A Journey to the Highlands – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 3.9

Synopsis: The Crawleys spend a few days at Duneagle and look forward to the ghillies’ ball.  While their masters are in the Highlands, the servants left in Downton Abbey attend a fair at Thirsk.  Mr. Gregson arrives at Duneagle and meets Lady Edith’s family with the goal of charming them.  After attending activities strenuous for a pregnant woman, Lady Mary becomes tired and returns to Downton Abbey earlier than planned.

Episode Summary: Downton Abbey is in a palaver with the Crawleys preparing for their departure for Duneagle.  A very pregnant Lady Mary due to give birth in a month is coming as well, troubling her husband, Matthew Crawley.  Tom Branson and Mrs. Crawley are the only family members who are not going to Scotland.  Just as Lord Grantham entrusts his dog to Tom, Lady Violet entrusts Tom to Mrs. Crawley.  With the Crawleys on their way to Duneagle, some of the servants expect a break from their busy schedule.  Alfred Nugent is first to propose the idea to Mr. Carson followed by Jimmy Kent, both are disappointed to hear that the butler has no plans of giving them time off.  Although Mrs. Hughes informs the maids that they are to do a thorough cleaning of the rooms as well, she does ask Mr. Carson if the staff can be allowed to receive some free time.Continue reading...

The new housemaid, Edna Braithwaite, becomes interested with Tom and begins asking Mrs. Hughes about him and Lady Sybil.  Mrs. Hughes remembers Lady Sybil as a sweet, kind person, beautiful inside and out.  Edna finds that Lady Sybil could have done better, but she does find Tom handsome and approachable as she finds no reservations conversing with the man who used to be the Crawleys’ chauffer.  Meanwhile, Mrs. Patmore receives a visitor.  Jos Tufton has come to deliver an order she made to Mr. Cox in Thirsk.  Mr. Tufton being the new owner of Mr. Cox’s shop took the liberty to fulfill the former owner’s orders and deliver the goods himself.  The man with the cook’s permission tastes some of the food in the kitchen and falls in love with Mrs. Patmore’s cooking.  He begins to flirt with the talented cook who is caught off guard with the man’s flirting.

Mrs. Crawley has Tom as her guest at dinner.  She commends him for managing a superb transition from servant to one of the masters at Downton Abbey.  She, however, notices that Tom is eager to please the aristocratic family he married into so much so that she gives him unsolicited advice.  Mrs. Crawley tells him that being the agent of Downton affords him the right to converse with the servants, some of which are his friends.  Tom returns to the mansion and mindful of the hassle of a servant running to the main door to let him inside, he chooses to enter through the service door.  Mrs. Hughes catches him and asks for his permission to have the housemaids clean his room during the day.  Moreover, the governess informs him that servants are to vacate the room that he wishes to use so as not to disturb him.  Mrs. Hughes requests made Tom realize how different his world has become.

The Crawleys arrive at Duneagle and receive an excited and warm reception from the Flintshires.  They are treated to an annoying bagpipe music that announced the arrival of dinner.  Lady Flintshire begins to display her insolence towards her daughter and husband.  The following day, just as Lady Flintshire said, the sound of bagpipes startles its guests from slumber.  The men especially Matthew, who is not skilled with the rifle, practice for the hunt with the skilled marksman Mr. Nield.  Lord Grantham learns that Lord Flintshire, known to them as Shrimpie, will be assigned a foreign post, the location of which is yet to be determined.  Lady Flintshire is not looking forward to leaving Scotland for an outpost of the Empire and so is her lady’s maid.  Miss O’Brien, meanwhile, finds news of the Flintshires’ relocation an adventure.  Meanwhile, Lady Edith having received permission to allow Mr. Gregson to join them for dinner happily announces the man’s acceptance of the invitation.  Lady Mary is suspicious of Mr. Gregson’s motives for the man’s holiday in the Highlands questionably coincided with the Crawleys’ arrival.

Tom, being the only member of the family left at the mansion, decides to have is lunch at Grantham Arms.  He finds Edna there for she had made a point to be there after hearing of his schedule from Mrs. Hughes.  Having heard stories about Tom refusing to wear proper aristocratic clothes for dinner during the early days of his return to Downton as Lady Sybil’s husband, she asks the man why he has decided to conform.  Tom brushes the issue, but assures Edna that he is still the same man he was before.  The housemaid then coaxes him into joining the servants for dinner.  Tom continues to have dinner alone.  Edna goads him for his decision making a point to shame him for doing so with an argument that Tom has become a snob ashamed of his past.

Alfred upon the recommendation of Mrs. Patmore joins Mr. Barrow to Thirsk after the under butler volunteered to exchange the dry ginger for fresh ones at Mr. Tufton’s shop.  Jimmy tags along with them.  Alfred, who has displayed interest in cooking, has an appreciation of the man’s products.  He could not contain his delight for the range of items on display.  Seeing the young man’s joy, Mr. Tufton invites them to the fair on Friday where he has a stall to display his goods.  Apart from food, the fair will also have games, Morris dancers, and other amusements.  Mr. Barrow becomes interested of the fair as well, and Jimmy shows some interest but only if other servants will come too.  The under butler and the footmen return requesting for time off from Mr. Carson that they may go to the fair.  Mr. Carson becomes even more annoyed when Mrs. Patmore asks for time off for she too is going to the fair in Thirsk after Mr. Tufton invited her to be his date.  Mrs. Patmore’s suggestion that all of the servants including Mrs. Hughes attend the fair will make Mr. Carson fume with rage.  Mrs. Hughes relays Mrs. Patmore’s suggestion and tries to convince the butler to go with them.  Although Mr. Carson has given his permission for the servants to attend the fair, he refuses to go with them, but only because he knows that his presence will put a damper on everyone’s enjoyment.

Mr. Gregson arrives at dinner donning a set of tails confirming Lady Mary’s belief that the man did not just happen to be in the Highlands.  This did not go amiss with Lady Edith as well that she confronts the man about his motives.  Mr. Gregson confesses that he wanted to get to know Lady Edith’s family with the goal of convincing them to accept his situation for he is in love with Lady Edith.  Lady Edith, however, sees no future with Mr. Gregson for he is a married man.  Lady Cora curious about the editor finally meets him, but sees no malice at his presence.  She, however, notices the conflict between Lady Flintshire and Lady Rose.  Lady Violet notices this too and finds that her niece is not handling the situation aptly.  Lady Cora having three daughters of her own can relate to Lady Flintshire’s struggle in raising them and becomes emotional at the remembrance of her youngest daughter who passed away.  However, Lady Flintshire does not possess the same kindness, patience, and compassion that is innate in Lady Cora that Anna and Mr. Bates find Lady Rose in tears.  The young woman relieves her stress with a cigarette and becomes anxious that the two will report her to Lady Flintshire, the same woman who drove her to tears.  She is relieved to hear that her secret is safe with the Bates.  Mr. Bates even offered her peppermint to mask the smell of the cigarette on her breath.  At Downton Abbey, Dr. Clarkson continues to have dinner with Mrs. Crawley, which is a welcome respite for his loneliness.  He finds Mrs. Crawley a good companion and confidant for the woman is familiar of a doctor’s life being a doctor’s wife.  Dr. Clarkson finds it a relief and a privilege to be able to converse with someone without the need to explain oneself.  He wishes to have many more evenings with her.  The fair at Thirsk gave Dr. Clarkson another chance to spend more time with Mrs. Crawley for the widow accepted his invitation to go with him to see it.

With the validation of her suspicion, Lady Mary feels entitled to express her incredulity towards Mr. Gregson, who accepted invitations from Matthew to go stalking and Lady Flintshire’s invitation for him to attend the ghillies’ ball.  Matthew tells his wife not to dislike the man before she even comes to know him.  He appeals to Lady Mary’s amiability that his wife attests only he believes exists.  Matthew finds that his wife is truly a nice person and that her spite is only a façade.  The next day, the men go stalking, while the women go on a picnic by the loch.  Lady Rose goes to fetch Lady Mary and learns from Anna that she already has gone down.  The young lady takes the opportunity to thank Anna for cheering her up yesterday and offers to return the favor.  Anna, in fact, accepts Lady Rose’s offer.  With the lords and ladies outdoors, Anna and Mr. Bates go on a picnic as husband and wife.  Anna is especially happy making Mr. Bates believe that she is up to something.

It did not take too long for Lord Grantham and Lord Flintshire to take down a deer.  They make their way to the loch in order to join the ladies’ picnic.  Lord Grantham having sensed the tension between the Flintshires confronts Lord Flintshire about it only to learn that husband and wife have grown to dislike each other.  Their arrival surprised Lady Flintshire and gave her a chance to express her disapproval.  After receiving a riled response from her husband, Lady Flintshire takes her annoyance on Lady Rose.  Meanwhile, Mr. Gregson and Matthew spent ten hours stalking deer, but return empty handed.  Matthew invites Mr. Gregson to go fly-fishing with him tomorrow instead and for the man to join them again for dinner.  Moreover, Matthew makes it known to the editor that he is aware of his motive to get to know Lady Edith’s family.  All return to Duneagle castle including Lady Flintshire’s insolence.  She asks for Miss O’Brien to help style her hair and makes a point to insult her maid, Miss Wilkins, for her inability to replicate Lady Cora’s hairstyle.  Miss O’Brien does what she is told and becomes a foe of Miss Wilkins in the process.

All the servants are excited at the fair except for frugal Daisy, who is thinking of not attending.  Mr. Barrow offers to buy them a bottle of pop to help convince Daisy to go.  Mrs. Patmore is delighted with his offer, but not Jimmy.  The first footman refuses to accept Mr. Barrow’s offer.  So it seems that Mrs. Patmore is the most excited to go to the fair among all the servants.  She even bought a blouse from Mrs. Curley’s dress shop in Ripon eliciting gossip from other servants that the cook has got herself a boyfriend.  There is truth in the gossip for Mr. Tufton had written a letter to Mrs. Patmore that she shows to Mrs. Hughes.  Mrs. Hughes begins to question Mr. Tufton’s motives believing that a man his age courts a respectable woman with the intention of making her his wife.  The thought has not occurred to Mrs. Patmore and hearing it gave her a fright.  Later, Tom drops by the servants’ hall with the express purpose of asking to join the servants for dinner that evening.  Edna not standing up to show respect to a master of the house did not go amiss with Mrs. Hughes.  Unlike Mr. Carson, Mrs. Hughes welcomes Tom to their table and reminds the butler of his role as the paradigm of politeness.  The fair becomes the topic of conversation at the servants’ table.  Edna becomes disappointed at learning that Tom will not be joining them, but manages to convince him otherwise.  Meanwhile, no one tried to convince Mr. Carson to come to the fair.  In fact, the servants are relieved that the butler has decided to stay and keep watch of the mansion.

