfred steps in and makes the sauces for the dinner that the guests thoroughly enjoyed.  Oblivious to the commotion are the servants enjoying the game Racing Demon including Anna.  Mr. Bates puts an end to their enjoyment with reproach for their insensitivity at not knowing that Mrs. Patmore has taken ill.  Anna, however, rebukes her husband in private for his cantankerous attitude and thanks Mr. Green for providing entertainment for the servants.  As it turns out, Mrs. Patmore merely had a panic attack due to the stress of the house party.

The conversation with Mrs. Crawley and the feelings that surfaced during the house party brought Tom to speak to Lord Grantham of having come to a realization that he does not belong in Downton Abbey.  Lord Grantham disregards Tom’s revelation and leaves to hear Dame Nellie Melba sing.  Masters and servants alike watch the world-renowned opera singer, Nellie Melba.  A few of the male guests led by Mr. Sampson sneak off the performance to play cards.  Mr. Gregson surprises Mr. Sampson with a winning hand, a feat he found impossible but did not dare challenge.  The other men take their leave after losing their money leaving Mr. Gregson alone with Mr. Sampson who uncharacteristically loses to him.  Mr. Gregson uncovered Mr. Sampson’s chicanery on the card table.  He threatens him with exposure that will leave Mr. Sampson banned from the clubs he frequents.  This allowed him to blackmail the card sharp into surrendering all the IOUs he accumulated from the unsuspecting aristocrats in exchange for his silence.  Anna, on the other hand, develops a bit of a headache and makes her way downstairs to take something to relieve the pain.  Mr. Green follows her to the deserted kitchen and rapes her while Mr. Bates and the other servants are upstairs listening to Dame Nellie Melba sing Puccini’s O Mio Babbino Caro from the opera Gianni Schicchi, a song she dedicated to love and lovers.  The opera singer’s rendition of “Done lieta usci”, Mimi’s aria in Puccini’s La Boheme, left Anna’s screams unheard.  Mrs. Hughes notices Mr. Green return upstairs, but still no sight of Anna.

Dame Nellie Melba’s performance concludes the house party and the guests leave Downton Abbey including Mrs. Crawley who for the first time since her son’s death allowed herself to feel happy.  Mr. Gregson, on the other hand, wins the card players favor including Lord Grantham when he returns the IOUs they owe to Mr. Sampson.  Meanwhile, Tom Branson sulks in a corner.  The disappointment in his conversation with Lord Grantham earlier that evening still weighs in his head.  Miss Braithwaite plays the role of savior and brings him a glass of whiskey, while the other servants return downstairs.  She later enters the room of Tom Branson.

The sight of a distraught and badly beaten Anna Bates hiding in the dark corner of her office shocks Mrs. Hughes, but she knew immediately from the poor lady’s maid’s appearance what had happened to her.  Anna pleads Mrs. Hughes to keep her violation a secret especially from her husband, Mr. Bates, for she fears that he will kill the man who wronged her.  Anna could not risk her husband committing a crime given his prior criminal conviction.  Mrs. Hughes reluctantly agrees to Anna’s wish going against her better judgment of reporting a serious crime and having a doctor examine the violated woman.  Mr. Bates finally sees his wife and is alarmed at the sight of her bruised face.  Anna feigns having hit the sink when she fainted from her dizziness and explains the change of clothes after severely soiling her previous ones.  Anna’s obvious fear and refrainment from being touched tells Mr. Bates that something awful has happened to his wife.  Anna avoids Mr. Bates and walks home alone.

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Episode 2 Season 4 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 4.2

Episode Summary:  Lord Grantham finds a letter Matthew wrote declaring Lady Mary as his sole heir.  Incredulous of its legality, he considers not showing it to Lady Mary until his lawyer has assessed its validity.  He then goes on to show that his daughter does not have the aptitude to manage Downton Abbey.  Meanwhile, Lady Rose convinces Anna Bates to accompany her to a Thé Dansant for servants and farmworkers.  Lady Rose pretends to be a housemaid and dances the One-Step with an under gardener named Sam Thawley.

Downton Abbey Episode 2 Season 4 Recap: A package from the office of the recently deceased Matthew Crawley arrives for Lady Mary.  Mrs. Hughes thinks it best that someone inspect its contents first before showing to Lady Mary.  She is concerned that some of the contents may upset the grieving widow.  Mr. Carson assents to her advice and decides to bring the package to Lord Grantham. Amidst Matthew’s belongings, Lord Grantham finds a will naming Mary as Matthew’s sole heiress.Continue reading...

