Episode 3.01

Episode 3.01
Series 3, Episode 1
Air date	16th September 2012
Written by	Julian Fellowes
Directed by	Brian Percival
Episode guide
Previous	2011 Christmas Special
Next	Episode 3.02

"At war, at peace, Downton still stands and the Crawleys are still in it!"

—Martha when she steps out of the car after arriving at Downton Abbey

Martha: "Oh dear, I'm afraid the war has made old women of us both."

Violet: "Oh, I wouldn't say that - but then, I always keep out of the sun. Well, how do you find Downton on your return?"

Martha: "Much the same really. Probably too much the same, but then I don't want to cast a pall over all the happiness."

— Violet and Martha reuniting at the beginning of Series 3.

Set in Spring (March, April or May) 1920. Cora’s mother sweeps into Downton for Matthew and Mary’s wedding, causing friction with the Dowager Countess with her "revolutionary" way of seeing things. Lord Grantham is informed that his attempt to make money for Downton by pouring the bulk of Cora's fortune into a single railway company has failed, leaving the estate near bankruptcy. Salvation is possible thanks to Matthew inheriting a large amount of money from Lavinia's father, but his high values will not let him keep the money, feeling it a betrayal of Lavinia and her father.

Detailed Summary

Spring of 1920. Daisy walks her bicycle down the road in Downton village toward the church. Inside the church, Matthew and Mary are engaged in their wedding rehearsal. They are talking about how Sybil is not going to be able to attend, as she and Tom cannot afford it. Reverend Travis is trying to preside, though the archbishop, who Lord Grantham had arranged to actually preform the ceremony stands near giving orders. Mary talks about how she hadn't thought an archbishop necessary. Mary laments that Sybil cannot come, though Robert is relieved as the notoriety has not died down yet. Isobel questions that there is actual notoriety at all, but Matthew reminds her that Sybil did elope with the chauffeur.

Daisy is riding back to Downton, where in the servant's hall they talk about Mr. Bates incarceration for his ex-wife's murder. Thomas questions the legality of his having put his mother's house, his former wife's residence, in Anna's name so that it could be sold. Carson calls an end to idle gossip.

Isobel, Cora, and Violet meet in the Dowager House and discuss Sybil and Tom. The Dowager Countess and Isobel both think that they should come. Isobel thinks he should fight for his place, but Violet says that if he is unobtrusive that people will lose interest in the subject. Isobel wants to send them the money to come, Cora says that Robert has forbidden it.

Robert is on the phone arranging a meeting; he says that things cannot be as bad as he is being told. Downstairs Anna and Mrs. Hughes have just returned. Wedding preparations are going ahead, but the house is short a footman. O'Brien has gotten a letter about her nephew Alfred Nugent needing a job, but Carson says that he doesn't have time to train a hobbledy-hoy. However, O'Brien goes over his head to Lady Cora. Robert tells Cora that he has to go to town, but not to be concerned.

Anna visits Bates in prison. She found Vera's letters, while cleaning the house, and wants Bates to go through them to make a list of all friends, acquaintances, and tradesmen as Anna wants to question everyone for more information about Vera. Bates doesn't see the point, but Anna says that she won't stop until he is proved innocent. Bates tells her that he has a new cellmate that he is unsure of, and Anna warns him not to make enemies.

Carson is unhappy that Alfred is so tall and that he was a hotel waiter, after getting out of the army. O'Brien speaks up for him and also says that, since he has already been given the job, interviewing him is pointless.

Matthew and Mary take a walk and discuss living at Downton after the wedding. Matthew thinks it will be hard to get to know each other and adapt to married life with her parents around. Despite the fact that she says that it is a big house and that he wants it to be his home as well, Matthew says that he wants to live with just Mary at first.

