John Drake (played by Fergus O'Donnell) is a crofter on the estate of the Earl of Grantham. He is married with several young children. In March 1913, he is diagnosed as suffering from dropsy of the heart and is certain to die. Isobel Crawley knows of a cure, but as a modern medical technique it is unfamiliar to Dr. Clarkson, who is reluctant to try it. Her determination to treat the man piques ire of Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham, and preparing for a showdown, Violet shows up at Mr. Drake's bedside only to witness the barbaric procedure and its unmitigated success.
During the First World War with the men away flighting, Mr. Drake needs help on his farm. Lady Edith Crawley has recently learned to drive and she volunteers to drive their tractor. Over the next few weeks she continues to help while Drake has taken a liking to her. One evening Drake kisses her and Lady Edith is pleased. Mrs. Drake secretly witnesses the kiss and soon after the Drakes hire a man to replace Edith.