The Flintshires’ relocation to an imperial outpost becomes the topic of conversation.  Lord Flintshire does not approve of bringing Lady Rose to an unfamiliar foreign land, but his wife refuses to discuss it.  Lady Violet also disapproves of the Flintshires’ bringing their youngest child with them.  Lady Rose does not mind moving to India, and, in fact, finds the country fascinating.  However, the thought of being stuck with her mother in a foreign land is what concerns her.  She confides this to Lady Cora, who sees only goodness in others, and comes to Lady Flintshire’s defense.  Lady Flintshire hears part of their conversation and immediately becomes distrustful, but Lady Cora covers for Lady Rose so as not to create more rift between mother and daughter.  Lady Mary returns to her bedroom and finds that her decision to join the picnic was against better judgment.  She, however, is happy to learn that Anna is no longer apprehensive about the ghillies’ ball.  In fact, she has a surprise in store for Mr. Bates and Lady Mary.  Unbeknownst to Lady Mary, Anna had been taking reeling lessons from Lady Rose as her reward for not reporting the young lady to Lady Flintshire after she and her husband caught her smoking.

Anna advises that Lady Mary get some rest knowing that the ride on the glen shook her up.  Lady Mary is disappointed at her predicament for she wanted to join Matthew in his interrogation of Mr. Gregson.  Matthew believes that the man is planning to ask Lady Edith’s hand in marriage.  He, however, worries that Mr. Gregson is hiding something, which elicited a snide remark from Lady Mary.  Matthew is quick to point out his wife’s tendency to be unkind, which helps Lady Mary reel in her horridness.  He, however, admits to be madly in love with her in spite of it.  The next day, Matthew spends fly-fishing with Mr. Gregson and learns that he is a married man.  Although he is sympathetic of the man’s predicament, Matthew disapproves of his pursuit of Lady Edith for the man can only offer her a life of a mistress.  Matthew makes it clear to Mr. Gregson that he will not allow Lady Edith to become the subject of a scandal and that he will do everything to prevent her from being mired in one.  He, however, promises to keep it to himself, but suggests that Mr. Gregson bid Lady Edith a proper goodbye at the ghillies’ ball.

Knowing the tension between Jimmy and Mr. Barrow, Alfred appeals to Jimmy not to be too harsh on the under butler that day so as not to spoil their fun at the fair.  This is quite a turnaround for Alfred for it was he who reported Mr. Barrow to the police.  Alfred is very much aware of his misdeed and is remorseful of it.  He finds Mr. Barrow’s refusal to fault Jimmy for his attitude toward him noble.  Jimmy says nothing of it, but he continues to be a bad influence on Alfred as he sits on one of the chairs in the drawing room.  Alfred follows his fellow footman only for Mrs. Hughes to catch them.  Tom arrives excited to drive the servants to the fair.  Mrs. Hughes senses that Tom’s decision to spend more time with the servants is a result of someone’s taunts at his rise in status.  She makes it clear that any derision he receives because of it is the fault of the person who expresses the contempt and not Tom.

The servants arrive at the fair with Tom.  Mrs. Patmore is anxious to find Mr. Tufton, who asked her to bring sandwiches.  Alfred interested at the products Mr. Tufton is displaying at the fair goes with Mrs. Patmore to look for him.  Mrs. Hughes anxious to meet Mr. Tufton goes with them.  Jimmy, on the other hand, is attracted at the Tug of War contest that promised to give cash prizes to the winners.  He manages to enlist the men except for Mr. Barrow to join him, but Alfred asks Mr. Barrow to join.  Edna offers to cheer for Tom and shamelessly puts her arm around his.  This scandalized Daisy and Ivy, but the kitchen maid has plans of her own.  Ivy drags Daisy to play some carnival games.  Meanwhile, Mrs. Hughes is appalled at Mr. Tufton’s behavior after seeing him smack a female attendant’s bottom.  Mrs. Patmore failed to notice for Mr. Tufton has charmed her with his flattery.  Mrs. Hughes could not stand the two lovebirds that she excuses herself to go find Alfred, but the footman and the other men of Downton are already at the Tug of War ready to take the undefeated champions.  The judge calls for side bets, and Jimmy bets a quid for the Downton team.  He then calls on Mr. Tufton to join the team for he is a Downton supplier.  Mr. Tufton accepts and he shows off his muscles to the women who had gathered around to watch.  The sight of it disgusts Mrs. Hughes once again.  Soon the Tug of War begins and people have gathered to watch and cheer for their men.  The Downton team wins the Tug of War and Jimmy leaves with a swad of cash for winning the bet.  He shares his winnings with everyone including strangers as he buys them a round of drinks.  A drunken Jimmy finds Ivy and Daisy at one of the game stalls and learns that Daisy is unwilling to spend money on the game believing that it is rigged anyway.  He pays for their game flashing his money conspicuously then leaves the two.  Ivy gives it a go and does not win anything, but Daisy wins a gold sovereign on her first try surprising and delighting her at the same time.  Jimmy goes for a walk under the bridge where two men from the defeated team confront him.  Fortunately, Mr. Barrow arrives just before one of the men throws a punch at Jimmy.  He attacks the one holding the footman giving him time to run.  Regrettably, the men turn on Mr. Barrow.

Alfred, on the other hand, is at the spice stall with Mrs. Hughes and reveals that his heart is in cooking.  However, knowing that there is no room for men in the kitchen, Alfred finds that cooking is his chimera.  Mrs. Hughes comforts the young footman seeing how times have changed.  There, however, is one thing that will not change, and that is Mr. Turfton’s indecent behavior.  Mrs. Hughes sees him kissing a woman who is not Mrs. Patmore.  Meanwhile, Mrs. Crawley and Dr. Clarkson arrive at the fair and they join one of the games.  Later, Mrs. Crawley thanks Dr. Clarkson for the invitation for she indeed had some fun.  Dr. Clarkson tells Mrs. Crawley that there is something he wants to ask her when he returns from buying punch.  Mrs. Crawley watches Dr. Clarkson as he nervously drinks a punch before walking up to their table.  Dr. Clarkson asks Mrs. Crawley if she has thought of getting married again, and learns that the widow has enjoyed her life as a single woman and has no desire to risk things by changing it.  A flustered Jimmy disrupts their conversation asking them to come with him.  Dr. Clarkson and everyone else from Downton follow Jimmy under the bridge where they find Mr. Barrow badly beaten.  Mrs. Hughes is surprised that Mr. Barrow had gotten himself into a fight, but the under butler says nothing of the reason behind it.  Jimmy says nothing as well.  Dr. Clarkson announces that Mr. Barrow did not break any bones, but they are to bring him home immediately.

At the mansion, Mr. Carson paces the hallway and hears Miss Sybbie crying.  With her nanny not in sight, Mr. Carson takes it upon himself to soothe the child.  Mrs. Hughes finds him in the library with Miss Sybbie, who sits quietly on his arm.  Caring for the child reminded Mr. Carson of Lady Sybil and made Mrs. Hughes sentimental for they knew her when she was the age of Miss Sybbie.  Later, Mrs. Patmore chats with Mrs. Hughes to inform her that Mr. Tufton had indeed asked her to be his wife.  Mrs. Hughes is worried about the proposal, and Mrs. Patmore urges her to explain why.  The governess tells the cook the many misdeeds of Mr. Tufton starting with his stroking a young female assistant’s bottom up to him kissing a woman.  Mrs. Patmore’s infatuation made her fail to notice any of these.  Mrs. Hughes apologized for not warning her at the fair, because she did not want to spoil Mrs. Patmore’s fun.  The governess is surprised to find that Mrs. Patmore is in fact relieved at learning Mr. Tufton’s misdeeds.  The cook knew all along that it was only her cooking that he was after, Mr. Tufton’s offenses give her an excuse not to accept his proposal.  Upstairs, Edna barges in Tom’s room while he is half-naked.  Tom tells the housemaid to leave, but Edna kisses him on the lips before leaving.  Moreover, she invites him to lunch at the Grantham Arms.

Lady Flintshire disapproves of Lady Rose’s dress for the ghillies’ ball stating that it makes her look like a slut.  Lady Rose argues that Princess Mary has the same dress and therefore must be acceptable.  Lord Flintshire puts his foot down and goes against his wife by allowing Lady Rose to keep on wearing her chosen dress.  He instructs his daughter to lead Lady Violet to the ballroom leaving him with Lady Flintshire, who calls him a fool for indulging their daughter.  Lord Flintshire has had enough and yells at his wife for making everyone’s life miserable.  Lord Grantham unintentionally becomes witness to their argument embarrassing all three of them.  Lady Flintshire takes her anger at Miss Wilkins criticizing her job at fixing her hair despite Miss O’Brien’s compliment.  Unbeknownst to Miss O’Brien, Miss Wilkins has grown to dislike her and the incident only made it worse.  Miss Wilkins offers to bring her drink with the goal of adding whiskey to the already potent beverage.  Miss O’Brien tastes the extra alcohol in the beverage and forgoes finishing it.  However, Mr. Molesley takes it and downs it in a few gulps.  Having enjoyed the drink, he goes for more.  Lady Rose drowns her anger with alcohol getting the sympathy of Lady Cora after hearing the incident from Lady Violet.  Lord Flintshire hides in the game room as he palliates his fury.  He admits to Lord Grantham that he was not madly in love with Lady Flintshire, and that both of them married each other for it was their duty.  Busy with the children, the couple managed to bear each other.  However, as the children grew and left to start a life of their own, they learned how little they had in common.  Lord Grantham has always envied Lord Flintshire for his life, and finds that there is nothing enviable about it.  Moreover, he learns that Lord Flintshire has lost Duneagle for the money has dried up.  Unlike Downton, Duneagle did not modernize and Lord Flintshire wished he had.  Lord Flintshire is not too worried about his and his wife’s future, but he is concerned about Lady Rose.

The dancing at ghillies’ ball has begun and Lady Mary proposes that they join in the dance declaring that she is good at all of them, but Matthew forbids her from dancing given her pregnancy.  Later, Lady Rose runs to fetch Anna.  Mr. Bates and Lady Mary follow the two to see what the fuss is.  They find Anna reeling and both marvel at her dancing.  Meanwhile, Mr. Gregson follows Matthew’s advice and confesses to Lady Edith of making the ghillies’ ball their last evening together.  Lady Edith hearing of Matthew’s disapproval only made her like Mr. Gregson more.  She refuses to accept the married editor’s farewell delighting Mr. Gregson.  The two joins the dance and so does the heavily inebriated Mr. Molesley.  The valet’s raucous dancing hindered everyone else’s.  Miss O’Brien confronts Miss Wilkins of her adding copious amount of alcohol in her drink and points out that it was Mr. Molesley, who suffered from her handiwork.  Moreover, Miss O’Brien thanks her for her misdeed for it entitled her not to be loyal to her.  The dancing continues and the lords and ladies of Downton and Duneagle join in including Lady Mary.  Soon Lady Mary becomes tired and finds that her decision to reel was a bad one.  Matthew becomes troubled at learning of her discomfort, but Lady Mary appeases her husband.  She, however, asks that she leave for Downton the next morning, but only her for both of them leaving will only trouble her parents forcing all of them to leave when it is not necessary.  Although Matthew is reluctant to the arrangement, he agrees to his wife’s wishes.  The next morning, news that Lady Mary has left Duneagle for Downton breaks.  Lady Cora apologizes for her daughter not saying a proper goodbye afraid that Lady Flintshire, who disapproves of Lady Mary, will take offense.  Lady Flintshire, however, understands Lady Mary’s actions given that she is close to giving birth.  Moreover, she finds that Lady Mary’s transgressions are nothing compared to Lady Rose’s offenses.  Lady Flintshire confides that her husband would like Lady Rose to stay at Downton while they are in India.  Lady Cora aware that Lady Flintshire disapproves of this makes it clear that she will not agree to this without Lady Flintshire’s approval.  Lady Flintshire reconsiders, and finds that time away from her youngest daughter might be good for both of them.  She only has one request of Lady Cora, and that is for her to speak well of Lady Flintshire to Lady Rose.  Lady Cora promises to do so, and looks forward to caring for the teenager.