Robert is in London at his lawyer George Murray's office in Chancellor Lane. He is told that his investment in the Canadian Grand Trunk Railway, which he made over the advice of council, has been lost. The line is bankrupt and will be nationalized. The majority of Cora's money is gone. Murray says that the estate could be broken up and sold, but Robert refuses. The estate must be a major employer and support the house or what is the point. Robert says that he will not give up and be the earl who lost it all.

Downton village is being decorated for the wedding. Edith meets Sir Strallen in town and is glad to sit in his car, worn out from wedding preparations. She tells him that Sybil has written that she will be coming to the wedding and she hopes that her father will be pleased. Her grandmother is also coming from America. Strallen says that weddings remind one of being lonely.

Molesley talks to Matthew about living at the main house after the wedding, but is unhappy to learn that Matthew is not going to take him to Downton, but will be leaving him as butler with Isobel, his mother. As he is essential and relied on there.

Robert learns from Thomas that the new tall footman has started. He confronts Cora that there must be no more new servants and he complains about how much the wedding is costing. Downstairs, Alfred is nervous. O'Brien tries to encourage him, but Thomas goes on about his not being experienced enough. O'Brien tells him that he is skilled and nice, not vain like Thomas (who hears this). Daisy is angry as she was promised that she would get promoted, when the new kitchen maid was hired. Thomas instigates that she should refuse to work, but tells her not to say he told her.

At dinner, Mary tells Violet that Sybil is coming and that her grandmother, Mrs. Martha Levinson will arrive by ship at Liverpool. Isobel tries to bring up Branson, Matthew chides her. The dowager says she is looking forward to seeing Cora's mother as it reminds her of the virtues of the English. When Matthew points out that she is American, Violet agrees that she is.

Alfred makes the mistake of serving food onto plates, instead of allowing people to serve themselves. Carson berates him for having trained in a hotel, and goes on to say that they need a second footman. Matthew says that they should live simpler, while Violet insists that it is the duty of the aristocracy to employ lots of servants. Robert wonders aloud that some don't have a choice.

Thomas is angry when learning that Matthew expects him to be the only valet at Downton. When asked how dinner went, Mr. Carson tells them how Alfred was confused about how to serve, but Anna tells him to persevere. O'Brien asks a complaining Molesley if he worries that his job is in jeopardy. Molesley is asked to stay for dinner, but he wants to be home to let Matthew and Isobel in.

After dinner, Matthew talks to Mary about how the lawyer of the recently deceased Mr. Swire, Lavinia's father. Is coming to the estate to see him. She suspects that he has been left something; Matthew hopes not. Having to say goodbye, Matthew talks about how he looks forward to when he doesn't have to, prompting Mary to chide him for making her blush.

They next day, Sybil and Tom Branson arrive, and everyone is out front to greet them. Sybil hopes that it was her father who had sent he money, but he doesn't know what she is talking about. Cora greets Branson in a friendly manner, and Robert says for all of them to go inside. As Tom passes under Mr. Carson's stern look he tries to talk to him, but Carson only nods and turns away.

Swire's lawyer had seen Matthew, and informed him that Reggie Swire had, contrary to the lifestyle he led, left an enormous fortune. Matthew tells his mother that he has been named the third candidate to inherit. However, the first man died and the second, Mr. Pullbrook, disappeared on a trip to visit some tea plantations in India.

Both Mr. Carson and Thomas absolutely refuse to dress Tom Branson or even check to make sure that he doesn't need anything. Mrs. Hughes says that Alfred will have to learn to handle it, even though Mr. Carson says that he won't know more than to pick up shoes left for cleaning outside the door (a hotel practice).

At dinner, Tom has not changed, as he doesn't have any need in his life for tails, a dinner jacket, nor a morning coat for the wedding. Mary suggests they buy a separate wardrobe to leave at Downton for visits. Carson seems to resent bowing forward to serve Tom. Isobel asks about the political situation in Ireland which causes Tom to launch into discussing his support of Irish independence from British rule. At his comment that Ireland cares about the English monarchy about as much as the British would want to be ruled by the German Kaiser, Carson snaps a wineglass in two and apologies for clumsiness.

