It was a roller coaster of emotions after the latest episode to Downton and now it’s time to sit and process so let’s get right into it!

(Sorry but that this ended up a lot longer than I intended!)

As usual – SPOILER ALERT!

All photos courtesy of PBS Masterpiece.

The arch characters in Sunday’s episode were sisters Mary and Edith. Edith was still contemplating whether or not she should tell Bertie the truth about Marigold. I must say that I hate when movies have a character that has information that they must tell a loved one but they lie or withhold it from them because they are scared of what will happen once they tell the truth. While I understand why they resist, inwardly I am screaming every time they open their mouth and don’t just come clean. It is like mental nails on a chalkboard within me so whenever Edith and Bertie were together I was dying that she was staying silent because the truth always has a way of coming out and it is always bad, at least at first.

To make matters more complicated, Lord Hexham, the owner of Brancaster Castle, died. Bertie, the cousin and agent, seemed to be without a job. In a striking change of events, Bertie was actually named the new Marquess of Hexham. As such, if Edith married him she would outrank them all. This came as a shock and pleasant surprise to the family. As Robert put it, “Golly gumdrops, what a turn up!” (Only at Downton could such a phrase be uttered with a straight face.) However, there was one person not pleased with the prospect of Edith as her superior. Mary’s looks were throwing daggers and when Tom teased her saying, “So we’ll all bow and curtsy to Edith. You’ll enjoy that Mary.” Mary coldly responds, “Hardly. And if Bertie really is Lord Hexham, which I still don’t believe, he won’t want to marry her now.” Seeing her spite, Cora replied, “Careful, or people will think you’re jealous, dear. We don’t want that.”

While Edith was struggling with her dilemma, Mary was facing her own with Henry. Tom, almost obsessed with getting Henry back into Mary’s life, invited him to Downton. After spending some time away from Mary, Henry decided that he was going to fight for Mary telling her, “I am tougher than I look” and “If you’re trying to get rid of me, I’m going to make this as hard and as horrible as I can.” Mary was furious. For the first time I saw Henry as someone who could stand up to Mary and challenge her She is so used to having her way and people doing whatever she wants, it was nice to see someone meet her toe to toe and not back down.

Mary was feeling overwhelmed with the situation and had this conversation with Henry.

Mary: “I can’t bear to be maneuvered.”

Henry: “But, you see, I think we love each other very much. For some reason, you’re fighting it. I’m not. My birth is respectable so it can’t be that, which forces me to believe that it is my lack of money and position that present the problem. Aren’t you better than that?”

Mary: “What?”

Henry: “It just seems rather small to me. Not to marry a man for lack of money is the same as marrying a man because of it.”

Mary: (going upstairs): “Get out of my way.”

Henry: “Am I not right?”

Mary: “No, you push in here, into my home uninvited in order to call me a grubby little gold-digger? You’ve got a nerve.” And she stormed off.

The following morning Mary came down to breakfast and asked where Henry was. She was told that he had left. She was clearly upset that he was gone and she was soon taken over by the ghost of pre-Matthew Mary. All her anger and frustrations were whirling into a perfect emotional storm and she was ready to wreck havoc on whoever provoked her next. Unfortunately, that happened to be her nemesis Edith.

At the breakfast table Robert excused himself and after he walked out Bertie confessed that he was sorry Robert left before he could deliver his happy news. It was like watching a horror flick. Bertie was unexpectedly going to enter into a dark basement inhabited by a maniac serial killer. You could see the killer and the look in her eyes told you immediately what was going to take place but there was nothing you could do to stop it. Edith warned the unsuspecting victim not to enter into the dark basement with, “This is not the right moment” but he carried on. Just as they entered the basement the maniac raised her dagger and proceeded to slice them up with morbid pleasure.

My stomach was sick as I watched Mary calmly and calculatingly destroy Edith happiness by telling Bertie about Marigold and Edith’s past. While I do blame Edith for not coming clean with Bertie during the countless opportunities she had and while I was upset that she also kept poking the bear knowing full well how venomous Mary could be, I was livid with the way Mary callously exposed Edith. (Even as I am typing this and rethinking about it, my anger is rising.) I wanted to jump through the screen and throttle Mary and smack that smug look right off her face. (I may have to schedule a confession time this weekend. 😉 )

Bertie excused himself and prepared to leave for his trip. Before he left, he talked with Edith alone. He admitted to her that he was not hurt so much by the fact of her having a child or the scandal that may come with it, he was more hurt that she kept the truth from him. He told her that had she explained everything to him herself, things might have been different. He explained, “I don’t feel I can spend my life with someone I don’t trust. Who didn’t trust me.” Edith realized the mistake she made in keeping silent. They said their goodbyes and wished each other well. They both parted with broken hearts.

After Bertie left, Tom confronted Mary about her behavior telling her, “Well you got what you wanted.” She tried to deny it and claimed that she didn’t know Edith hadn’t told him the truth yet. Tom would have none and finally showing his Irish temper argued, “Don’t play the innocent with me.” She tried to make another excuse but he yelled, “Don’t lie! Not to me! You can’t stop ruining things. For Edith, for yourself. You’d pull in the sky if you could! Anything to make you feel less frightened and alone.” They argued as she tried to justify herself in regards to Edith and Henry. Finally, she had enough and said she refused to listen to any more and she began to leave the room but not before Tom told her, “You’re a coward, Mary. Like all bullies, you’re a coward.” He left her there open mouthed and walked out.