Mr. Carson announces that Lady Mary and Anna are on their way back to Downton Abbey.  Mrs. Hughes instructs Edna to prepare Lady Mary’s room and learns that the housemaid had made plans to have lunch with Tom at the village.  Her brazen declaration infuriates Mr. Carson and worries Mrs. Hughes.  Although they disagree that Tom is at fault, both agree that Edna must go.  Mrs. Hughes speaks to Tom of their decision to terminate Edna.  Although Tom did not encourage Edna, he did not discourage her either and he feels accountable for the woman’s misfortune.  He asks Mrs. Hughes to provide the housemaid with a decent reference.  Mrs. Hughes acquiesces to the request.  Moreover, with Tom’s permission Mrs. Hughes imparts her belief that Tom had allowed Edna to make him feel ashamed of his new life even though he has done well enough to make Lady Sybil proud.  Tom breaks down in tears confessing of his inability to bear living without his late wife.  Mrs. Hughes asks that he be strong, and that he will someday find someone to help bear the loss of his beloved.  She advises Tom to be his own master until then.

Lady Mary arrives at Downton’s train station and immediately asks the chauffeur to bring her to the hospital.  She sends Anna to get Mrs. Crawley and to send a message to Matthew.  Matthew is about to make his first killing when a servant interrupts his stalking with news about Lady Mary.  At the Downton mansion, all prepare the house for the return of the Crawleys, all except Edna for she was sent to pack her bags and leave.  Also not part of the palaver is Mr. Barrow for he is still recovering from the beating he took at the fair.  Jimmy hesitantly pays him a visit to offer his apology for leaving him to deal with his attackers.  He, however, found that Mr. Barrow was following him at the time.  Although unnerved with the under butler’s stalking, the man’s sacrifice made up for it.  Jimmy, however, makes it clear to the man that they can never be together, and Mr. Barrow is well aware of this, but he asks if they can just be friends.  The footman agrees and accepts Mr. Barrow’s friendship.

The Crawleys prepare their departure from Duneagle.  Lord Grantham could not wait to go home not only because of Lady Mary, but also because he has found new appreciation of Downton.  He had always been envious of Lord Flintshire for having inherited Duneagle.  His envy dissipated after learning of its fate.  Moreover, he found appreciation of Matthew’s vision for it is clear to him now that it is what will save Downton from ruin.  In addition, the marriage troubles of the Flintshires made him realize of how lucky he is for having Lady Cora as his wife.  The Crawleys bid farewell to the Flintshires who are grateful for accepting their request to have Lady Rose live in Downton.  Lady Rose is the most grateful of all.

Anna appeases the tremendously anxious Mr. Carson and helps him make arrangements for the Crawleys.  She makes her way to the hospital where Mrs. Crawley and Dr. Clarkson are preparing for Lady Mary’s labor.  Lady Mary wishes for Matthew to be at her side feeling that she is not complete without him.  Mrs. Crawley assures her that he will be arriving soon and that not having him in the room during her labor might even be ideal.  She asks Mrs. Crawley to send word to Mr. Carson of her well-being knowing that the butler will be extremely worried about her.  Mr. Carson receives news from Mrs. Crawley that Lady Mary has given birth, and that all is well with the mother and the child.  Matthew arrives at the hospital soon after and is overjoyed at the sight of his wife and son.  He holds in his arms his heir.  Matthew looks at his wife and tells her how she is going to be a wonderful mother for she is to him a wonderful person.  Lady Mary wishes that she would forever be Matthew’s version of her.  The rest of the Crawleys arrive at the mansion and they rejoice at the delightful news of Lady Mary’s successful delivery excited to see the newest member of their family.  Matthew happily rushes back to the mansion to deliver the news and to allow them to see his wife and son.  He drives his AC Six sports car still relishing his good fortune when he encounters a truck on the road forcing him to swerve to avoid collision.  Matthew ends up in a ditch under his overturned car; dead.

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Episode 8 Season 3 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 3.8

Synopsis: Jimmy through Miss O’Brien’s instigation threatens to report Mr. Barrow to the police if Mr. Carson gives him a good reference.  Hearing of the injustice done to Mr. Barrow, Mr. Bates curiously comes to his rescue.  Lord Grantham becomes furious upon hearing of Matthew’s vision for Downton Abbey, and becomes even more upset to learn that all are against him.  He, however, looks forward to the cricket match against the villagers and desires to win more than anything else.

Episode Summary: The incident that exposed Mr. Barrow’s sexual orientation provided reason for Mr. Carson to ask for his resignation, solving the problem of having Mr. Bates reinstated as Lord Grantham’s valet.  Mr. Carson, who is the least liberal among the servants, frowns upon Mr. Barrow’s homosexuality.  He, however, believes that Mr. Barrow is not completely to blame and promises to provide the valet a good reference that he may find a suitable job somewhere else.  Mr. Barrow, although accepting of his fate, makes it clear to the butler that he is different, but certainly is not foul.Continue reading...

Miss O’Brien eavesdropped on the private conversation Mr. Carson had with Mr. Barrow.  She informs Jimmy that Mr. Barrow will soon be relieved of his duties and encourages the footman to report the incident to the police.  Jimmy is against reporting Mr. Barrow to the police citing his own shame as the reason, but Miss O’Brien insinuates that his tolerance may give an impression of his consent.  The footman still has not decided to follow Miss O’Brien’s advice.  Miss O’Brien continues to threaten Jimmy of the consequences of keeping his mouth shut.  She suggests that Jimmy pressure Mr. Carson into writing Mr. Barrow a bad reference to prevent him from reporting the incident to the police.  Her intimations are within the earshot of Mrs. Patmore and Mr. Bates.  Miss O’Brien’s play on fear worked on Jimmy for the footman pressures Mr. Carson into giving Mr. Barrow a bad reference.  Jimmy threatens to report the incident to the police if the butler decides to help Mr. Barrow.  Mr. Carson afraid of bringing scandal to the house urges the footman to forego his plan.  To his astonishment, Jimmy could not be persuaded.

All of Downton Abbey is abuzz about the cricket match between the house and the villagers.  Mr. Molesley, who is playing for the house, could not stop talking about the game having brought up by a father who is passionate about cricket.  Curiously, this is Mr. Molesley’s first cricket match, and he will be playing for the house.  Tom Branson, on the other hand, refuses to play for he has never played it.  Lord Grantham, who is set to win this year’s game after losing the previous year’s, urges Tom to join the team just as he had forced Matthew to play.  Although Matthew Crawley is not a fan of cricket, he looks forward to the match for he believes that the cricket match will show Lord Grantham that old traditions can coexist with change.  He looks to his wife to help him with his plan.  Lady Mary’s thoughts, however, are somewhere else.  Matthew begins to worry when his wife refuses to make love to him.

Lady Violet is looking forward to accommodating Lady Rose, the eighteen-year-old daughter of her niece and godchild, in her house.  Lady Rose ostensibly hates London, which is why she is going to Yorkshire to spend time with her great-aunt.  Mrs. Crawley could see the nuisance in this arrangement, but Lady Violet could not.  Lady Violet drops by the Crawley House with her grandniece in order to hand Mrs. Crawley the answers to the advertisement she had placed to get Ethel a new job.  Lady Rose, so far, has been fulfilling Lady Violet’s expectations.  Lady Violet’s illusion begins to crack when the teenager asks to go with Lady Edith to London feigning an excuse of arranging a surprise for her mother, Lady Flintshire.  Lady Edith, who is to meet with her editor to discuss the article she had written, agrees to bring Lady Rose to London and offers her a place to stay for the teenager does not want to spend her time in London at her parents’ house.  Matthew informs Lady Edith of joining her, which she welcomes believing that she will need his help in controlling the teenager.  All three are to stay at Lady Rosamund’s mansion.  Learning that Matthew had asked to come with Lady Edith to London, Lady Mary asks her sister to promise her not to let her husband catch an earlier train back to Downton.  Although mindful of the dubious favor, Lady Edith nevertheless agrees to Lady Mary’s request.

Lady Edith is taking her job as a journalist seriously.  She writes about the officers that served the war, but are now reduced to beg for alms or work on nightclubs for lack of jobs.  Mr. Barrow is in danger of suffering the same fate as he learns that Mr. Carson has decided not to give him a reference.  Mr. Carson, however, explained to him the reason for his decision.  Despite this, Mr. Barrow believes that someone must have compelled Jimmy to do this to him.  Mrs. Hughes sees a distraught Mr. Barrow outside in the rain.  Unaware of the injustice done to him, Mr. Barrow hesitates to reveal the reason for his distress afraid that his revelation will shock and disgust the governess.  To his surprise, the governess instead shows him kindness.  Mrs. Hughes having heard the whole story speaks to Mr. Carson to persuade him not to give in to Jimmy’s blackmail.  The governess has always been tolerant of people of disrepute, but not of those who are malevolent.  She believes that Jimmy may have inadvertently led on Mr. Barrow.  Mr. Carson argues that not agreeing to Jimmy’s blackmail will only put Mr. Barrow in prison for the footman is adamant about reporting the valet to the police.

Anna and Mr. Bates arrive at the cottage that is to be their home only to find it in disrepair.  Having gone through much worse, husband and wife are optimistic of turning the squalid cottage into a warm and comfortable house they can call home.  One night, Mr. Barrow comes up to Mr. Bates with malice in his eyes as the reinstated valet checks up on his new residence.  It seems as though Mr. Barrow sees him as the person persuading Jimmy to seek his ruin.  Little did he know that Mr. Bates pities his situation and is even regretful that his return came at the expense of Mr. Barrow.  The night’s encounter did make Mr. Bates ask Mrs. Hughes about Mr. Barrow, and he learns the whole story.  Meanwhile, Tom, having agreed to take Mr. Jarvis’ place as agent of Downton, plans to move to the house Mr. Jarvis used to occupy.  The assignment of Tom as the new agent proved beneficial to Matthew for his brother-in-law is in full support of his plan to take back part of the estate to allow them to farm a third of it directly.  Tom enlists the help of Lady Cora for Lord Grantham is certainly against their plan.