As the servants dine, Alfred is of the opinion that everyone was hard on Tom upstairs, but Thomas says that he is new and doesn't understand. Carson is surprised that Lord Grantham was able to keep his temper when Tom insulted the king. Mrs. Hughes is sympathetic to Tom being a former chauffeur thrown into dinner with his disapproving former employers. Tom suddenly appears at the doorway and agrees with her understanding. Carson stands with rest hurrying to follow suit. Tom tries to tell them not to, while Carson very frostily asks, "Do you need something, Sir."

Tom just wanted to say hello, as he doesn't want them to think he considers himself superior. Mrs. Hughes and Anna chat with him. He tells Anna of his concern for Bates, as Sybil gets news from Mary. Tom excuses himself so they can have dinner, and Mrs. Hughes thanks him for coming. After he goes, Carson is indignant that Branson called Lady Mary by only her first name, as is never done when talking to the servants. Upstairs the ladies of the house playing cards are talking about the same thing. Tom, during dinner, referred to Cora and Violet as Milady. Robert suggests that Tom use their titles which Sybil considers overly formal. Matthew answers Mary that Swire's lawyer did want to talk about the will, but he doesn't want to go into it now.

Mrs. Patmore is confronted by an angry Daisy, who asks why Carson got a new footman, but she hasn't gotten the help of the new kitchen maid who was promised. Mrs. Patmore tells her that his Lordship has decreed no new servants. Daisy has gotten a raise and the title of assistant cook, but is still unsatisfied.

Sybil tells Mary in the drawing room that class is irrelevant in Dublin, where she is Mrs. Branson. She insists that her husband is a wonderful man and she will never regret her marriage. Being at Downton has made him feel patronized, and she hopes that they come to know and appreciate him. Mary assures her that they will. Mary warns her that the Grays are coming for dinner, including Sybil's former suitor Larry and that she shouldn't tell her father that people in Dublin call her Mrs. Branson.

In bed, Sybil tells Tom that Mr. Gray is Mary's godfather and that Larry Gray fancied her when they were young, though she doesn't think that she ever cared about him. She tells him that they have the money to go elsewhere and avoid the meeting, but Tom is adament that he won't spend her money. She asks him to try to fit in and not to speak about Ireland so much. He wonders if this is to help him or her.

Matthew has told Mary about the inheritance. He is certain that they will find the other heir, Pullbrook. And besides he is adament that he can't keep the money. Robert has had to tell Cora, as they are prepared for bed, that he has lost a lot of money in a bad investment. He hesitantly tells her that he has lost almost all of her fortune and then breaks into tears. Cora comforts him and he is grateful for her. She says that as an American she can get by, "have gun, will travel". She says that she is glad for the wedding, one last celebration in their home with those that they care about.

The next day in the village, Matthew sees Tom going into the pub and remarks it is early to drink. Tom is thinking of moving there until they leave, as dinner the night before was horrible. Matthew jokingly suggests that Tom was partly to blame and had he thought to recruit cousin Robert into Sinn Fein. Matthew tells Tom that he and Mary welcome him. Tom questions Mary's feeling about him, but Matthew insists that Mary has come around. Matthew forms a comradarie with Tom as brothers-in-law with high-minded wives.

Anna visits Bates in prison to get his list and notes on Vera's acquaintances. Even though Vera left no note, she is certain that Vera put the arsenic in the pie herself, and hopes that Vera talked or wrote to someone about being despondent.

Alfred is regretting that he didn't go into cooking as it interests him from his days in the hotel, but O'Brien says that it is hard for a man to get ahead in this field and it was better for him to aspire to be a butler.