While back at home, Mary was feeling guilty and went to Edith’s room and tried to apologize. She made the same lame excuses about her not knowing that Bertie hadn’t been told about Marigold. Edith would not stand for it. She refused to believe her and told her exactly what she thought of her and her behavior with the most unladylike (yet justified) language. They go back and forth and Edith finally told Mary to leave her room. Mary silently refused to move and lifted her chin a bit higher (if I could have just reached out and slugged that chin… ahem, um, never mind.) Edith shook her head, gathered her things and walked out of the room. As she left she told Mary, “And you’re wrong, you know, as you so often are. Henry’s perfect for you. You’re just too stupid and stuck up to see it! Still, at least he’s got away from you, which is something to give thanks for, I suppose.” That one’s gotta hurt.

While all this is going on, Mr. Moseley started his first day as a teacher at the village school. Things were far from well as the children were unruly and disregarded anything he said. He felt disheartened and admitted to the staff that it was quite a challenge. The next morning Baxter walked with Mr. Moseley to school to give him moral support. He confided in Baxter about his fear of the students or their parents finding out that he was in service all of his life and was still working as a servant. She suggested that he be honest with them and tell them so “they wouldn’t have to find out.” (Hey, Edith, did you catch that piece of sage advice??) Moseley quietly gave it some thought then changed the subject to Thomas and his strange behavior. As he spoke a sixth sense or woman’s intuition stopped Baxter in her tracks. All the little clues she noticed about Thomas started coming together like pieces of a puzzle. She excused herself and rushed back to Downton.

Moseley continued to his classroom. As he was teaching his history lesson he told the class that maybe one of them would run the country one day. The kids claimed that such a thought was daft and that only a toff (which was a rich or upper class person) could run the country. He explained to them, “No, you see, you must never think that education is only for special people – for clever people, for toffs. Education is for everyone.” One student replied, “You would say that, sir.” He confessed to the students that he was just an ordinary bloke who spent his whole life in service fetching and carrying. They were surprised and spoke of their own parents who were in service. Moseley continued, “But I never gave up on learning, do you see? I read as much as he could and I taught myself, and I hope to be able to teach you. Maybe give you the shortcut I never had.” You could see the looks of the students’ faces. They were seriously considering what he was saying. He touched their hearts and inspired them to reach above what they thought possible. I think it was one of the best scenes of the show in the way it displayed hope and the need to look deeper within a person.  Moseley was always shown as a sort of bumbling fool but within there was an intelligent and sensitive man with more worth that other men deemed his superior.

Back at Downton, Baxter was frantically searching for Thomas. Andy told her that he went to go take a bath. She tried to open the door and Andy broke it down for you. There they found Thomas in a bloody tub with his wrists slit. He was passed out but still breathing. They carried him to his room and called for the doctor. I think we all saw this coming so it was not a great shock but when the upstairs were told, they could not believe it. The silence was broken by Mary who asked Robert, “Do you still think dismissing Barrow was a useful saving, Papa?”  With a look of shock he replied, “That’s rather below the belt, even for you.” Seriously, Mary?? Someone better hid Tio the puppy because she may kick him as she walks by.

That evening preparing for bed with Anna, Mary does look shaken. With tears in her eyes she says, “What a day. I ruin Lady Edith’s life and Barrow tries to end his.”  When Anna brought up Henry, Mary was short with her. Mary apologized and called it a night. The following morning there was a sweet scene between Mary, Master George and Thomas. George visited Thomas in his room (did anyone else notice the nasty mattresses the servants slept on?) and gave him an orange as a gift. Thomas was touched and remarked that at least he had one friend. Mary asked him, “Have you been lonely?” Thomas answered, “If I have I’ve only myself to blame. I’ve done and said things. I don’t know why. I can’t stop myself. Now I am paying the price.” Mary responded, “Strange, I could say the same. I hope things improve for you. I really do.” He said, “I’d say the same if it weren’t impertinent, m’lady.” I am glad that Thomas was not killed off and that he has been given a chance at redemption. In the earlier seasons, he was definitely a character we loved to hate but I am all for conversions from the dark side to the light.

After her visit with Thomas, Mary discovered that Granny had not only returned to England but she was sitting in her bedroom waiting to speak with her (thanks to Tom who had filled Granny with all the current details.) Granny questioned Mary about Edith and Mary’s facial expression explaining how she felt about Edith should seriously be a meme. Granny told Mary that she was unhappy and that was why she was lashing out. Mary listed all the reasons why she should not be involved with Henry – his lack of money, position, not being a true countryman. Granny asked that his credentials be left to the side for a moment. She wanted to know if Mary was in love with him. Mary was exasperated that she of all people would act as if his qualifications didn’t matter. Granny explained that Tony had all that she could wish for – birth, money, looks but he didn’t suit Mary because he wasn’t clever or strong enough. On the other hand, Henry was both.

Finally Mary broke down and admitted the truth. She tearfully told Granny that she could not be a crash widow again. She already lost Matthew to a car and she couldn’t bear to lose Henry the same way. She would not ask Henry to give up car racing for fear he would resent her. Composing herself momentarily, she asked Granny, “Oh, can’t you find me some duke. There must be one spare. So I can put Edith in her place?” Granny answers, “You are the only woman I know who likes to think herself cold and selfish and grand. Most of us spend our lives trying to hide it…. I believe in rules and traditions and playing our part. But there is something else….I believe in love.” She went on to advise Mary to first make peace with her sister and then make peace with herself. Mary nodded her consent and hugged Granny.