Mrs. Crawley finally apprises Ethel of Lady Violet’s concern of her attracting unpleasant conversation due to her sordid history.  She informs her that the Dowager has placed advertisements for her, which received a lot of interest.  Mrs. Crawley hands Ethel the responses from the ad assuring the young woman of their support in helping her attain a new lease in life.  Ethel has reviewed the replies.  She, however, informs Mrs. Crawley that she has not found one in those where she will be happier than where she is now.  Ethel, nonetheless, notes of a letter that caught her interest.  It is from a Mrs. Watson, who lives in Cheadle, a place very close to where the Bryants live.  She and Mrs. Crawley believe that living close to where her son is will only make it harder for her to forget her past.  Lady Violet is disappointed at learning that Ethel has not found anything in the replies that interested her enough to leave Downton for it.  She did hear from Mrs. Crawley that one ad caught her interest.  Mrs. Crawley believes that Ethel found interest in it due to the proximity of the job to the Bryants’ residence.  Living close by will afford her to catch a glimpse of Charlie from time to time.  Mrs. Crawley, however, believes that this might lead to more heartache as soon as the Bryants learn how close she is to them.  Soon, Lady Violet invites Mrs. Crawley and Ethel to the Dowager house.  Both are surprised at finding Mrs. Bryant there to meet them.  Lady Violet took it upon herself to reach out to the Bryants in order to ascertain their stance on Ethel working near their residence.  In fact, Mrs. Bryant is apprehensive about keeping a mother away from her son.  She has even thought of having Ethel come see Charlie.  She, nevertheless, is concerned of confusing the child.  Ethel has already given the dilemma much thought, and had figured a plausible story to help explain her presence.  She is willing to be known to Charlie as his old nanny whom the Bryants employed before.  Mrs. Crawley worries about Mr. Bryant’s response on the matter, but Mrs. Bryant assures her that she will take care of her husband.  With that, Ethel is to accept the job offer from Mrs. Watson.  Ethel is overjoyed.

Lady Edith, Matthew, and Lady Rose arrive at Lady Rosamund’s mansion in London.  Not a minute had passed and Lady Rose is already up to no good.  The teenager sneaks into one of the rooms in order to make a phone call.  Lady Edith, on the other hand, goes to meet her editor to go over the article she wrote regarding the plight of former soldiers.  Knowing the somberness of the subject, she braces for her editor’s disapproval only to learn quite the opposite.  Her editor, in fact, delights in the idea of a woman taking a position on a man’s subject.  It does seem that her editor has taken a fancy to her.  With Lady Edith at the newspaper’s office, Lady Rose is left alone without a chaperon.  She rides a taxi to Warwick Square and misses dinner.  Unlucky for her, the driver of the taxi she took becomes concerned of the teenager that he informs Lady Rosamund’s maid of what the adolescent has been doing.  The maid, troubled at what she had heard, sends the driver up to see the masters that he may relay to them Lady Rose’s activities.  The driver informs the Crawleys that Lady Rose had taken his taxi to Warwick Square where she visited a friend for two hours.  He then had to drive the two to a seedy club called The Blue Dragon.

The Crawleys rush to The Blue Dragon where Lady Rose is dancing luridly with a much older man.  The dance ends and Lady Rose and her male friend return to their table where they kiss passionately only becoming aware of the presence of her relatives moments later.  In spite of Lady Rose’s shock at having been found, the Crawleys handle their meeting with grace and so did Terence Margadale, the married man who is with the teenager.  They learn that Terence was an employee of Lady Rose’s father and the teenager tries to elude punishment by making him sound like a family friend to which Lady Edith threatens to inform the teenager’s father of his keeping her company.  Matthew takes a different approach and manages to strike a deal with the adolescent.  He tells her of persuading Lady Rosamund and Lady Edith in keeping the revelation a secret if Lady Rose will promise not to consort with Terence again while she is in their charge.  Lady Rose, truly a naïve teenager, would not let go of Terence believing his promises of marriage.  Matthew enlightens the adolescent of the empty promises of a married man whose intentions are the least noble of men.  Lady Rose accepts Matthew’s deal and the three leave The Blue Dragon.

The reason for Matthew’s trip to London finally arrives.  He meets with Dr. Ryder to see if he is the reason Lady Mary has not yet bore a child.  The doctor, however, does not believe that there is a problem with Matthew.  Aside from the doctor’s expertise, Matthew also sought to find out if Lady Mary has come to see him.  Although it is unethical to discuss a patient with another patient, the doctor assures Matthew that he has not treated a Mrs. Crawley.  Moreover, he shares in his belief that Matthew and his wife will soon have a child.  Matthew makes his way down the doctor’s office and finds his wife posing as a Mrs. Levinson at reception.  Caught red-handed, there is nothing Lady Mary could do but to divulge the truth to her husband.  Lady Mary reveals that there was something wrong with her.  In fact, it involved a small operation to ensure that she is able to bear a child.  This troubles Matthew, but also relieves him after learning that it was the reason for her refusal to copulate.  Her chance meeting, however, came with pleasant news from the doctor for Dr. Ryder believes that Lady Mary will be pregnant in less than six months.  With Lady Mary’s secret exposed to her husband, there is no reason for them to catch different trains.  They along with Lady Edith fetch Lady Rose from Lady Rosamund’s house with Matthew informing a still furious Lady Rosamund that they are to keep the teenager’s recent antics from her parents unless Lady Rose makes the same mistake again.  They return to Downton dropping off the teenager at the Dowager house.  Lady Rose is suspicious of Lady Rosamund keeping her end of the bargain, but Lady Edith assures her that she will.  Lady Violet regrettably hears part of their conversation and becomes curious.  She cunningly coaxes Lady Rose into revealing her questionable activities in London without needing it for she had already arranged for her punishment.  Her grandniece is to travel with her maid to Scotland where she is to stay at Duneagle with dreary Lady Agatha.

All are worried about Mr. Barrow not receiving a reference from Mr. Carson.  All except Miss O’Brien and Jimmy, who yells at Ivy for showing pity for Mr. Barrow.  Fortunately, Mr. Bates has the good mind to inform Lord Grantham of the injustice done to Mr. Barrow.  Lord Grantham, like the rest of the family, knew all along what Mr. Barrow is and could not understand Mr. Carson’s difficulty to accept it.  He is more surprised to hear that Miss O’Brien, Mr. Barrow’s friend and confidant, has turned on him and that she is the one causing his troubles.  Mr. Bates speaks with Mr. Barrow shocking the former valet at his kindness towards him.  Mr. Barrow was certain that someone had instilled malice in Jimmy, but he did not know that it was Miss O’Brien.  Mr. Bates could not bear the thought of Mr. Barrow being sent out without a reference after ten years of service at Downton all because of Miss O’Brien’s ruinous instigation.  He asks if Mr. Barrow knows of anything he can use against Miss O’Brien, but sadly finds a defeated man.  Mr. Bates offers to be his weapon.  This gave Mr. Barrow renewed vigor as he remembers something that will put a stop to Miss O’Brien.

With Matthew back from London, he and Tom divulge their plan for the estate to Lord Grantham.  As expected, he becomes furious at the idea.  Lord Grantham fails to see that without earning a profit there could not be a Downton.  He suggests of other ways to earn a profit and speaks about investing in the Ponzi scheme for it offers a huge return in just ninety days.  Matthew can smell a fraud from miles away and warns Lord Robert against it.  He becomes incensed and reminds Lord Grantham what became of his last investment.  This prompts Lady Cora to come to her husband’s defense and Lady Mary to hers.  Tom tries to reason to Lord Grantham by making it clear that they are merely giving the farmers a choice.  It will still be up to the farmers to decide whether to accept it or not.  The plan is for them to buy larger units to allow them to meet the challenges of the modern world.  Lord Grantham still could not bear the thought of betraying the tenants who had put their trust in them.  Lady Cora then makes it clear that it is their role to maintain Downton as a source of employment and the plan Matthew put forth will ensure this.  The money Matthew invested in Downton will soon dry up if they are to carry on with their obsolete management of the estate, and this will only force them to leave their home and to leave the tenants with nothing.  Lord Grantham concedes, but not peacefully.

Mr. Bates invites Miss O’Brien to their cottage to speak to her about Mr. Barrow.  Anna is not too pleased at having Miss O’Brien be the first visitor at their house.  Mr. Bates having been in a state of helplessness before finds the desire to help Mr. Barrow whom he sees is in a similar situation as he once was.  Anna begins to understand his husband’s decision and supports him.  Mr. Bates questions Miss O’Brien’s sudden longing to ruin Mr. Barrow when he knew him to be a homosexual long before the incident with Jimmy.  He inveigles Miss O’Brien to persuade Jimmy to allow Mr. Barrow have a reference so the man can move on and start a new life somewhere else.   Mr. Bates uses a secret of Miss O’Brien to force her to comply with his request.  Learning that Mr. Bates is aware of her secret and that he threatened to divulge it for her noncompliance frightened Miss O’Brien.  The lady’s maid wastes no time to persuade Jimmy to rescind his blackmail and the footman submits to her advice, since he never wanted it to go that far in the first place.

Things appear to be looking up for Mr. Barrow for Lord Grantham is having second thoughts about letting his former valet go.  Mr. Bates is not too keen about this, but Lord Grantham seems to be persuaded by his desire to win the cricket match with the help of Mr. Barrow, who is good at the game.  Mr. Bates tries to convince his master to keep Mr. Barrow only until the cricket match is over, but Lord Grantham dislikes being seen as a user of people.  Learning of Lord Grantham’s wish, Mr. Carson discusses the matter with Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Bates, and Anna.  Mrs. Hughes recommends making Mr. Barrow an under butler much to Mr. Bates’ chagrin for the man now has a title that is superior to his.  Mr. Carson, however, assures the valet that there is not much merit in Mr. Barrow’s title.  Be this as it may, Mr. Bates believes he did himself a disservice for his good deed.  Anna continues to support her husband, but becomes curious at the phrase Mr. Barrow shared with him that Mr. Bates used against Miss O’Brien.  She learns that Mr. Barrow had told him to relay the message “Her ladyship’s soap.” to Miss O’Brien.  Both are unaware of the meaning of the phrase except that it had weight for Miss O’Brien agreed to help Mr. Barrow.  Moreover, the message frightened Miss O’Brien.  Mr. Bates is not the only one displeased with Mr. Barrow staying on at Downton.  Jimmy is shocked to hear it as well despite Lord Grantham’s expression of gratitude towards him for withdrawing his plan to report Mr. Barrow to the police.  Nevertheless, Lord Grantham promotes Jimmy to first footman delighting the young man and alarming Mr. Carson.