Edith has Anna do her hair a little different for Sir Strallen who is coming for dinner. She comments that Anna is younger than Bates and that their marriage is very happy (other than his imprisonment). O'Brien goes to Thomas and tries to get him to teach Alfred to be a valet, as Alfred is helping Tom and Matthew is leaving Molesley to be butler for Isobel. Thomas is unequivocally opposed to helping an incompetent barely experienced footman to become valet in one leap, after the years of struggle that he himself had to go through. O'Brien looks unpleased as Thomas walks away.

The Gray's arrive in a string of cars, at cocktails Matthew and Mary discuss someone being ill and needing to ask someone else to fill in. Larry Gray corners Tom, he says that he is surprised to be meeting him, as he thought Sybil would not come back to Downton, and he wonders if Tom's suitcase was lost. Sir Strallen admires Edith's hair and she insists that he come to Mary's wedding. Just then Strallen looks toward Larry Gray, who is standing near Branson's unattended cocktail, and voices surprise. However, just then Carson announces that dinner is served.

Alfred tells the servants that Branson is drunk, which is surprising as he only had one cocktail. At dinner Tom is loudly espousing pro-Irish and anti-British views upsetting everyone, including Sybil. Larry Gray is laughing at the "display of Irish character", and Sybil begs Tom to stop. Strallen suddenly realizes that what he saw was Larry putting something in Tom's drink. He confronts him with this in front of Edith and Mary. Larry is surprised that Edith seems upset, he says that she could always appreciate a joke. Mary announces to the table what has happened and says that Tom should be escorted to his room. Lady Cora says that, Tom not being at fault, everyone should forget his words, the dowager doesn't think this likely. Larry Gray asks why anyone cares as he is just a grubby chauffeur, but his father, who is furious, apologizes and hopes that Branson will be well for the wedding. Matthew seconds it, as he has decided to ask Tom to be his best man. He receives praise from Isobel and Mary.

Edith thanks Strallen for saving the day, but he humbly gives the credit to Matthew. She hopes to see more of him, and he agrees that he would very much like to. Her father looking a bit disapproving tells Edith to let him go, and she does after kissing him on the cheek.

Robert and Cora discuss the evening's dramatic events. They are glad that Cora's mother wasn't there to witness it as they wouldn't hear the end of it, and besides, she will be bringing her own drama. Robert thinks that, even before the wedding, he needs to tells Mary about their losing Downton, as she and Matthew need to decide where to live. However, they don't think they should tell Cora's mother.

Bates is in his cell reading Vera's letters. His cellmate thinks it's pointless, as Bates needs to admit his guilt if he is ever to get out. Bates refuses to confess to something he didn't do. His cellmate accuses him of being pious and superior, and Bates emphatically "warns" him to mind his own business.

Mary is trying on her "going away" outfit, which all the women in her bedroom praise. When Lord Robert comes in all he can comment on is how expensive it looks. He asks the others to let him speak to Mary alone.

The Dowager Countess is at Isobel's house. Isobel comments that she has always admired how Mrs. Levinson is never overawed by the whole set up at Downton, to which the Dowager replies was Napolean ever overawed by the Bourbons. Tom has gotten a message to come. He starts by apologizing for his behavior at the dinner the night before. Isobel wants to have Molesly alter Matthews old morning coat to fit him. Tom begins to talk about not approving of costumes of oppression. The dowager waits for him to finish and asks him to take his jacket off, even though she says please the order is implicit. Matthew comes in and is told that neither of them have any say in this.

Cora's mother Mrs. Martha Levison arrives with all ceremony. She starts giving orders and opinions to everyone then breezes by into the house. In the kitchen Daisy is unhappy, and Mrs Levinson's maid arrives to give specific instructions concerning her food.

In the library, Matthew is explaining to Martha that his great-great-grandfather was a younger son of the third earl. She finds it difficult to understand why he inherits her late husband's money, but Isobel points out that it doesn't matter now that he is marrying Mary.

