Set in September 1920. The Crawley family visits Lady Rose MacClare and her parents, Hugh MacClare, Marquess of Flintshire and Susan MacClare, Marchioness of Flintshire, for a summer break at Duneagle Castle in The Highlands of Scotland, leaving most of their servants back at home.[1] Bates, Anna, Moseley, and O'Brien also make the trip. Personal servants John Bates, Anna Bates, Joseph Molesley, and Sarah O'Brien also make the trip. Tom Branson choses to stay behind with his daughter.
Lady Edith Crawley is surprised to learn that Michael Gregson is in Scotland. Lady Mary Crawley and Matthew Crawley disagree about Gregson's motives. Tensions soon rise between the Crawleys and their hosts. There will be a "spectatular" Gillies' Ball.
Sarah discovers a kindred spirit below stairs in the form of her opposite number, Susan’s lady’s maid Wilkins.
The staff back at Downton look forward to the approaching Thirsk Country Fair, and Charles Carson struggles to keep them concentrating on work. A new housemaid, Edna, joins the staff and will stir things up. Beryl Patmorebecomes involved in a romance.