Lord Grantham is reluctant to show the will to Lady Mary not wanting to dash his daughter’s hopes if it is found that the will has no legal status.  He, however, consults with his mother about the matter.  Lady Violet believes Lady Mary would want to know that her late husband wanted her to inherit his assets regardless of the validity of his will.  She does not share her son’s disapproval of the wife inheriting the husband’s assets instead of the son.  Lady Violet insists that Lord Grantham must show Lady Mary the will before he sends it to their lawyer.  Moreover, she forthrightly surfaces the real reason for Lord Grantham’s hesitance.  Lord Grantham prefers the sole charge of the estate and objects of sharing the crown with his daughter.  He denies his mother’s suspicion and claims that Mary would not want to get involved in running the estate.

Nonetheless, Lord Grantham takes his mother’s advice.  He shows Lady Mary the letter Matthew wrote before they left for Scotland and concealed in a book.  She and Lord Grantham inform Isobel Crawley and the rest of the family of its existence.  At Lady Mary’s request, Lord Grantham reads the letter to them.  Matthew expresses in the letter his concern at not writing a will, one he meant to do upon their return from Duneagle.  The letter will serve as a record of his wish for Mary to be his sole heiress until a formal will is drawn.  Matthew plainly and clearly states his desire for Lady Mary to take charge in the event of his death.  Matthew affixing his signature and having two of his clients witness its writing makes the letter a legal document.  Lord Grantham insists that the letter is not a will despite those facts.  He does not welcome its validity claiming that it will only cause the estate to pay death duties twice.  Lady Mary, on the other hand, is content with earning the right to have an opinion, which her father wastes no time to test.  Lord Grantham asks Lady Mary for her opinion regarding the use of empty farmland as new sources of revenue in order to stress the point of her ineptitude in managing the estate.  The whole family, however, could see the malice in Lord Grantham’s question and they show their support for Lady Mary.  In support of her, Tom Branson reminds them of Lady Mary’s firsthand knowledge of Matthew’s plans.

Lady Violet schemes to help her granddaughter claim her right to manage the estate and volunteers Tom to train Lady Mary in secret.  Tom begins Lady Mary’s tutelage and brings her to a vantage point that exposes the estate.  He shows her the area they farm and the Oakwood Farm, land that their good and hardworking tenant, the Olds farm.  He also speaks to her about the death duties and Lord Grantham’s plan to sell land in order to pay off the inheritance tax in one lump.  Tom refuses to offer his recommendation, but rather urges Lady Mary to decide on her own.

Anna Bates sees Mr. Barrow speaking Miss Edna Braithwaite and finds reason to warn the newly promoted maid about him.  Miss Braithwaite, however, chooses to fraternize with Mr. Barrow especially after she ruins Lady Cora’s blouse.  The two of them conspire against the Bates as Mr. Barrow insinuates that Anna ruined Lady Cora’s blouse out of jealousy.  Meanwhile, Lady Rose, yearning to dance the One-Step, asks Anna to chaperone her to a Thé Dansant in York without informing anyone in her family.  Anna refuses to do so, but finds an opportunity to get Lady Mary’s permission.  Later, Jimmy, who is in York running an errand for Mrs. Patmore, sees Lady Rose with Anna.  He follows the two and sees them entering the Jubilee Dance Hall where a Thé Dansant is being held for servants and farmworkers.  Aching to dance, Lady Rose calls attention to herself hoping to get an invitation to dance from a young man.  Rose immediately catches the eye of Sam Thawley, an under gardener for Lord Ellis, and she pretends to be a housemaid at Downton Abbey.  Her cover was almost blown after she bumps into Jimmy and Anna on the dance floor.  Jimmy is unaware of her pretense, but he catches on quickly with Anna’s guidance.  Anna learns that Jimmy had come to York not only to run an errand for Mrs. Patmore, but also to buy tickets for him and Ivy to see Phyllis Dare in the hit musical, The Lady of the Rose.  Jimmy, who initially had flirted with Ivy only to spite Alfred, had fallen for the kitchen maid.  Soon they learn that a fight has ensued after Lady Rose refuses to dance with a young man other than Sam.  The men engage in a brawl endangering Lady Rose, who refuses to leave the young man who was protecting her.  Fortunately, Jimmy is to usher them out the dance hall before the police arrest them.  The three of them safely return to Downton Abbey.  Jimmy asks Mr. Carson permission to take Ivy to the theater and gets it with the help of Mrs. Patmore and Mrs. Hughes.  Ivy is excited at having been asked and having been allowed to take a half day off to go to the theater.  Her excitement upsets Alfred and makes him yearn for her even more.  This disappoints Daisy, who hoped that he would begin to dislike the kitchen maid, but Mrs. Patmore believes that there is nothing as unchangeable as a young man’s heart.  Later, Sam arrives at Downton Abbey asking for the housemaid, Rose.  With Anna’s help, Rose dresses as a housemaid and speaks with the young man who has fallen for her.  Rose feigns having given her word to a local farmer.  Sam understands and respects Rose’s situation that he bids her goodbye.  Rose, aware of having broken the young man’s heart, kisses Sam as a consolation.