In other developments, last week Mrs. Patmore was excited and proud of her new bed and breakfast. However, we saw a man lurking in the bushes taking notes with a camera. It turned out that her guest, a doctor and his wife, was actually a married man with his mistress. Now his wife and filing for divorce and Mr. Patmore may have to testify as she was the proprietor at the alleged house of ill repute. She nearly fainted at the thought while everyone else, downstairs and upstairs got hearty laughs at the thought of her as “an unlikely bawdy house madam.” Fortunately, Rosamund suggested that she, Cora and Robert visit Mrs. Patmore’s establishment for tea. Carson was flabbergasted they would associate themselves with a “tawdry local brouhaha” (if he only knew a fraction of the scandals that went behind their own closed doors) but Robert rebuffed him saying they had enough back bone to handle it and they owed it to Mrs. Patmore (who was in grateful tears by now) to stand by her. In the end they had their tea and they made sure the newspaper was present to photograph them with Mrs. Patmore.

Meanwhile, Edith and her editor are pleased that the new columnist for the magazine is doing so well but they want to meet the mysterious Cassandra Jones in person. Miss Edmunds told Cassandra that if she wanted to be paid more money then Cassandra would have to come to the office and negotiate in person. Edith and Miss Edmunds were unsure if  the real Cassandra would show up or an impersonator. They decided to have the code word “bananas” if they thought she was telling the truth and was the real Cassandra. Towards the end of the episode the mysterious Cassandra Jones was revealed and it is none other than Mr. Spratt! Well, that was a jolly good shock!

Elsewhere, in a moving scene in which Mary slowly redeems herself in my eyes, Mary visited the grave of Matthew and tearfully told him that she was in love with Henry and hoped that he was happy for her and she would be happy for him. She goes on saying, “Remember, however much I love him, I will always love you. ” (Is it weird that the Cure’s Lovesong started playing in my head at that moment?) Mary met Isobel as she was leaving the cemetery and she told Mary that she was delighted that she would be marrying again. Mary truly looked grateful.

Mary returned home and found Henry and Yente the Matchmaker, um, I mean Tom together. Tom left them alone and Henry asked, “Well?…Mary, the last time I saw you, you threw me out for saying that I love you. Now you’ve whistled and I’m here, but I don’t know why.” Mary admitted that he was right. They were both in love and she had been fighting it. She said they were equals in what mattered – in strength and compassion. She rang for tea and he was a bit flabbergasted asking, “Are you always so cool and collected? I do hope so…your words have made my heart pound at such a rate, I’m surprised you can’t hear it. I’m hot, I’m cold, I can barely breathe, and it’s all because of you.” He then asked if she was sure. She said, “I’m not 20, trembling at the touch of your hand, but I know that if I leave you now, I’ll never be as happy as we could’ve been together.” Henry replied, “I’m not 20 either, but I still tremble at the touch of your hands.” Mary responded, “Me too. I don’t know why I said that really,” and giggled. It was a tiny peek at what Mary could be like if she stopped wavering into the dark side.

As luck would have it, Henry already had a license, made his way through red tape and had an uncle who could marry them immediately since he was a bishop. Mary’s response to all this was, “Oh, good old England. Some things never change.” They kissed and made ready for a whirlwind marriage ceremony on Saturday.

The morning of the wedding, a car rolled up the drive and it was none other that Edith. She came up to Mary’s room and surprised the ladies. They left so the sisters could talk. After an awkward silence, Mary said, “You know I’m sorry.” Edith replied, “I assumed you would be fairly sorry unless you are actually insane.” They speak for a bit and Mary finally asked why she decided to come to the wedding. Edith answered, “Because in the end, you’re my sister. And one day only we will remember Sybil. Or Mama or Papa or Matthew or Michael of Granny or Carson or any of the others who have peopled our youth.Until, at last, our shared memories will mean more than our mutual dislike.” Mary looked touched. She asked Edith what Matthew would  think of all this, confessing that she went to his grave to tell him. She said Matthew loved her and wanted her to be happy and she was sure he’d be very pleased.

I have to admit that when I watched this Sunday night I was struggling to forgive Mary. Before I watched this episode, I truly wanted to see Mary happy and in love again and I would have been squealing with glee that she and Henry found their true love in one another. But after witnessing Mary’s cruelty to Edith, I could not jump into happy thoughts for her in less than an hour’s time. Witnessing Edith take the high road and display, what I viewed as heroic Christian virtue towards her sister, helped to soften my heart but I did not enjoy the wedding. I wished the writers had postponed it for the following episode. It all seemed so rushed before I could process everything.

However, having waited a day and re-watching most of the episode this morning, I was able to witness the wedding ceremony and listen to the words and see the couple and be truly happy for them. I was able to smile as they walked out of the church with a shower of flower pedals falling upon them

In the closing scene we saw Edith standing in the distance with a smile on her face as she watched the children, including her own daughter, laugh and run around Sybil’s burial plot (which was both poignant and slightly morbid). Robert toldCora, “Of all my children, Edith has given me the most surprises… and I’m sure we haven’t seen the last one yet.”  I’m 99% certain that Edith’s last surprise of the show will be her marriage to Bertie. I just pray that Mary has a hand in bringing it about as her way to make peace with Edith.

Random Thoughts

• Daisy was actually sweet this week. She did well on her exams and told the staff about how well Moseley taught his students.
• I thought we were done with the scheming Miss Cruikshank but Violet made her a visit and basically told her that she would not be attending her wedding unless Larry was to invite her personally.

Other Favorite Quotes

• Mr. Bates: (Speaking about Henry) So you were wrong about him?”
• Anna: “I think I was.” (Pause) “Why are you smiling?”
• Mr. Bates: “Show me a man that doesn’t smile when his wife admits she’s wrong.”

• Mr. Carson: “I have always known that women were ruthless, but I didn’t think I’d find the proof in my own wife!”

