I do, I really hope he and Edith are endgame.
Patricia Hodge is listed for the Christmas episode too. I wondered if she might be playing Bertie's mother... she does 'formidable' well!
Certainly there have been people speculating that she will play Bertie's mom. The impression he gave of her was that she is not overly fond of the nobility, and that he needed Edith to help him fulfill his new role as Marquess of Hexham because his mom would not. I wonder what she would make of Edith. Perhaps if she hates Edith, that might help Bertie realize he still loves her and defend her.
I think Bertie's mother was another factor that spooked Edith. I don't think she'd thought about the fact that he would have to account for Marigold to his family, especially if his mother does seem to proper and quite a handful.
I hope it is Patricia Hodge, and I hope there's some scope for her to join the Violet and Isobel table, give that some fresh controversy!
Well there were reports that Alwnick Castle was being used again as a film set, and that some prop was left behind in a church that was a film set which apparently indicated Edith does marry someone named Herbert (which of course Bertie could be short for). Here's hoping that all proves true.
More like she's a keen social climber: http://www.salemstandard.com/what-to-expect-from-the-dowton-abbey-christmas-special/6552/
So perhaps she's eager for her son to make a good match and to improve her own status through him, and would disapprove of Edith if she finds out that she had a love child.