As Mary is seeing Matthew out, he shows her the telegram from Swire's lawyer. Pullbrook is dead, but they must still investigate if he died before or after Reggie. If he died before, then Matthew gets everything, though he insists that he won't keep it. Mary then tells him that he must keep the money as her father has lost most of the fortune and is nearly ruined, so that they will lose Downton. However, Matthew explains that Reggie Swire put him in the will as he believed Matthew to be the true love of his dead daughter Lavinia. Mary says that he was, but Matthew counters that Reggie never knew that he had broken Lavinia's heart, when she learned that he loved Mary, and he cannot now profit from Lavinia's death. He believes that Lavinia lost the will to live. An upset and angry Mary can't believe that Matthew will let his guilt keep him from saving them all and Downton Abbey. Her father will live the remainder of his life humiliated and their children will be robbed of their heritage. She calls him a disappointment and accuses him of not being on their side. She runs out of the room in tears. Leaving a conflicted Matthew and a confused Edith, who just saw the last of the argument.

Anna is visiting Bates in prison. He tells her that he doesn't like his cellmate, but he would rather talk about the house and the wedding. He asks about the honeymoon. They are going to stay with Rosamund for a couple of days and then go to the south of France. Anna doesn't think that she should go, but Bates insists that she does. Even is she is gone for a month, she can live life and make memories for both of them.

Violet and Martha finally come face to face and present each other with backhanded compliments. They talk of Matthew, whom Violet says Martha will like when she knows him. The fact that he has gone home so as not to see the bride before the wedding leads to a discussion about tradition. Violet says that Americans never care about it, but Martha says that they just don't let it have power over them, and tradition had led to WWI, so Violet should let go of it's hand. Violet complains to Edith that Martha Levinson's can always find the soft underbelly of an opponent.

At dinner, the discussion turns to who sent the money to Sybil and Tom, so that they could come. Cora says that she wishes that she had, and Robert believes it was Matthew's mother. Finally, the dowager countess admits that it was her. She wanted her granddaughter and her husband at the wedding. Tom is surprised (Carson not discretely opens a napkin on his lap), as is Martha, but Violet assures her that she is a woman of many parts. Tom has has said that he is touch and Violet tells Tom that he is one of the fame and the Crawley's stick together prompting a still upset Mary to say to that this is not always the case, before starting to cry and running out of the room.

In the kitchen, Daisy is on strike, but Mrs. Patmore ignores this; she consults with Daisy about everything, getting no answers, and carries on. In the dining room, everyone is concerned about Mary's attack of nerves. However, Edith has told them about the quarrel with Matthew and her saying that he wasn't on their side. Robert wants to go talk to Matthew, but Tom says that he will go. As best man and one who has married into Downton, he will understand. Martha supports this.

In the kitchen Daisy says that Mrs. Patmore is not responding to her protest, and Mrs. Patmore correctly guesses that Daisy has been listening to Thomas. Daisy gives up and starts to dry dishes.

Mary is talking to Anna about Matthew who won't save her father, but Anna says that Matthew is a good man and, unlike buses, another wont be along in ten minutes. She leaves Mary staring into the mirror. Tom is also telling Matthew hat he and Mary are meant to be together.So many things have kept them apart, but Tom says that Matthew will never be happy with anyone else as long as she walks the earth.

Tom brings Matthew to Mary's door, and they must talk with the door between them so he can't see her. She questions if they should call the marriage off, but Matthew says they mustn't. The money might never come and they will quarrel at times, but he tells her what Tom said and says that he thinks she feels the same for him. He wants to kiss her and she agrees, if he keeps his eyes closed.

The next day Tom is dressed and off to get Matthew. Robert complements his appearance and calls him "Tom", saying that he is one of the family, and he thanks Tom for getting Matthew and Mary back together. Tom says that they are both strong willed. Cora is asking Mary if she has any questions about marriage. Mary replies tha she probably knows more than her mother did when she married.