• Baxter: “I hope he won’t mind if we undress him.”
• Mrs. Hughes: “He’s past minding if we put him in a shy and threw coconuts.” (A rough modern day translation would be, “He wouldn’t mind if he was at a booth in the fair and we threw pies at his face for a dollar.”)

• Carson: “And good luck to us all in the vain hope that we’ll avoid scandalous gossip.”
• Mrs. Hughes: “You’re such as old curmudgeon.”
• Carson: “Don’t say you’re going off me.”
• Mrs. Hughes: “No, because you’re my curmudgeon, and that makes all the difference.” (And she kisses him.) 🙂

So, what did you think?? What was your favorite scene? Line? Are you happy that Henry and Mary ended up together? (Or as much as you love Henry do secretly wish she had ended up with Blake, her pig wrestling partner from season 4? No? Oh, yeah. Me neither.) 😉

Only one episode left! There will not be an episode next week on Feb 28. The 2 hour finale will air on March 6 at 9PM. Until then may your day be filled with golly gumdrop moments. 🙂

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope or Katch (past Periscopes), GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, 😉

Whatever may have happened on Sunday night’s episode of Downton Abbey, there is only one image that we are all thinking about right now… the moment when we exclaimed, “Bloody hell!” And we meant it literally.

As usual – SPOILER ALERT!

All photos courtesy of PBS Masterpiece.

We all knew that Robert’s stomach pains were going to lead up to something. When he was looking ill at the dinner party, with none other than the Ministry of Health in attendance, Robert got up to excuse himself and I anticipated him passing out on the floor. What I didn’t expect was his spewing blood from his mouth like a scene from The Walking Dead. (I was feeling a little deja vu since I am currently reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.) That scene would have been disturbing in any other show but having it happen in the prim and proper setting of a Downton dinner party and seeing the blood fly all over and splatter the shocked faces of the family made it all the more violent and frightening. When Robert was on the floor, face covered in blood and near death he managed to tell Cora, “If this is it, just know that I have loved you very, very much.” I thought to myself that this was it and my own tears fell. This would fit Fellowes’ MO perfectly – Matthew’s death, Sybil’s death, Anna’s rape… he loves his emotional torture.

Thankfully, Robert’s burst ulcer happened in the presence of Dr. Clarkson who quickly told them what to do (put him on his left side, keep him warm, do not give him water) until the ambulance arrived. Cora was the epitome of calm during a crisis. She kept her cool, soothed and assured her husband, when many others (myself included) would have been freaking out. They took Robert away and we had to wait to find out the outcome as we pondered Carson’s words, “Life is short.  Death is sure. That is all we know.”

Downstairs the staff sat solemnly as they waited for the news. Lady Mary telephoned Carson and let him know that the doctor performed a gastrectomy on his Lordship and they anticipate that he would recover. Everyone was relieved. Lord Grantham would not be leaving us, at least not yet.

The other plot development during this horrific evening, was that as the ladies were preparing to accompany Robert to the hospital, Mary overheard Violet and Cora talking about the secrets int he family, namely Marigold. Mary’s face was puzzled and shocked as she slowly started to put the pieces together. She had a particularly curious look on her face when Granny gently pulled Edith’s arm and said, “Edith dear, telephone with any news. No matter how late.” Edith said she would and kissed her on the cheek. Was Mary’s look because she realized who Marigold was? Because she saw a closeness between Edith and Granny due to their shared secret? Was she jealous? Would this revelation make her care for Edith more or less? (Could she even care for Edith less?)

Later, at the end of the episode, Mary and Edith returned to Downton and before they retired for bed they said:

Edith: “What a terrifying reminder. In one second, your whole life can change.”

Mary: “Yes. It only takes a moment for everything to feel quite different.”

Edith: “I’m going to check on the children.”

Mary: “Of course you are. (pause) Good night.”

Mary’s tone did not have the usual haughtiness. Emotional exhaustion and the unfolding of secrets kept her somber and quiet, although she did  ask Anna if there were any rumors downstairs about Marigold. Anna didn’t betray any confidences and Mary was left alone to sit and reflect as the scene faded.

In other news…

Mr. Mason moved into his new home, although Mary and Tom were a little worried that he wouldn’t be able to manage the physical work of raising pigs. Luckily city-boy-turned-farm-lover Andy was on hand to offer his services to help Mr. Mason since he had always wanted to learn how to be a pig man. Mr. Mason was pleased to have his help and offered to train him. Mr. Mason also seemed pleased with Mrs. Patmore’s attention and she was clearly smitten by the older gentleman. But who wasn’t pleased? The patience-trying Daisy whose goal in life seems to be to whine until someone wants to slap her. She did not take keenly to the fact that her beloved Mr. Mason may care for someone else other than Daisy.  I, for one, am rooting for a Patmore – Mason romance! And if Daisy can learn to stop acting like Ms Bunting and be more gracious, I’d love to see her in a new life happy on the farm with Andy by her side.

Speaking of Andy…

Mr. Bates asked Andy about his cold treatment towards Thomas and Andy admitted that it was not that he was upset with Thomas but since learning that he was gay, he wanted to make sure that he did not get the wrong idea. Later, Thomas notices that Andy was upset when he is trying to study from the books Mr. Mason gave him about being a pig farmer. Thomas confronts him and Andy admitted that he had never learned how to read. Thomas offered to secretly teach him how to read. Andy was grateful and apologized for the way he had been treating him earlier. Thomas forgave him by saying, “I’ve known worse.”

Denker was firing with both barrels last night. When she heard that Dr. Clarkson may be changing sides in the hospital debate. She berated him when she saw him walking down the street. Dr. Clarkson was shocked by her impertinence and let Violet know of her outburst.

