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] Personal servants John Bates, Anna Bates, Joseph Molesley, and Sarah O'Brien also make the trip. Tom Branson chose 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 deer stalking, fly fishing, shooting trips, and 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, in which Branson, Thomas, Alfred, and Jimmy get involved in a tug o' war[2]. Charles Carson struggles to keep them concentrating on work. A new housemaid, Edna, joins the staff and will stir things up, setting her sights on Tom[3][4]. Beryl Patmore becomes involved in a romance with a villager, Tufton.
References
- ↑ This press release has information on Series 4 and the Christmas Special: http://www.itv.com/presscentre/pressreleases/programmepressreleases/itvcommissionsafourthseriesofdowntonabbey/default.html
- ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2244890/Downton-Abbey-Crawley-family-head-Scottish-Highlands-Christmas-Day-special.html
- ↑ http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-12-08/downton-abbey-christmas-special---preview-pictures-and-predictions
- ↑ http://www.scotsman.com/the-scotsman/scotland/downton-heads-north-in-reminder-of-scotland-s-fashionable-holidaying-past-1-2681342