Mrs. Hughes pays a visit to the Crawley House where Charles Grigg is recuperating in the care of Mrs. Crawley.  The man is anxious to hear from his old friend, Mr. Carson, but soon learns that Mr. Carson has nothing to say to him.  Mrs. Hughes explains that Mr. Carson does not remember the times they spent together with nostalgia.  Mrs. Crawley, on the other hand, has good news to share with Mrs. Hughes.  She has found a job for Mr. Grigg at the Opera House in Belfast as a stage door keeper.  Moreover, she personally asks Mr. Carson to speak to Mr. Grigg before the man leaves for Belfast conveying the man’s contrition and his admission to have caused Mr. Carson great unhappiness.  Mr. Grigg, however, maintains his innocence in the sorrow he caused Mr. Carson.  Mr. Carson refuses to speak with Mr. Grigg despite Mrs. Crawley’s plea.  Learning that Mr. Grigg is leaving for Belfast, Mrs. Hughes urges Mr. Carson to see him before he leaves that he may settle the conflict with his old friend, one he let fester for too long.  He arrives at the train station to speak with his old friend, Mr. Grigg.  Mr. Carson believed that Mr. Grigg set out to steal his beloved Alice Neal from him.  Mr. Grigg tells him that he never set out to take Alice from him.  It was Alice’s choice to marry him instead of Mr. Carson.  The marriage, however, did not last long.  In fact, he and Alice had already separated before she died, another fact Mr. Carson did not know.  Mr. Grigg imparts a message Alice wanted him to relay to Mr. Carson.  Alice confesses to have been a fool for not realizing that she loved Mr. Carson, one she later came to realize as the better man.  Alice asked Mr. Grigg to tell Mr. Carson that she loved him.  Mr. Grigg and Mr. Carson part as friends.

Mr. Molesley finds work as a laborer tending to the roads and becomes embarrassed when Anna sees him at work.  He confides the loss of income and the debts he incurred following the death of his master, Matthew Crawley.  Anna commiserates with Mr. Molesley and offers to lend him money, but the man confesses of not being able to pay her back.  He also refuses to receive the money as a gift, but expresses his deepest gratitude at the offer.  The encounter with Mr. Molesley upset Anna that she apprises her husband of the former valet’s unfortunate state.  Mr. Bates wanting his wife to be happy comes up with a plan.  He first informs Lady Violet of Mr. Molesley’s predicament then urges the former valet to sign the card Anna suggested they send to their former colleague, Gwen.  Moreover, he invites Mr. Molesley to Downton.  Later, Mr. Bates forges a note using Mr. Molesley’s signature from the card he had him sign and pretends to have found the note stating his debt.  Mr. Bates claims that Mr. Molesley had lent thirty pounds when he first arrived at Downton, one he has yet to pay.  Mr. Molesley could not recall lending Mr. Bates money, but the note has his signature on it, one that Mrs. Hughes confirms as his.  Not only does Mr. Bates provide Mr. Molesley financial aid, he also provides him with a boost of self-esteem.  Anna recognizes her husband’s good deed, one he did for her.  Later, Mr. Bates receives a request from Lord Grantham in behalf of Lady Cora to speak to his wife about going easy on Miss Braithwaite.  He learns that Lady Cora was made to believe that Anna is unkind towards Miss Braithwaite due to her promotion to senior lady’s maid.  Mr. Bates, though certain that his wife is not at fault, foregoes contradicting the claim.  He later speaks to his wife about it befuddling both of them for the cause of Miss Braithwaite’s supposed offended feelings.  Anna could think of nothing other than her advice to keep watch of Mr. Barrow’s intentions.  Soon they learn that Mr. Barrow and Miss Braithwaite have become friends.

Lady Edith is with Michael Gregson in London and he finds his functioning without a servant refreshing.  She, however, is concerned with the risk he is taking just so he can marry her.  Michael is still pursuing his plan to become a German citizen, which will not only catch the ire of many, but also will require him to go to Germany.  Nonetheless, Lady Edith looks forward to becoming his wife and she offers to bring him to Downton Abbey that he may see his childhood home.  Michael does not find it a good idea knowing that his divorce, though near, will not happen overnight.  She invites him to the house party Lady Cora is throwing that he may have reason to be at Downton without causing alarm to her family.  She then decides to stay a little longer with Michael making her late for dinner at Downton.  She, at last, arrives at Downton where her family waits in the drawing room for Mr. Carson to announce dinner.  Lord Grantham takes the opportunity to inform them that their lawyer, Mr. Murray, had done due diligence in determining the validity of Matthew’s letter.  Mr. Murray and various authorities believe that Matthew intended the letter to serve as a will.  Therefore, Lady Mary owns half of Downton Abbey.

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