Violet was upset and they had this conversation:

Violet: “It’s not your place to have an opinion of my acquaintances, let alone express them”.

Denker: “He can’t claim your friendship now. Not when he’s turned against you.”

Violet: “If I withdrew my friendship from everyone who had spoken ill of me, my address book would be empty.”

Denker: “Yes, but surely…”

Violet: “For a lady’s maid to insult a physician in the open street! You’ve read too many novels, Denker. You’ve seen too many moving pictures.”

She then dismissed Denker from her position.

Spratt was a little gleeful over the thought of Denker leaving but she told him that if she went down, she was taking him with her. If he did not get her reinstated as lady’s maid then she would tell the police about his involvement with his fugitive nephew. Spratt knew he was cornered and talked to Violet and made her realize all the inconveniences of having to train a new lady’s maid. In the end, Violet agreed to give Denker one last chance. Spratt warned Denker that this had better be the last time she brought up his unfortunate nephew again. She agreed..unless she needed to blackmail him again.

Lady Edith has definitely had a change in circumstances. She has proven to be a success in her magazine and found a female editor – a Miss Edmunds that she liked very much. She had the attentions of Bertie who was eager to give her a tender (and slightly scandalous) kiss in her apartment flat. He declared himself lucky to be with her although he hadn’t much to offer. Edith replied that he had a great deal to offer and she was not sure if she was worthy of it. I suppose she eventually will need to come clean with Bertie about Marigold and her circumstances. I suspect he would be able to work around that.

Perhaps it is the fact that I grew up with five brothers, but I love to see the brother and sister relationship between Mary and Tom. I love how they can speak to each other honesty and can disagree yet still love each other. Tom was certainly primed to play the role of brother as he teased and counseled Lady Mary, particularly in regards to her possible relationship with Henry. She confided that she would not “marry down.” She didn’t wan to to be grander or richer than her husband. Tom could understand her reasoning but he tried to get her to see it another way, that being equal was more than about money. He said:

Tom: “I may surprise you but I agree it is important to be balanced. But one should not be far stronger than the other. I just don’t think it has much to do with money or position.”

Mary: “Is that how you felt about Sybil?”

Tom: “To all of you, she had everything and I had nothing. She was a great lady, and I the man who drive the cars. But that wasn’t true for us. We were evenly matched, Sybil and I. She was strong in her beliefs, so was I. We were a marriage of equals; we were very happy.”

Later when Tom was drinking at a pub with Henry and Mary, he listened to them talk and said:

Tom: “You are funny. The way you have to keep making reasoins for why you’ll meet; you to watch him drive cars, you to have dinner with a friend. Why can’t you just say, ‘I’d love to spend more time with you. When can we do it.’ ”

Indeed, Tom! Cut to the chase. 🙂

Violet invited the Minister of Heath to dine at Downton Abbey in hopes to persuade him to take her side in the hospital debate. The family was shocked that she managed to use her influence on such a prominent and busy man. After the dinner party Tom asked the minster how Granny managed it. He confessed that his wife had a brother called Horace de Vere Cole who was known as the “prankster.” He was involved in one of these pranks as a youth and Violet threatened to make his involvement public knowledge. The Minister figured one dinner was a price worth paying to avoid any scandal. Robert called that one!

The honeymoon seemed to be over between Mr. Carson and Mrs Hughes. Carson wasn’t very understanding to the fact that Mrs Hughes was a housemaid and not a cook. He wasn’t pleased with the meal she prepared and, without meaning to be so insensitive, he asked Mrs. Patmore to give Mrs. Hughes some cooking lessons since “it’s been awhile since she’s played with her patty pans an she’s got some catching up to do.” Carson better watch what he says or Mrs. Hughes is going to hit him over the head with her patty pans!

Random Thoughts

• Neville Chamberlain, the minister of health, was an actual historical figure. He was the prime minister from 1937 – 1040. His brother the prankster was also a real person.
• Baxter’s experience with Mr. Coyle’s trial was, as she put it, “a bit anticlimactic.” After all that work up the guy changed his plea and the trial was off. Everything just fizzled out, although Baxter continues to have a hard time letting go of her past.
• Did you wonder about the “bubble and squeak” that Mrs. Hughes cooked for Carson? I looked it up and Wikipedia said: “Bubble and squeak is a traditional English dish made with the shallow-fried leftover vegetables from a roast dinner. The main ingredients are potato and cabbage, but carrots, peas, Brussels sprouts, or any other leftover vegetables can be added.” So now we know!
• Anna and Bates were smiling and playful and happy…”Bad harvest! Bad harvest!” 😉

Other Favorite Quotes

Robert: “I would say that you have no more chance than a cat in hell without claws.”

Mr. Carson: “Do other butlers have to contend with the police arriving every ten minutes?”

Sybbie: “Is Granny Violet a red Indian?”

Robert: “Why on earth would you say that?

George: “Nanny said she was on the war path.”

Violet: “Denker has disgraced herself.”

Isobel: “Well, how distressing for you.”

Violet: “It’s not that so much. But it means I shall have to find a new maid.”

Isobel: “Yes, I see. A real punishment.”

Denker: (Speaking about her quarrel with Dr. Clarkson): “That’s the way I saw it , and I acted accordingly. Am I to blame if I have a very passionate nature?”

Spratt: “Anymore of that talk and I won’t be able to sleep.”

Thomas( After hearing that Lord Grantham will live): “I’m quite relieved.”

Baxter: Of course you are.

Thomas: “I didn’t think I’d mind one way or the other, to be honest. I must be getting soft in my old age.”

What did you think of the episode? Were you as shocked as I was at the dinner scene?

