Set in April, May or June 1920[1]: With the future of Downton hanging in the balance, Mary and the Dowager Countess conspire to show Downton at its grandest, thereby persuading Mrs. Levinson to give Downton more money and save them from financial ruin. Their attempts are impeded by the oven breaking down, forcing Mrs. Levinson to throw the impromptu party herself. She reveals, when finally asked for help, that though she will "entertain them in New York" she cannot provide them money, as her own late husband has tied it up much as Violet's did, feeling the Crawley's had more than had their share. She laments their impending loss but tells them they have to adapt to the changing world, and states her intent to return to America. Meanwhile downstairs, O'Brien and Thomas wage war against one another due to Alfred's recent promotion to valet to Matthew, whilst Mrs Levinson's maid takes a shine to Alfred. Mrs. Hughes faces a cancer scare that she shares only with Mrs Patmore; and Doctor Clarkson, and Mrs. Isobel Crawley finds Ethel has become a prostitute.
References
- ↑ Episode 1 was set in Spring 1920; the end of Spring is June, and Mary and Matthew's honeymoon lasted a month, so as it is still spring, it cannot be after June.
Detailed Summary
A car is speeding down the road toward Downton Abbey. Matthew and Mary ride in it and predict that Robert and Violet will both "howl at the moon", when they see the car, a fast two-seat convertible. Cora and Robert are both surprised to see the car that Matthew has bought. When Robert asks Matthew about the honeymoon, Matthew says that his eyes have been opened. Cora hugs Mary, before they all go inside.
In the servants hall, Thomas sees Alfred with one of Matthew's shirts spread out on the on the dining table. Thomas is not happy that Alfred is dressing Matthew, as he thinks that, as Molesley hasn't come to the main house, that he should have been asked. O'Brien says that it was Carson's decision, but Thomas seems to imply that O'Brien had something to do with it. He than tells Alfred, rather stridently, not to bring the shirt into a room where it could get dirty and put the studs in it only in a dressing room. Alfred thanks him for the advice, then O'Brien very sarcastically seconds it saying that Thomas is always so helpful.
Upstairs Martha is asking about the honeymoon in the south of France. Mary says it was too hot, but Martha says that she likes the sun. Violet says that she can see that (implying that Martha has bad skin), and she and Robert wonder how much longer Martha is going to stay at Downton, she says that no guest should be admitted until their departure date is settled. Isobel tells Mathew that there is a stack of mail waiting for him and that she has a new occupation, but one that cousin Violet doesn't think appropriate. Violet thinks that it should not be talked about at the dinner table, which prompts Martha to wonder what could still be a forbidden subject in 1920. Cora agrees that there are subjects not for all ears, but Martha says that if she is referring to the servants that they probably know a lot more about life than their employers ever will. Robert and Violet despair about controlling what Martha says.
Mary offends Edith when she asks if she has still been seeing poor, old Strallen. Edith doesn't think of him as poor or old. Robert and his mother privately comment that they shouldn't let this relationship drag on. Robert doesn't think the impetus for the relationship is coming from Strallen, but Violet says that Robert should approach him and get him to end it. She thinks that it would be more effective coming from him than if they try.
Mrs. Levinson's maid goes into the kitchens and overhears Alfred talking to Mrs. Patmore about her mistress. She ate all the food, and Alfred says that she has such a gob that Mr. Carson wanted to put a bag over her head. The maid says that she knows they talk about her, but she makes fun of them too. Daisy is concerned that the chimney isn't drawing the smoke up, and the oven is not hot enough. Mrs. Hughes asks for a moment of Mrs. Patmore's time.
Matthew talks to Robert, and he has opened a fine bottle of wine to welcome him as his new son, while Isis rests her head on Robert's leg. Matthew tells him that he hopes they can be honest and tells him that he knows about Robert's financial difficulties, but also asks if Mary told him about Mr. Swire's will. Violet has been told by Robert about the bad investment and talks to Mary about how they must leave Downton. She asks if there is a source of income that has been overlooked. Mary starts to consider Martha Levinson.