Matthew is displeased at his father-in-law’s lack of desire to support his vision.  Tom senses the frustration in his brother-in-law and takes it upon himself to enlighten Lord Grantham.  He tells his father-in-law his understanding that every member of the family must use their talent for the good of the estate.  Tom’s contribution is his diligence and knowledge of the land, while Matthew’s is the law and the nature of business.  Tom sees Lord Grantham as the one who has the best understanding of the responsibilities they owe to the people of Downton Abbey.  He believes that with all their talents, Downton has a genuine chance of surviving or even flourishing.  Tom is successful in enlightening his father-in-law to the things he is too upset to notice.  Lord Grantham agrees to provide his support if Tom agrees to join the house team at the upcoming cricket match.  Seeing how important winning the cricket match is to Lord Grantham, Tom agrees.  Matthew grateful for Tom’s success in gaining their father-in-law’s support offers to teach his brother-in-law the game of cricket.

Lady Edith feeling that her editor, Michael Gregson of The Sketch, has been showing interest in her becomes curious about him so much so that she phones The Daily Telegraph in order to gather some professional and personal information about him.  She schedules a meeting with him the moment she learns the truth about his editor.  Lady Edith confronts the editor about the impression she got from him.  Mr. Gregson confirms that he has been wooing her.  Moreover, he does not deny that he is a married man.  Lady Edith finds the idea of a married man courting another woman repugnant that she tenders her resignation.  Mr. Gregson, however, persuades her against it with an explanation that his wife is in an asylum.  He desires to divorce her, but the law prevents him from doing so for it finds a lunatic not responsible for the failure of a marriage.  Mr. Gregson conveys the delight he gets at reading Lady Edith’s column and at meeting with her.  He asks her to reconsider her resignation.

The much anticipated cricket match begins and the house team is performing quite well.  Mr. Barrow proved to be an excellent player, while Mr. Molesley proved to be inadequate at cricket despite his claims of talent.  All are shocked at Mr. Molesley’s poor performance after hearing him talk incessantly about cricket, all except his father who knew all along that his son could not play the game.  Fortunately, the other house team members especially Mr. Barrow had already accumulated enough points to ensure triumph.  The women delights in watching the men play, but Lady Violet has her own game.  Lady Violet uses her Machiavellian ways to coax Lady Rosamund into divulging Lady Rose’s secret.  The furious adolescent confronts Lady Edith and Lady Rosamund after hearing of her being sent the next day to Duneagle where she will stay with her most boring aunt.  Lady Cora, on the other hand, uses kindness to get her way.  Her display of compassion, patience, and generosity proved effective to Tom as he decides to reside at the Downton mansion while Sybbie is little.  The arrival of the police at the cricket match alarms Lord Grantham.  Luckily, the police arrived during the break avoiding unnecessary anxiety from players and spectators.  Lord Grantham and Mr. Carson learn that Alfred ended up reporting Mr. Barrow.  Lord Grantham speaks with Alfred to persuade him to withdraw his claims against the recently appointed under butler.  He returns with Alfred and speaks to the police with an apology that the young footman misinterpreted a roughhousing between two of the staff.  Therefore, it seems that Lord Grantham is beginning to get his way again, and Downton is becoming peaceful once again as Matthew mends fences with his father-in-law after hearing of his support for his vision.  Moreover, Tom, who has agreed to play for the house, wins them the game after catching the ball hit by Dr. Clarkson.

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Episode 7 Season 3 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 3.7

Synopsis: Mr. Bates is released from prison and returns to Downton Abbey.  His reinstatement as valet to Lord Grantham is still up in the air since Thomas still fulfills that position.  Thomas attraction towards Jimmy continues to grow and it consumes him.  Meanwhile, Tom’s brother, Kieran arrives to attend Sybil’s christening causing a stir at Downton and signaling Tom’s imminent departure.  Matthew becomes frustrated with his father-in-law’s stubbornness about the management of Downton Abbey, but finds a supporter in Tom.

Episode Summary: Anna runs to the loving arms of her husband, Mr. Bates, as he steps out of prison a free man.  Husband and wife make their return to Downton Abbey where their fellow servants await their return.  The servants rejoice at the sight of Mr. Bates, all except for Thomas.  Lord Grantham is very delighted to see Mr. Bates back at Downton.  He speaks to him about getting him and Anna a cottage in the village.  Moreover, he is to deal with the matter of reinstating him as his valet, a position Thomas now holds.Continue reading...

Ethel’s disrepute has become well known in the village prompting Lady Violet to speak to Mrs. Crawley about it.  It appears that Lady Violet’s decision not to leave the luncheon was only to support Lady Cora in her grief and not in support of Ethel of her shame.  Although Lady Violet is concerned more about avoiding scandal, she could not help but feel sorry for Ethel after seeing her sobbing in the street.  Ethel returns to the house dejected after Mrs. Bakewell refused to serve her.  She did, however, managed to get what she needed from the shop from the woman’s husband, but not without Mr. Bakewell mistreating her.  Mrs. Crawley decides to take their business elsewhere, but Ethel dissuades her stating that she has become used to the villagers’ cruelty.

Alfred finds the courage to ask Ivy out to watch the film Way Down East, one that stars Lillian Gish, an actor Ivy likes.  Ivy finds it inappropriate to go watch the film alone with Alfred and Mrs. Hughes agrees.  Lucky for Alfred, Mrs. Hughes recommends two other maids to go with them.  Hearing of this, Ivy agrees to go watch the film even without asking for Mrs. Patmore’s permission.  Fortunately, Mrs. Patmore allows the girls to see the film even though it is not their day off.  Alfred shows his knowledge of cooking after seeing Mrs. Patmore with the Béchamel.  It, however, prompted Jimmy to insult Alfred’s manhood.  The comment was made within the earshot of Mr. Carson stirring the butler to make Jimmy second footman for tonight’s dinner.  Mr. Carson leaves and Jimmy begins to question the butler’s decision believing him to be the better footman to which Ivy agrees.  Alfred is not a bit annoyed of Ivy’s support of Jimmy at his expense.  Daisy is incredulous of Alfred’s inability to be offended by Ivy.

Matthew manages to schedule a meeting with Mr. Jarvis and Lord Grantham to discuss the management of the estate.  He suggests that they invest in new machinery, new methods, and new techniques, believing that doing so will help grow the estate.  Lord Grantham and Mr. Jarvis, regrettably, are not proponents of change.  Lord Grantham argues that Downton Abbey has survived using the same management techniques that has been used for hundreds of years.  His argument aggravates Matthew, who points out that Lady Cora’s fortune was the only reason it survived.  Matthew makes it plain that the estate must be self-supporting for it to have a chance of survival.

Lady Edith speaks to her grandmother in the hope of gaining her support for her decision to accept the offer from the newspaper editor.  Much to her surprise, Lady Violet agrees with her father.  It is a surprise to her, because it was Lady Violet, who pushed her to writing, but the old woman did not consider that Lady Edith would find purpose in journalism.  Lady Edith stands her ground and declares her decision to meet with the editor in London.  She had come to her grandmother hopeful that her support of her decision would allow Lord Grantham to agree to it as well.  Seeing that her disapproval will only cause discord, Lady Violet agrees to campaign for Lady Edith, but asks a favor in return.

Lady Mary learns from Tom Branson that he had already arranged Sybil’s christening at the Catholic Church in Ripon.  Tom had no plans of telling the members of the family other than Lady Mary and Matthew, knowing how they feel about the Catholic Church.  He, however, asks Lady Mary to be Sybil’s godmother knowing that only one of the godparents must be Catholic and his brother already satisfies that requirement.  Tom’s brother is to stay in the village until the christening, but Lady Mary generously offers him a place at the mansion.

Jimmy continues to be riled at Alfred being assigned first footman.  Thomas sees him lose his composure and warns him against it.  He recommends a more subtle way of dealing with Alfred. Miss O’Brien catches the two and gives Thomas the impression that Jimmy is fond of him.  Jimmy takes Thomas’ advice and misinforms Alfred of the proper way to serve the dish.  The result was a disaster, which involved utensils and lobster tails falling on Lady Violet’s lap.  Alfred’s failure is Jimmy’s gain.  His antics did not go amiss as Mr. Carson reprimands him for giving unsolicited advice that proved ruinous for Alfred.

It was a doomed dinner not only because of the incident with Alfred’s service, but also with the awkward conversations around the table.  Lord Grantham learns that Matthew had asked Mr. Murray over to discuss the management of the estate.  Lady Violet informs Mrs. Crawley of seeing Ethel in tears and learns the reason for it.  Mrs. Crawley states how some people can be unforgiving, while Lord Grantham makes a statement directed at her of how some can be insensitive.  He, however, is let down when Lady Cora opposes him again with her display of support for Lady Edith’s decision to meet with the newspaper editor.  Lord Grantham turns to his mother for support.  Much to his and Mrs. Crawley’s surprise, they learn that Lady Violet does not disapprove of Lady Edith’s meeting.  She, however, manages to sneak in an insult about Lady Edith’s hopeless future of becoming someone’s wife.  The dinner ends with news of Tom’s brother, Kieran, staying at the mansion for Sybil’s christening.

In bed, Matthew begins to wonder if he should go see a specialist for Lady Mary still has not conceived.  He believes it to be his fault given the war injury he sustained, the one they thought would leave him paralyzed from the waist down all his life.  Lady Mary assures him that it could not be his fault, but Matthew knows that they cannot be certain of these things.  Thomas too has doubts.  He is uncertain of Jimmy’s feelings towards him, but Miss O’Brien has planted seeds to give him an impression that he and Jimmy share the same feelings.  There is one thing Jimmy is certain of, and that is Mr. Carson favors Alfred over him for the man has allowed the footman to go see a film with the maids in spite of the embarrassing incident at dinner.  Thomas returns to his room wondering if there is any truth to Miss O’Brien’s claims.  Meanwhile, the servants who had gone to see a film in the village had just returned.  Alfred and Ivy had a good time chatting on their way home.  Aware that Ivy fancies Jimmy, Alfred tells the kitchen maid openly that Jimmy is not interested in her.  He asks the young woman if it will make a difference if she knew that Jimmy is not interested in her.  Ivy states that it will if Jimmy tells her so.  Thomas’ longing for Jimmy consumes him so much so that he enters the young footman’s room as Jimmy sleeps.  Thomas kisses Jimmy on the lips while he sleeps.  Alfred, wanting to ask Jimmy about Ivy, enters Jimmy’s room and sees the two.  Jimmy wakes in disgust at the sight of Thomas on top of him and denies consenting to what Alfred had witnessed.  The young footman kicks Thomas out of his room.  Breakfast at the servants’ hall is conspicuously awkward with Alfred, Jimmy, and Thomas’ demeanor.  Given the embarrassing incident the previous night, Jimmy flirts with Ivy in front of everyone as a means to compensate for the assault of his manhood.  Despite his attempts to forget the events of the previous night, Jimmy continues to be haunted by it and so are Alfred and Thomas.