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope or Katch (past Periscopes), GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, 😉

This post is later than I anticipated but there has been little time for blogging these days! Here is a recap of Downton Abbey’s Season 6, Episode 4.

As usual  – SPOILER ALERT!

All photos courtesy of PBS Masterpiece.

Episode 4 Recap

Now that Tom is back at Downton, he must decide what he will do to occupy his time. He didn’t want to take the agent job from Mary but she was willing to be co-agents with him. He expressed some interest in cars after talking with Henry Talbot and that made some sense since his background was dealing with cars before he married Sybil. Mary said she would stand by him and support him no matter what he decided, although she did request, “No more Miss Bunting, if you have any pity.” Indeed!

As you may recall, Baxter had a checkered past having been accused of stealing jewels from her former employer. It seems she was not the only one who found themselves in such a predicament. The rogue Peter Coyle has made it his mission to prey on female servants, gain their trust (and who knows what else) and then talk them into stealing jewels from their respective ladies. Yet, he always managed to leave the scene of the crime unscathed even though he profited from them. Sergent Willis met with Baxter and told her that Coyle was on bail for theft and he wanted Baxter to be a character witness in the trial. She was adamantly opposed, not wanting to expose her past crimes or see Coyle again. The memories and emotional scars were too painful.

Moseley, knowing her background, tried to talk her into doing it even going as far as talking to Cora about it. He used Edmund Burke’s quote, “All that’s needed for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing.” Baxter was getting frustrated with him, knowing that it was much easier to say such words than to put into practice. However, Willis pleaded with her to think of the other women that had already fallen into ruin (two were now prostitutes and another dead) and the future women that would fall into Coyle’s traps if she did nothing.

In the end Baxter reluctantly agreed and was now waiting for word on a trial date. She lamented that Coyle ruined her but Moseley tried to comfort her saying that she was not ruined and the fact that she was standing right there proved it.  She responded, “Maybe. But he changed me.” (I am curious to see if we will get a look at this “devil of a man.”)

Lady Shackleton came to visit Downton and brought her nephew who was none other than the eye-catching Henry Talbot with his ability to make Mary exclaim, “Golly!” There was much innuendo and flirtation between them, which gave Granny some pause as she believed “Mary needs rather more than a handsome smile and a hand on the gear stick.” To which Robert commented, “I am surprised you know what a gear stick is.” “I know more than you think!” corrected Granny.

Whatever the outcome between the dashing car man, Mary was devilishly enjoying the flirtations. She went out to dinner with Henry and she confessed she did not share his passion for cars. He asked if her passion was for horses and she replied that it was her work that made her happy. She explained that she was the agent for Downton and shared her hopes for it’s future and as well as her son’s future. She anticipated Henry being shocked but instead he was extremely impressed. She smiled playfully and said, “I hope this means you’re boiling up to make a pass before we’re done.” Slightly taken aback, Henry cleared his throat and admitted, “Probably. But will you accept?” She replied, “No. But I shall enjoy the process enormously.”

Cheeky girl! She knows the pleasure of the chase. Whether or not she allows herself to get caught is yet to be seen.

The arguments about the hospital continued and it had all become rather tedious but it made for some of the episode’s best dialogue (as listed below.) Granny was near hysterics during the dinner conversation over the hospital but later she  explained why she was opposed to losing control of the hospital. It was not a power struggle but a true concern for the future rights of the villagers. She explained, “For years, I’ve watched governments take over lives and their arguments are always the same – fewer costs and greater efficiency. But the result is the same too. Less control by the people, more control by the state until the individual’s wishes count for nothing.” The others still may not agree but at least they understood her reasoning.

Thomas was playing the role of butler while Mr. Carson was away. He managed to get under everyone’s skin and later Baxter spent a few quiet moments with him. He admitted that he envied the fact that she had friends and a man that cared about her (even though she denied Moseley cared for her more than as a friend.) She in turn wished she could be more like Thomas and not care what people think about her instead of “trembling at the mere idea of public ridicule.” Thomas kindly replied, “You are stronger than you think. And you are wrong about me. I mind what people think.” Unfortunately, he does not leave on that high note and instead gets himself in trouble later.

Lady Rosamond invited Mr and Mrs. Harding to Downton to talk to them about Hillcroft, a school for women of modest backgrounds. John Harding was the treasurer, Rosamond was a trustee and she hoped Edith would also be a trustee. Unbeknownst to them, however, Mr. Harding’s wife was Gwen, their former housemaid that left to become a secretary. Gwen just found out that morning that she was going to Downton and didn’t want to intentionally lie to them but found it awkward to bring up their past association. Anna recognized Gwen immediately and gave her a warm greeting. Thomas, however, was seething that he was a faithful servant ready to be kicked out on the streets while this former housemaid was now eating upstairs with the family. He decided to out Edith during the luncheon to the shock of everyone there.

Although it was awkward at first, the situation took a turn for the better when Gwen shared with them everything that Sybil had done to help Gwen change her circumstances. There were smiles and tears as they reminisced and recalled Sybil’s kindness. A kindness that changed Gwen’s life. In the end, to Thomas’ disappointment, they were grateful to learn the truth but Thomas received a scolding from Robert for his pettiness and lack of generosity. He later reminded him that the reason people were loyal to Carson was because he was a kind man. In a round about way he told Thomas that he would do well to learn that lesson for his next situation once he left Downton. Ouch.