Martha is talking to Isobel about her new work with helping former prostitutes to get new lives and different employment. Cora describes them as women who had to degrade themselves to survive, and that there is a center in York. Martha tells them not to say the address as Alfred will be taking notes. Alfred is taking teacups and when Martha winks at him, he smiles back. This earns him a stern look from Mr.Carson. The women are sent for a rest and then they try to find them jobs, many have been forced to this as their husbands, fathers, etc. died in the war. Martha assumes that they want a donation, as she is a wealthy American. Cora says not every conversation is to ask her for money. Violet and Mary share a look.
Robert is getting a bit argumentative as he tries to understand why Matthew is refusing to accept money left to him, when there is need for it, and he has done nothing wrong. Matthew tries to explain that the money was a reward for his fidelity to Lavinia, when in actuality he had broken her heart. Matthew would feel like a criminal if he kept it. Robert gives a heavy sigh and says that, if he feels that way, there is no help for it. The conversation ends when Anna comes in to clear.
Downstairs, Mrs. Patmore has confirmed that Mrs. Hughes has a lump in her breast. She says that they will go to the doctor tomorrow, as it is better to know for sure. She comforts a crying Mrs. Hughes saying that she will not be alone. But Mrs. Patmore's comment, that it is better to give the money to a doctor than an undertaker, makes Mrs Hughes question her bedside manner.
Anna brings breakfast up to Mary, and Matthew is in bed with her. He remarks that is a it shocking to be found in bed together. But Anna says that she is made of sterner stuff and gets on with opening the curtains. Mary asks her if she is going to go visit Bates. After Anna leaves, they kiss and say that being found together does seem shocking, but being together is still nice. Matthew wants to see Jarvis about houses in the area that he and Mary could move into. Mary doesn't want to leave Downton, as these are the last days she will live there. She had hoped that something would happen while they were on their honeymoon to save the estate, but nothing has. Matthew questions waiting until the last minute, when they have to go, and then trying to find a house. Mary reminds him that he is the one who is pushing them out, forcing them to leave Downton. But then, she kisses him.
Isobel is walking through the street and several prostitutes stand by the walkway. As she passes one, the woman looks alarmed and turns away. It is Ethel, the former Downton maid. Isobel stops and looks back, but only gets a fleeting glimpse of the departing Ethel. Edith is at Sir Strallen's house inviting him to Downton, even though he points out, with Matthew and Mary just back it's a family time. She again refers to him as one of the family, which he counters is not true. He says that he will be at the dinner next week.
Edith says that she knows that it is unintentional, but it hurts her that he is always pushing her away. He tells her that he doesn't want to hurt her or push her away, but he is too old for her, and she needs a younger man with his life ahead of him. He wishes that things were the way she saw them. She tells him that his life is ahead of him and not to bring up his paralyzed arm again. She insists that he not push her away any more, that he comes to dinner tonight, and that he accept that that is all there is to it.
Anna goes to the prison and Bates asks her how she is doing with the list of names. Anna says that there were several responses to her enquiries waiting when she returned, and two letters were returned address unknown. One letter was from a Mr. Harelip, who was a cousin of Vera's from the north that she never saw, but the other was a Mrs. Audrey Bartlett, who Bates describes as a friend who lived just around the corner from Vera. Anna assures him that she will find her. Bates asks her to tell him about France and questions whether Anna ate frog's legs and danced the can-can, Anna says no, but quietly adds that she bought a garter. Bates responds with a large smile.
At the cottage hospital, Mrs. Patmore has come with Mrs. Hughes to see Dr. Clarkson. As he washes his hands in a basin, he asks her if she has had other symptoms, if she has felt ill or tired. Mrs. Hughes says that she does get tired, but no more than usual. He is going to do an examination and Mrs. Patmore asks if she can stay, which Clarkson says he would prefer.