Lady Edith meets with the editor of the newspaper hopeful that the young woman would accept the job he is offering her.  The young woman has not made her decision, but paid a visit to meet in person the editor and see how life is at the newspaper.  Although the man desires for Lady Edith to accept the job, he was careful not to press her too much to annoy her.  He then asks her to lunch at Rules the next day regardless of what her decision will be.

Matthew discusses his plans with the estate with Lady Mary and Tom.  His brother-in-law agrees with his plan believing that his strategy will ensure proper compensation to the tenants for years to come.  His agreement was within audible range of Lord Grantham, who criticizes him for it, knowing that Tom is a socialist.  Now that his marriage troubles have been resolved, Lord Grantham resumes sharing the bed with his wife.  He, nevertheless, could not fall asleep.  He confides to his wife of his annoyance with Matthew for summoning Mr. Murray without his permission.  Lady Cora does not understand his displeasure given that Lord Grantham had been insisting that Downton now has two masters, him and Matthew.  He learns that although his wife has released him of any blame for Lady Sybil’s death, Lady Cora still will not side with him concerning the christening, Matthew’s actions, and Lady Edith’s ambition.

Away from the limiting grasp of her father, Lady Edith has lunch with the editor.  The man becomes forthright with his declaration that he is delighted to know that the young woman is unmarried, but becomes apologetic after learning that Lady Edith was jilted at the altar.  The man is pleased to hear that Lady Edith has decided to accept the job.  Meanwhile, Matthew, Lord Grantham, and Mr. Jarvis meet with Mr. Murray at Downton Abbey.  Lord Grantham is displeased to hear that Mr. Murray supports Matthew’s plan to make the estate self-sufficient.  The lawyer even goes as much as to criticize the prevailing model used to manage the estate.  Matthew adds to the critique remarking bluntly of the wasteful management of Downton.  Mr. Jarvis, the current property manager, could no longer stand the appraisal that he feels is a direct attack on him.  He tenders his resignation with aversion towards Matthew.

Tom’s brother has arrived and is causing a stir among the servants not only for his choice to be around them instead of the masters of the house, but also for his humor.  Tom arrives with Lady Mary to receive Kieran, who refuses to come upstairs to meet his brother’s family.  Kieran accuses Tom for seeming to act too grand for the servants.  Tom assures him that even the servants do not see him in such way.  He orders his brother to come with them for he will not allow him to snub the generosity of his mother-in-law who kindly opened her house to him.  Lady Edith arrives in time for dinner with Kieran.  The rest of the family meets Tom’s brother who they learn works as a car repair man.  Tom extends the invitation to everyone including Lord Grantham, who continues to make fun of the Catholic rituals.  Lord Grantham had no desire to be at the christening until Tom had expressed how Lady Sybil would have wanted him to be present at her child’s baptism.  It seems that everything is going against Lord Grantham’s wishes, and Lady Edith’s announcement of having accepted the job with the newspaper only added to his displeasure.

After dinner, Mrs. Crawley learns that Lady Violet had sent Lady Edith to put an ad on The Lady for her housekeeper.  Lady Edith defends her grandmother’s underhanded decision citing that Lady Violet felt that Ethel would have a better life outside of Downton.  In order to help her cause, Lady Violet summons Mrs. Hughes to ask her opinion about the matter.  To the surprise of Mrs. Crawley, Mrs. Hughes agrees with Lady Violet.  The governess believes that with Ethel’s history known to everyone in the village, the fallen young woman can no longer be happy at Downton.  Lady Edith tries to appease Mrs. Crawley’s worry of Ethel returning to prostitution with her reassurance that the young woman will be able to find a good job with her improved cooking skills and Mrs. Crawley’s reference.  Although Mrs. Crawley resents the manner by which Lady Violet went about her plan, she agrees to speak to Ethel about it after hearing Mrs. Hughes belief that Ethel cannot be happy at a place where she is maltreated for her shame.  She believes that Ethel can only find happiness when she can start anew.

Alfred, haunted by what he saw last night, confides to his aunt.  Miss O’Brien urges her nephew to report what he saw to Mr. Carson for his own good.  Unlike Alfred, she does not believe that Jimmy did not consent to Thomas’ actions.  Miss O’Brien instills fear in Alfred; fear that he will be punished for knowing, but not saying anything.  Alfred decides to accept his aunt’s advice.  He informs Mr. Carson of what he had witnessed.  He, however, stands with his belief that Jimmy did not consent to any of it.  In fact, Alfred informs Mr. Carson that Jimmy was asleep and became incensed the moment he realized what Thomas has done to him.  He even goes on to share his aunt’s view, which he assures Mr. Carson he disagrees with.  Mr. Carson asks Alfred not to speak a word to anyone of their conversation.  Mr. Carson confronts Thomas about the incident and reminds the valet that the act that would have followed had Alfred not walked in is a criminal offense.  Thomas does not deny his actions only that he was mistaken that Jimmy is attracted to him.  Like Alfred, Thomas assures Mr. Carson that Jimmy is innocent of the misconduct.  Thomas had not considered that Jimmy could report him to the police, but Mr. Carson does not believe that the footman would do so.  Thomas reassures Mr. Carson that nothing had happened between him and Jimmy, and the butler is relieved to hear it.

Lady Violet hears of Mr. Jarvis’ resignation, but unlike Lord Grantham, she does not see his departure that much of a loss.  Moreover, she finds a solution to their problems.  Lady Violet nominates Tom as Mr. Jarvis’ replacement, having heard of his knowledge and experience in farming, one he learned from his grandfather.  Moreover, she could not bear the thought of her granddaughter living on top of Kieran’s garage.  Naming Tom as the new agent will keep both father and daughter in Downton.  Lady Cora finds it a marvelous solution to their problems, and believes that Matthew will agree.  Lord Grantham initially refuses to this suggestion, but changes his mind upon hearing the prospect of his granddaughter growing up in a garage in the company of his brute uncle, Kieran.  Lord Grantham offers Tom the job with Matthew’s blessing.  In fact, Matthew’s only regret is that the idea was not his.  The day of the christening arrived, and all of the Crawleys are in attendance.  They pose for a photograph that would have made Lady Sybil so proud and so happy.

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Episode 6 Season 3 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 3.6

Synopsis: All of Downton mourn the death of Lady Sybil.  Lady Cora holds Lord Grantham responsible for the death of their youngest daughter.  To show her sympathy, Mrs. Crawley invites the Crawley women to a luncheon at her house prompting Ethel to seek the help of Mrs. Patmore.  Mr. Bates hears that Mrs. Bartlett reversed her original statement after learning that her testimony can overturn the case against him.  He puts together a plan to get the woman to tell the truth.

Episode Summary: Tom Branson along with the Crawleys mourns the death of Lady Sybil.  The passing of the kindhearted Lady Sybil did not go amiss with the servants including the seemingly coldhearted Thomas Barrow whose grief is evident in his demeanor.  As one would expect from a mother who had lost a child, anguish fills Lady Cora, but more than that resentment also consumes her.  She holds Lord Grantham responsible for the death of Lady Sybil so much so that she could not bear sharing a bed with her husband.  She resents him for listening to Tapsell, a man of status, instead of Dr. Clarkson, who knew Lady Sybil’s medical history.  Lord Grantham favored something as shallow as prominence over reason and it cost him the life of his youngest daughter.  Loathing towards Lord Grantham eclipsed Lady Cora’s heart enough to tell her husband unequivocally that he was the one who blocked Lady Sybil’s chance of surviving death.Continue reading...

Tom plans to leave Downton Abbey with his daughter as soon as he finds a job.  Lord Grantham does not contest his decision, but becomes riled at hearing that Tom would want his child brought up a Catholic.  Moreover, he is to name her, Sybil, after her mother.  It is a very painful choice of name, but Tom argues that he would want to remember his beloved wife every time he sees his daughter.  Not wanting to cause Tom more grief, Lord Grantham manages to contain his anger at the thought of his granddaughter becoming a Catholic.  He confides his trepidation to Lady Mary, but his daughter does not come in his defense.  Moreover, she points out that Lady Sybil’s daughter is a Branson and she argues against her father’s statement that his granddaughter’s chance of becoming anything solely rests on her Crawley blood.  Lord Grantham appears to have come to Lady Mary only to vent and not to listen that he continues with his tirade and ends it with his disapproval of having his granddaughter named Sybil.  He, however, did not find a supporter in Lady Mary in any of his arguments.  He then turns to his mother, Lady Violet.  Instead of ranting, Lord Grantham confides his marriage woes to his mother who advises that a little distance between him and Lady Cora might do them good.

Ever-so-thoughtful Mrs. Crawley plans a get together with the Crawley women as a way to help them endure grief.  However, the Crawleys might have better chances of surviving the loss of Lady Sybil than Ethel’s cooking.  Fortunately, Ethel is very much aware of her cooking skills or lack thereof, which is why she turns to Mrs. Patmore for help.  Mrs. Patmore is knowledgeable of Ethel’s fall to prostitution and is reluctant to help the young woman especially since Mr. Carson instructed the servants not to consort with Ethel.  Ethel pleads Mrs. Patmore to set aside her feelings towards her and asks her not to punish Mrs. Crawley for her shame.  Mrs. Crawley, unaware that Ethel had sought the help of Mrs. Patmore to teach her to cook, advises Ethel against cooking and instructs her to buy food instead.  Nevertheless, Ethel would like to make a delightful spread for the luncheon as a way to show her and Mrs. Crawley’s sympathies for the Crawleys’ loss.  Mrs. Patmore brings to her recipes for salmon mousse and lamb chops portmanteau.  More than that, she gives Ethel confidence in her acerbic yet effective way.

Lord Grantham is not as forthright as Mrs. Patmore is that he instead invites Mr. Travis to dinner in a devious attempt to prevent Tom from baptizing his granddaughter as a Catholic.  Mr. Travis criticizes the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and its faithful.  Lady Edith unable to bear Mr. Travis’ arguments contest the reverend’s criticism of Catholics; soon after Lady Mary, Matthew, and Mrs. Crawley join her in defense of the only Catholic in the room, Tom.  Lord Grantham, seeing that most of his family has begun to gang up on Mr. Travis, points out their hounding only to be served with a dose of his own medicine with Lady Mary unveiling her father’s intention of forcing Tom to submit to his will.  Lord Grantham confesses of not wanting his granddaughter to become a Catholic and uses Lady Sybil in an attempt to get his family onboard with his wishes.  The best defense comes from Lady Mary with her declaration of Lady Sybil’s approval of her daughter becoming a Catholic.  The matter is settled for no one can argue against a dying woman’s wish.  Moreover, it provided comfort to Tom, who has no desires of going against his wife’s wishes.