Recalling Gwen’s words about Sybil, Mary later confided in Anna that she felt ashamed of her own pettiness and how she thought Sybil was a better person. Whatever Mary’s faults, she makes up for it in her care of Anna and her unborn child. Anna had been having pains and she feared that she was miscarrying the baby once again. Mary wasted no time and made arrangements to go to see the doctor in London. Anna feared it would be too late but Mary reassured her she would go to Rosamond’s Belgrave Square and get the doctor to come to see them whatever the time. Tom agreed to drive them and they are able to make the last train in York to London. Thankfully, the doctor saw Anna in time, performed the needed procedure on her and was cautiously optimistic that she wouldn’t lose her baby.

In the meantime Bates was suspicious of Anna, especially after their last minute trip. Despite Anna’s claim that he’ll think she was getting larger because she ate all the pies, he assumed that Anna was afraid to tell him that she was pregnant but lost the baby. When he finally confronted her she admitted that she had been hiding something but it was something good… something really, really happy. He realized what she meant and exclaimed, “Oh God! Are you sure?” With a nod of her head they smiled through tears and has a brief moment of bliss before they were interrupted. I can’t wait for her to start knitting little booties. 🙂

I am reluctant to recap Daisy’s story line because all I want to say is “Daisy acts like a spoiled brat and pouts and throws tantrums. The end.” Thankfully, she calmed herself down enough to speak rationally to Tom about their obligation to Mr. Mason. She should have left well enough alone but instead she later went on a downstairs rampage against Cora accusing her of cheating and breaking her word. She stomped upstairs to have it out with Cora despite everyone’s protests and reasonings. Baxter decided s to accompany her in hopes of stopping her from doing irreparable damage.

Meanwhile, Cora was in the drawing room speaking to the family about Mr. Mason and how she hoped they would let him farm Yew Tree. She asked them what would Sybil do and they all agreed that while it wasn’t as financially beneficial, it was the right thing to do. Mary was not present but Tom said he would handle telling her of their decision.

Cora left the room in smiles only to be accosted by Daisy. Luckily, Robert joined them moment later and told Daisy the good news that they were letting Mr. Mason move in. Daisy was speechless (for once) and Baxter thanked them and hurried Daisy back downstairs. Cora remarked that she felt like she just dodged something. Keen observance. Robert got more stomach pains but made nothing of it.

Finally, Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes returned from their honeymoon where they learned all about the “mysteries of life.” They were given a welcome home party in the servant hall and even the upstairs folks joined them. Although Granny remarked that she hadn’t been in the kitchens for over 20 years, to which Isobel asked, “Did you bring your passport?”

Edith shared about her desire to find a female editor that she could work with as a co-editor. Granny was a little exasperated wondering if they’d next have women field marshals and a women Pope. In a rare moment, Mary defended Edith’s decision. But before we could start to think that Mary was taking her Sybil lesson to heart, she returned to her usual coldness with a rude remark about Edith saying, “A monkey will type out the Bible is you leave it long enough.” Sigh.

Finally, they all made a toast to the happy couple and were ridiculously relieved that they didn’t have to use the name “Mrs. Carson” but could continue to say “Mrs. Hughes.” Mr. Carson excused himself and in the closing scene he looked over his old room and removed the card with his name on the door. It was a bittersweet moment. His old life, as were ways of the past, was ending and a new life was ahead of him.

Random Thoughts

• Robert continued to get his stomach pains. I can’t help but wonder if a darker story line is ahead, especially with this little piece of dialogue between Robert and his sister.  Rosamond: “I’m afraid she won’t give up about the hospital.” Robert: “I shan’t think that at her funeral.” Rosamond: “Who says she won’t be at yours?”
• Edith looked so jaunty driving her car and chatting with Rosamond about Hillcrest, which was actually a real school.
• We don’t see much of Andy, expect when he is putting Thomas aside. However, tonight he revealed that he’s not a city boy. Instead he was jealous of Mr. Mason’s farm life since that is where his heart wanted to be. Before leaving the room he gave Daisy a longing look. Perhaps that is not all his heart wants.

Other Favorite Quotes

Robert: “Mama is an old intriguer. She will use tears or terror with equal facility.”

Violet: “Really, Robert. You paint me as such a schemer.”

Robert: “No one has a sharper eyes than a loving son.”

Violet: “You read that somewhere.”

Robert: “Why do you never think I can make anything up?”

Violet ( to Lady Shackleton): “Are you here to help or irritate?”

Lady Shackleton: “How can I present myself as an expert when I don’t know all the facts?”

Violet: “It has never stopped me.”

Edith: “I suppose cousin Isobel is entitled to put up an argument.”

Violet: “Of course she is. She’s just not entitled to win it!”

Gwen: “I never had any higher education.”

Mary: “Who did? All we were taught was French, prejudice and dance steps.”

Mrs. Patmore (to Daisy in response to her complaining): “I wonder if Karl Marx might finish the liver pate.”

Robert: “You missed a jolly good dinner.”

Tom: “I bought some sandwiches at the station and ate them in the car.”

Robert: “You are a braver man than I am, Gunga Din.”

What did you think of the episode? What was your favorite scene?

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I was debating whether or not to bother doing another season of Downton recaps but once I saw the show I couldn’t help but share a few things (at least so my mom and I can chat about it.) 😉

As usual, I am not doing a word for word recount of what happened because first, I am short on time and second there are many, many others recappers out there that handle the job much better than I could. Instead, here are my thoughts about last night’s episodes and my favorite quotes. The usual SPOILER ALERT for anyone that has not watched Season 6, Episode 1 yet.

Okay, let me start off by saying that I love Downton, truly I do. And I loved watching last night’s episode but there was a bit of “been there done that” in the episode. It makes me a little glad that the season will be ending since you can only stretch these story lines out for so long and I want them to go out on a high note.