Back at Downton, Alfred is walking through the servants hall carrying a tail coat belonging to Matthew. Thomas sees him and asks about it. Alfred points out an unidentified stain and says that he has tried everything to shift it, but nothing has worked. Thomas says that he can give him a tip. Alfred is surprised, but Thomas says he will. However he asks him to keep it to himself, as he doesn't want to give away all of his secrets.
Violet comes to Mary in the drawingroom and asks if she was serious in her plan to approach Martha for help in saving Downton. Mary characterizes Martha as being made of money with only Cora and uncle Harold to inherit when she dies. Violet says that they cannot wait that long, as she will bury them all. But they need to make her feel that it is her duty to save Downton. They must get her to sense it's value and role in the area. The future home of her granddaughter, should appeal to anyone with a heart. They agree to begin their champaign with tea that afternoon.
Dr. Clarkson tells Mrs. Hughes as she straightens her clothes that there are several stages to go through before becoming alarmed. He wants to have her come back the next day so he can remove fluid from the cyst with a syringe. If it is clear everything is fine. Mrs. Patmore wonders if this will hurt, but Mrs. Hughes wants to know what happens if it is not clear. Dr. Clarkson says that in that case it will be sent off for analysis. Mrs. Hughes asks it could be cancer, and he says that it might be, but he is fairly certain that it is not. Mrs. Patmore encourages her that it is very unlikely, but Mrs. Hughes reminds her that she is not a child, and the doctor hasn't treated her as one.
Daisy is still worried about the stove in the kitchen, Alfred leaves the room as Mrs. Levinson's maid comes in to say that she will be taking tea at the Dowager House. She looks after the departing Alfred and pronounces that he likes her. Daisy insists, however, that Alfred is only being polite. The maid shrugs and leaves. Matthew is writing at the desk in the library. He tells Mary, when she comes in, that he wants to be caught up on his letters, when he goes back to the office. Mary asks if there is anything from Mr. Swire's lawyer, and Matthew hands her a letter. Matthew is the heir, only a death certificate from the Indian authorities for Mr. Pullbrook is required, which should take a little while. Mary is glad, because time might give Matthew a chance to change his mind. Matthew repeats that taking the money under false pretenses would be like stealing, he says that her father understands. Mary doesn't think that Robert does understand, he just doesn't want to beg. Matthew considers this statement. Mary drops the subject and says that she is off to tea at granny's. Matthew again tells her that he loves her, and she says that she knows.
At the Dowager House, Martha answers Mary that Harold is working with yachts now, making them bigger or faster, she isn't sure. Cora asks if he is happy, and Martha says that he is much too busy to find out. Violet remarks that it is odd to remember that Cora has a brother, and it is explained to Martha that in England the fortune always goes to the eldest male heir and that there is no such thing as an English heiress who has a brother. In answer to why they never see Harold, Martha says that he hates to leave America, Violet, not thinking, remarks how curious it is, as she would hate to go there. Mary then contradicts her and says that she and her grandmother are so drawn to America. Violet remembers the point of this tea and agrees, never more than now when the bond between the Crawley's and the Levinson's is so strong. Cora is pleasantly surprised to hear this and hopes it is true. Violet insists that it is, the way the the two branches support each other. When, Martha asks if they are referring to the fact that the Levinson money kept the Crawley's on top, Violet is certain that they would not refer to it that way. Mary says that she hopes that Martha thought that the money was well spent, in shoring up an ancient line. To which Martha says, "well you have to spend it on something".
Alfred is helping Matthew dress for dinner, when Matthew realizes that a hole has been burned into his tail coat. When asked, Alfred says that there was a mark. Matthew says that he knows that, but there was no reason to burn it away. He says that it is alright that he will send it to his tailor in London and go down in his dinner jacket tonight. Alfred is looking so miserable that Matthew tells him to cheer up, as no one has died.