Daisy pays a visit to Mr. Mason’s farm and learns that the old man would want her to run his farm when the time comes.  Mr. Mason has confidence that Daisy would do well managing his farm.  Her decision to accept his offer, however, would require her to leave her life of service that she may live with Mr. Mason as he teaches her the trade.  Daisy, never imagining an occupation other than the one she has now, becomes apprehensive of Mr. Mason’s offer.  Mr. Mason, however, argues that houses like Downton might not be able to cope with the changing times.  He is giving Daisy a chance at a future.  Daisy confides in Mrs. Patmore that Mr. Mason had asked her to live with him at the farm that he may train her sufficiently for he plans to make her the sole heir of his tenancy and property.  Although Mrs. Patmore is delighted for Daisy, she could not help but feel saddened at the thought of losing her assistant cook.  Meanwhile, Ivy flirts with Jimmy who appears disinterested with her.  She fails to see that it is Alfred, who fancies her.  Thomas becomes hopeful having witnessed Jimmy’s lack of interest in Ivy and having received the young man’s compassion at his time of grief.

Seeing the grief of Lady Cora and her resentment towards Lord Grantham, Lady Violet takes it upon herself to arrive at a solution.  She speaks with Dr. Clarkson about the death of Lady Sybil and her concerns of Lady Cora’s belief that Dr. Clarkson could have saved Lady Sybil if Lord Grantham allowed him to perform a Caesarean section.  Although Dr. Clarkson believes that Lady Sybil would have survived if she had the operation, he admits that he cannot be certain that it would have saved her life.  Lady Violet asks the doctor to inform Lord Grantham and Lady Cora of his uncertainty so that husband and wife may reconcile and face their loss together.

Matthew confides in Tom the concerns he has regarding the mismanagement of Downton.  He is surprised to learn that Tom is knowledgeable of running an estate being a grandson of a tenant farmer.  He finds it unfortunate that Tom dislikes Downton, but his brother-in-law surprises him again with an honest declaration that he does not dislike Downton.  His seeming aversion to it is only a result of his feeling out of place.  Matthew, however, is saddened to hear that Tom plans to leave for Liverpool with his daughter, because Tom has no desires of being separated from his child.  Sybil is all he has left of his wife.  Regrettably, Lord Grantham is one of the people who make Tom feel like an outsider.  He makes it clear that Tom has no say in the management of Downton and makes him the excuse to evade having to discuss the estate with Matthew.  Matthew has run out of patience that he lays out the many issues he uncovered surrounding the estate due to bad management.  He makes it plain that they run the risk of losing it again if they do not act on it.  Lord Grantham takes offense and becomes even more adamant at not wanting to discuss the affairs of the estate.

Mr. Durrant and Craig resume taunting Mr. Bates with intimations of his appeal going awry.  True enough, Mr. Murray speaks with Mrs. Bartlett only to hear a story very different from her original statement.  Mr. Murray and Anna inform Mr. Bates of the unfortunate news.  Mr. Bates is not surprised to hear it knowing that Mrs. Bartlett would want to keep him in jail.  He knew that the woman would reverse her testimony the moment she realizes that it will lead to his freedom.  Mr. Murray believes Mrs. Bartlett’s original statement that he heard from Anna, and he suspects that someone tipped Mrs. Bartlett of the consequences of her testimony before she spoke with the lawyer.  Mr. Bates knows very well who had warned her.  Mr. Murray supposes that Mrs. Bartlett would most likely be aware of the consequences of being dishonest with a lawyer.  He suggests playing on her fear in order to force her to tell the truth.  Mr. Bates reckons that the person who had tipped her off most likely threatened Mrs. Bartlett into risking lying to a lawyer.  Mr. Bates is certain that Craig and Mr. Durrant were the ones who forced Mrs. Bartlett to lie.  He pulls Craig into a corner and puts fear in him in order to force him to tell Mr. Durrant that he must inform Mrs. Bartlett that the police are on to her for being dishonest to a lawyer.  Mr. Durrant must convince Mrs. Bartlett to tell the truth otherwise Mr. Bates will inform the Governor of Craig and Mr. Durrant’s drug trade, the consequences of which will not be pleasant for Craig and Mr. Durrant.

Mrs. Crawley becomes worried after smelling cooking in the kitchen and not finding any ham or salad to serve.  Ethel assures Mrs. Crawley that she will not be disappointed for she had help.  In fact, Ethel’s helper had just been caught after Mr. Carson saw her leaving the Crawley house.  Having become aware of the reason for reprimanding Mrs. Patmore, Mrs. Hughes supports Mrs. Patmore in her decision to help Ethel despite Mr. Carson’s strict order disallowing them to consort with the fallen woman.  Mrs. Patmore declares with pride that the Crawleys will be at the luncheon at the Crawley house believing that Mr. Carson will change his tune after hearing it, but she was mistaken.  This information only added to Mr. Carson’s disgust that a woman of the streets is serving the Crawleys.

At the Crawley house, Mrs. Crawley is stunned at the delicious luncheon Ethel prepared.  Being witness to Ethel’s new skill, Lady Edith begins to wonder if cooking is one she would want to learn given that she has not found an activity that will keep her busy.  Mrs. Crawley asks her about the offer the editor of the newspaper presented her and learns that Lady Edith has neither accepted nor rejected it.  Mrs. Crawley does note that Lord Grantham is against Lady Edith working for a newspaper, which prompts Lady Cora to express her opposition towards her husband’s desires.  Lady Cora believes that her husband makes decisions based on obsolete values.  Lady Edith, however, gains a supporter of Lady Mary and Matthew who both think that she should pursue writing.  Soon, Lord Grantham barges in the Crawley House after hearing from Mr. Carson that the women are having luncheon prepared by a degraded woman.  He demands that the women leave at once to avoid scandal, but his actions did nothing but substantiate Lady Cora’s claim of his misplaced values.  Although the women are shocked to hear of Ethel’s shameful past, they, nevertheless, show their support of her by the mere act of staying.  Lady Cora, on the other hand, takes it a step further with her praise of Mrs. Patmore after learning that the cook had helped Ethel prepare their meals.  She notes of Mrs. Patmore’s good heart and for being uncritical of others.  News of Lord Grantham’s failed mission to rescue his family from a supposed scandal reaches Mr. Carson, who shares it with Mrs. Hughes.  The incident gave everyone including Mrs. Hughes license to associate with Ethel again for in what authority can Mr. Carson forbid the servants to consort with Ethel if the women of the house including the Dowager have no qualms about it.

The servants hear of the incident at the Crawley House.  Mr. Molesley is in disbelief that the women had allowed themselves to be attended by Ethel in spite of their knowledge of her indiscretion.  Meanwhile, Jimmy proves himself a man of many talents as he plays ragtime on the piano causing Thomas to praise him with affection.  Jimmy becomes uncomfortable of Thomas’ inappropriate touches and confides his annoyance to Miss O’Brien.  More than that, Jimmy informs Miss O’Brien of his plan to inform Mr. Carson about it or even the police just to keep Thomas from touching him affectionately.  Inspired by the previous night’s music, Alfred wishes to learn to dance the Foxtrot, a dance Ivy knows.  Alfred learns that Daisy knows how to foxtrot and he asks her to teach him.  She, however, learns from Jimmy that Alfred only wants to learn it to please Ivy.  Jimmy sees how clumsy Alfred dancing.  He takes Daisy in his arms and shows Alfred how the Foxtrot is done.  Unlucky for Jimmy, Mr. Carson walks in just as he and Daisy are dancing, and scolds him for dancing at a time of mourning.

Anna hurries to see Lady Mary and Lady Edith to inform them a most fortunate news about Mr. Bates.  She tells them that Mr. Murray had somehow managed to compel Mrs. Bartlett to tell the truth.  Given Mrs. Bartlett’s testimony, Mr. Bates’ release is now a certainty.  The women ask Anna to share the delightful news to their father for Lord Grantham’s spirits are low.  It seems that the world is working against Lord Grantham and his attempts to revolve with it remain futile.  His efforts to woo his wife proved unsuccessful as well for Lady Cora’s anger towards him has not subsided.  True enough, the marvelous news of Mr. Bates’ homecoming gladdens Lord Grantham.

Lord Grantham and Lady Cora accommodates Lady Violet’s request to meet with her.  They are surprised to find Dr. Clarkson at the Dowager’s house.  Lord Grantham begins to apologize to Dr. Clarkson for his behavior on that fateful night, but the doctor interrupts him.  Dr. Clarkson informs husband and wife that he had given them false hope with his recommendation to operate a Caesarean, giving them the impression that Lady Sybil would have survived if Lord Grantham had allowed him to perform the surgery.  He tells them that Lady Sybil had suffered from eclampsia, which is fatal with or without the operation.  Dr. Clarkson proved himself a bigger man swallowing his pride in order to save Lord Grantham and Lady Cora’s marriage.  Although he will not go as far as to concede that Sir Philip Tapsell was right, he goes against what he believes and tells Lord Grantham and Lady Cora that Lady Sybil’s death was certain and they could not have done anything to prevent it.  His statement released the burden of blame on Lord Grantham allowing husband and wife to grieve the loss of their daughter together.

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Episode 4 Season 3 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 3.4

Synopsis: A soaking wet Tom Branson arrives unexpectedly at Downton Abbey without Lady Sybil by his side.  Mrs. Crawley and Mrs. Hughes learn at last what Ethel Parks wants from them.  Anna becomes concerned after Mr. Bates stopped receiving visitors and ceased sending her letters.

Episode Summary: The servants receive their mail except for Anna, who begins to wonder why Mr. Bates has stopped writing to her; little did she know that her husband is wondering the same thing.  Anna has not heard a word from her husband ever since the prison prohibited him from seeing visitors.  She becomes concerned that Mr. Bates has decided to push her away that she may live her life without him.  Mrs. Hughes notices Anna’s despondent behavior and learns of Anna’s worries.  She reassures Anna that there must be good reason for Mr. Bates’ silence, and that she knows that he would not purposefully put her through misery.Continue reading...

Mrs. Crawley explains to Mrs. Hughes of her seeking out Ethel Parks.  Her visit proved successful in a way, since Ethel had given her a letter to hand to Mrs. Hughes.  Mrs. Crawley informs Mrs. Hughes that Ethel has turned to prostitution, an occupation the young woman did not dream of having, but had fallen into given her circumstances.  She asks Mrs. Hughes to find out from the letter the young woman wrote how she could be of any help.  In the letter, Ethel asks Mrs. Hughes to meet with her, but not in the mansion.  She, however, agrees to meet with her and Mrs. Crawley at the Crawley house.  Ethel has come to ask Mrs. Hughes to write to the Bryants to plead them to take her son, Charlie.  She has come to a realization that her refusal to let the Bryants take her son believing that a mother’s love was worth more than all they had to give was a mistake.  She had only thought of the pain of losing Charlie at that time, but had not considered the life her son could have had.  Mrs. Crawley tries to convince Ethel that they can work together to give Charlie a better life, and asks Mrs. Hughes to only inform the Bryants that Ethel had decided to allow them to keep in contact with their grandson.  Ethel, however, has already made up her mind; she would like the Bryants to take Charlie.  Nevertheless, Mrs. Hughes follows Mrs. Crawley’s instructions until they receive a response from the Bryants.  Mrs. Bird learns of Ethel becoming a prostitute and mistreats her in front of Mrs. Crawley.  Mrs. Crawley points out Mrs. Bird’s lack of manners, but the woman showed remorse and justifies her actions as just fitting for women such as Ethel.

