Downton is being prepared as a convalescent home for wounded officers and Isobel Crawley is driving Cora mad. O’Brien is eager to ensure that Cora is recognised as the boss of Downton and suggests she needs an ally in the hospital– Thomas. A move that doesn’t go down well below stairs especially with Carson.
The first convalescent group arrive, as does Matthew, who is home on leave. Matthew suggests he bring his General, Sir Herbert Strutt to inspect the new convalescent home.
Elsewhere, new housemaid Ethel flirts with a young officer, Major Bryant, incurring the wrath of Mrs Hughes in the process. Violet is certain that Mary is still in love with Matthew and is determined to undo Matthew’s engagement. Together with Rosamund she discovers that Lavinia is hiding a secret from Matthew and is somehow acquainted with Sir Richard Carlisle which she is determined to get to the bottom of.
In the village Anna believes she sees Bates. With Lady Mary’s help she discovers Bates is working in a pub and
Thomas Barrow from episode 2.03
surprises him. Ever-proud Bates refuses Anna’s pleas to return to Downton but reveals that he is close to being free from Vera forever.
Below stairs William visits Daisy the night before he heads off to active duty. He has a question to ask but how will Daisy respond? A random remark causes Mrs Patmore untold heartache and Branson is wrong-footed upon discovering he is discharged from active service thwarting his plans to be a conscientious objector.
However, he doesn’t give up that easily and plots to disrupt the dinner that Lord Grantham is giving in honour of General Strutt. But will his plans succeed?