Lady Mary asks her husband to become more involved in the management of Downton given that Matthew is now a co-owner of the estate.  Although reluctant to the task, Matthew has no reservations about voicing his concerns when Mr. Carson informs him and Lord Grantham of hiring more servants.  Nonetheless, he consents to the request after Lord Grantham allows Mr. Carson to begin hiring.

Being the only unmarried daughter of Lord Grantham, Lady Edith is expected to have breakfast at the dining hall instead of in bed.  Although this rule can be waived, Lady Edith does not mind abiding it.  She learns from her father that all American women will soon have the right to vote, a privilege British women including her do not have.  Lady Edith voices out her opinion about the matter prompting Matthew to suggest that she write to the newspaper about it.  Her father, however, belongs to the class that find women’s role is to manage the household so much so that he sends Lady Edith to help Lady Cora with the dinner for the Archbishop of York.  She then goes to deliver perfume to her grandmother who urges her to find something to do.  Lady Mary, on the other hand, is busy turning the day nursery into a sitting room.  Matthew, having heard from Lady Cora that his wife has seen the doctor, expected to hear news that Lady Mary is with child.  He finds it disappointing when his wife makes no mention of it.

Mr. Bates learns from his friend that the prison guard, Mr. Durrant, is a drug dealer working for Craig, which is why he was set up when he attacked his cellmate.  However, thanks to the vital information he received from his friend, Mr. Bates managed to find the illegal drugs planted in his mattress before the guards arrived.  For this reason, Mr. Bates is being punished.  Mr. Durrant has reported Mr. Bates to the Governor for violence, which explains why he has not received any letters or visitors.  Hearing of this, Mr. Bates becomes relieved for he was worried that Anna had forsaken him.  Mr. Bates and his friend put together a plan to get back at Craig and Mr. Durrant.  Prison guards headed by Mr. Turner arrive at his cell for an inspection.  A surprised Mr. Durrant follows and becomes even more surprised when they find the illegal drugs he planted in Mr. Bates’ mattress in Craig’s instead.

Lady Sybil phones Lady Edith with a message that she is out of the flat and that nobody had stopped her.  Lady Edith finds the message both peculiar and menacing that she relays it to Lady Mary and Lady Cora.  Their anxiety surrounding Lady Sybil must be set aside for they have the Archbishop of York as a dinner guest.  A feverish knock at the door interrupts dinner; behind the door stands a soaking wet, Tom Branson.  Lady Mary is surprised to see her brother-in-law, and even more surprised that Lady Sybil is not with him.  Tom explains that he had to get away and leave his pregnant wife to follow.  Moreover, he asks Lady Mary and Matthew, who had come to see who is at the door, not to tell anyone of his presence.  He, however, promises Lady Mary to explain the exigency of his coming to Downton when their guest is gone.

Lady Mary returns to the dining hall and makes up a story of who was at the door, but nonetheless informs her father of who truly came knocking.  Masters and servants alike are anxious to know why Tom has come running to Downton like a fugitive.  At last, the Archbishop of York leaves Downton, and Tom meets with the Crawleys to impart his story.  He informs them that the Irish rebels burned down the Drumgoole Castle and that he is thought of as one of the instigators of the arson.  Afraid of being taken away without a fair trial, Tom flees Ireland leaving Lady Sybil on her own, an act that disgusts the Crawleys.  Tom justifies his decision with the belief that the authorities will not harm Lady Sybil.  His confession to having been at the scene of the crime as it happened does not help alleviate their antipathy.  His remorse at the sight of the Drumgoole’s in tears as they watch their house burn, however, did help.  Tom desires a free state for Ireland, but dislikes the wrong done to the Drumgooles.  He, however, gets the wrath of Lord Grantham after confessing to abandoning his pregnant wife in a land that is not her own where her husband is believed to be a fugitive.  Moreover, he did so to save his own life.  Lord Grantham despises Tom for his actions and his beliefs, but he agrees to help him evade imprisonment for Lady Sybil’s sake.

Jimmy Kent arrives at Downton and catches everyone’s eye.  He has come to see Mr. Carson about the footman ad.  Mr. Carson learns that the young man had worked for Dowager Lady Anstruther, but had to look for other work since the Dowager had left England for France.  Although he finds Jimmy’s experience notable, he does find the young man’s arrogance concerning, this after Jimmy informs Mr. Carson that he turned the Dowager’s pleas to go with her to France.  Lady Mary asks about the interviews and she learns that two candidates have risen to the top.  Mr. Carson imparts his concern surrounding Jimmy, and shares how the female servants want Jimmy to get the job because they find him handsome.  Lady Mary asks Mr. Carson to hire the handsome one so the maids would at least have something to be happy about, since Alfred is not much of a looker.  Mr. Carson comes in defense of Alfred, informing Lady Mary and Matthew that the young man shows initiative to do become better at his job.  He knows this given that Alfred has swallowed his pride and has sought Mr. Carson’s help to learn the things a footman should know.

The Bryants more than answered Mrs. Hughes’ letter in behalf of Ethel; they have come to Downton to meet with Ethel and their grandson.  Mr. Bryant remains a brute and he informs Ethel that he knows of her turning to prostitution for he had kept a check on his grandson.  Despite his hostile behavior, Mr. Bryant displays genuine love towards his grandson.  Mrs. Bryant is unlike her husband and tries to convince Ethel that she has not come to judge her, but to offer her money that she can turn away from prostitution.  Mrs. Crawley tries to talk Ethel out of giving away her child to the Bryants, but Ethel wants the best for Charlie and she knows that the Bryants can give him that.  Much to the Bryants’ surprise, Ethel turns down their money and instead asks them to take Charlie.  Ethel says a final goodbye to the son she believes she will never see again.  Mrs. Hughes tries to appease Ethel’s heartache by telling her that she did what is best for Charlie, and Mrs. Crawley though she disagrees does not oppose her.  Ethel leaves Downton without her son.

Lady Sybil arrives at last in Downton Abbey to the tearful and remorseful relief of her husband, Tom.  She tells her mother and sisters that the authorities did not stop her from leaving Dublin, but she believes that they will come after them unless Lord Grantham persuades them not to do so.  Lady Cora is still in disbelief that Tom had left Lady Sybil to fend for herself, but Lady Sybil assures her mother that it was a decision they both made.  Lady Mary, nonetheless, could not fathom how Tom could have consented to the injustice done towards the Drumgooles when they are not too different from the Crawleys.  Lady Sybil, once again, comes in defense of her husband.  Lady Cora tells Lady Sybil that she is to stay in Downton until the baby is born in spite of Tom’s desire for the baby to be born in Dublin.  Given the events in Dublin, there is no way the baby will be born there, and more importantly, Lord Grantham has sent a telegram to inform them that he has spoken with Mr. Shortt.  Lord Grantham sends word that Tom and Lady Sybil must stay in Downton.

Thomas returns to Downton after accompanying Lord Grantham in London.  He is delighted to learn that Jimmy got the job as footman.  Meanwhile, Lord Grantham apprises the family of the conditions of Tom’s pardon.  Tom may no longer return to Ireland for his return will lead to his imprisonment.  The family including Lady Sybil finds it a harsh punishment for a crime he did not commit.  Lord Grantham, however, informs the family that Tom attended the Dublin meetings that planned the Anglo-Irish attacks.  Tom vows to be against personal violence, but admits not being against the destruction of property.  Lord Grantham managed to strike a deal with the Home Secretary, because they did not want to make a martyr of Tom or risk having Lady Sybil turning into an Irish rebel much like Countess Markievicz.  Tom could not bear the thought of not being in Ireland at the moment it comes of age, but he is grateful to Lord Grantham for his freedom.  Lord Grantham doubts that Tom is truly grateful, but he does not mind for he only saved him for Sybil’s sake.  In bed, Lady Sybil questions Tom for his involvement in the Anglo-Irish meetings and becomes concerned of their peace and safety.  Her concerns might just convince Tom to stay at Downton despite his urge to return to Ireland.

Lady Edith announces at dinner that she has written to a newspaper much to Lady Grantham’s dismay believing her act as unladylike.  She defends her action using the war journalist, Lady Sarah Wilson, as an example.  To Lady Grantham’s surprise, Lady Cora agrees with her.  Nevertheless, Lady Edith already sent her view to the newspaper.  Lord Grantham is not worried believing that the newspaper will not publish her article.  They turn their attention to the new footman who the ladies acknowledge is quite handsome.  Lady Edith, supporter of the underdog, states that they must not let him overshadow Alfred to which Mr. Carson agrees citing that diligence and hard work weigh more than beauty in the real world.  Lady Grantham, however, does not agree with this notion.  It is clear that Mr. Carson is not a fan of Jimmy and likewise after the butler has everyone calling the footman James instead.  After dinner, Lord Grantham brings up the matter of the estate books and Matthew takes the opportunity to convey his concerns on the management of Downton Abbey.  Learning that Matthew has issues with the management of the estate, Lord Grantham no longer wants to talk about the issue.  Sensing that Lord Grantham will continue to avoid the issue, Matthew turns to Lady Grantham for help.  He apprises her of the mismanagement of Downton and his dilemma of fixing the problem without upsetting those involved.  Lady Grantham agrees that Matthew must do what needs done in spite of its unfavorable consequences.

The following morning, Lord Grantham is shocked to find Lady Edith’s article about women’s rights published on the newspaper.  Unlike Lord Grantham, Matthew is proud of his sister-in-law’s achievement and is not afraid to tell his father-in-law that he must too.  Lady Edith sent a letter to the newspaper condemning the limitations of the women’s suffrage bill and denouncing the government’s aims to return women to their pre-war existence.

Daisy gets her wish, but at the most inopportune time for she was about to express her true feelings for Alfred.  Mrs. Patmore interrupts the assistant cook and the footman’s conversation to introduce the new kitchen maid, Miss Ivy Stuart.  She finds that it is too late to inform Alfred of her feelings towards him for the footman has openly expressed her admiration of Miss Stuart’s beauty.  Regrettably, for Miss Stuart, Daisy’s jealousy does not bode well for her.

Mr. Bates’ plan worked.  Mr. Turner gives him a stack of mail Anna has been sending him when he was out of favor.  Moreover, the prison guard warns Mr. Bates about Mr. Durrant knowing that it was he who campaigned for his punishment.  Anna’s happiness appears to be symbiotic with Mr. Bates’ situation for she too has received a stack of mail from him.  Miles away from each other, Mr. Bates and Anna read their letters as if they are in the same room.

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