  Photo Credit: pbs.org

Mary and the Blackmailer

This is not the first time a blackmailer has reared his or her ugly head in general, with Mary in particular. We get our first glimpse at our culprit the first few minutes of the episode. Immediately, our Downton sensors started blaring that this person was no good and the smirk she wore as Lady Mary fell off her horse confirmed it. Later, we found out that Miss Rita Bevan was one of the chambermaids  at the hotel where Mary was illicitly staying with Tony Gillingham. (You know, the episode, where we lost all respect for him as a strong and worthy gentleman.)

Miss Bevan had proof of Mary’s tryst and threatened to expose her if she did not pay 1000 pounds. Now, Mary is not my favorite character (except when she was with Matthew, who brought the best out of her) but I was pleased that she stood up for herself against this nasty piece of work, particularly after she lied and barged her way into Lady Mary’s bedroom. In the end, Miss Beven brought her blackmail to Robert and he cleverly counter blackmailed by giving her a mere 50 pounds in exchange for a signed confession of her crime. If she should publish her story or even show her face there again, Robert would prosecute her.

I suppose this was just the writer’s round about way of getting Robert to see Mary as a capable woman who could manage the estate, although I am not exactly sure how this situation revealed that, but it was heartwarming to see the momentary tearing up of Mary at the news that her father believed in her. I guess it made it all worth it. Plus, the matter was handled quickly and the story didn’t drag on.

Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want

Speaking of stories that drag on way past their expiration date, we finally reached a conclusion to the Anna, Bates, murder of Mr. Green saga. The whole reasoning seemed rather forced and convoluted but in the end an unknown woman confessed to arguing with Green and pushing him to his death. Was she a stranger? Was she another of his victims (my suspicion)? We may never know but whatever the case, that ongoing drama is finally over!! Yay!

But alas, don’t think for a minute that Julian Fellowes will allow our beloved couple to now experience a moment of happiness. Oh, noooo. I’m beginning to suspect he shared my youthful love of The Smiths because melancholy seems to be the theme these last few season. Anna is still in constant emotional pain and tears, this time because she has suffered yet another miscarriage and faces possible infertility. Seriously? They cannot even give the poor girl a moment of peace? The only silver lining was when Anna said things like “I’ve let you down” we got to hear saintly Mr. Bates utter words such as, “There are no words less true than those. You could never let me down…”

Well, maybe now that the extreme stress of possibly being sent to jail has been removed and the advancement of science will improve her chances of conceiving. Either that or they come across the sweetest orphan child that longs for a loving mother and father. I’d be happy with either scenario. Please, please, please let me get what I want this time…to see Anna smile and be happy before she is gone forever.

Okay, that is enough about the nit-picking. Now onto the bits of the episode that were priceless.

  Photo Credit: pbs.org

Denker vs Pratt

Why is there always people in life who are like the Dowager’s maid Denker. People with delusions of grandeur that delight in psychologically torturing others. When the Dowager confided in Denker that Downton may have to let some of the staff go, she asked Denker to keep it to herself. Well, that is like asking a child not to touch the chocolate cake sitting before them. The temptation was too great. She was soon at Downtown harassing the servants about the situation. Next on her list was her archenemy Pratt, aka, Mr -I-always-look-like-I’m-smelling-a-rotten-egg. She was all too eager to let him know that he would soon be out of a job. However, Pratt got the last laugh when the Dowager “accidentally” says to Denker, “You are a wonder, Denker. I shall miss you.” She went on to let Denker believe that she would be the one fired if it came down to it. That shut Denker up immediately. Long live Grandmama’s iron fist.

Photo Credit: pbs.org

Let’s (Not) Talk about Sex

We left last season with Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes engaged to be married. Fast forward a few months and Mrs. Hughes has had the opportunity to think about what her marriage would entail – namely, intimacy with her husband. It was rather humorous watching Mrs. Hughes and gal pal Mrs. Patmore tiptoe around the subject of sex without actually saying the word. But that wasn’t half as amusing as watching poor Mrs. Patmore try to bring up the subject with Mr. Carson… Mr. Carson. She is one of my favorite characters and I felt for her as she painfully (and hilariously) tried to ask Mr. Carson if he anticipated Mrs. Hughes to perform her “wifely duties” after they were married. Finally, he got the gist of the conversation and became equally embarrassed over the situation. But in true Carson manner, he eventually rose above the occasion with his dignity intact and sensitively said, “In my eyes she is beautiful. You say she asks if I want a full marriage. And the answer is, yes, I do. I want a real marriage. A true marriage with everything that that involves. And I hope I do not ask the indelicate when I send you back to relay this message….I love her Mrs. Patmore. I am happy and ticked and bursting with pride that she would agree to be my wife, and I want us to live as closely as two people can for the time that remains to us on earth.” Wow, Mr. Carson just made women across American swoon.

When Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson finally came together to discuss the situation, Mr. Carson assumed that Mrs. Hughes want to call off the engagement. She was honest with him about her fear of disappointing him but he reassured her and gave her one of the most heart felt kisses we’ve witnessed at Downton. So incredibly sweet.

Random Thoughts

• There is a storyline about the running of the local hospital. I’m sure it will grew in importance but at the moment I just enjoy watching Isobel and the Dowager spar with one another as they sit at opposite ends of the argument.
• Cora is not going to sit quietly as Isobel and Violet duke it out over the hospital. I believe she will have her say in the fight eventually.
• I loved Mary’s last minute hairstyle after she had to unexpectedly wash it. It still makes me laugh how the maid would dress you and do your hair. Although if I could afford such a maid, I’d surely have someone magically tame the mop on my head. 😉
• Branson is in Boston and little Sibby is attending school where, it is noted with slight disdain, she is most likely speaking with an American accent. (Well, I must admit that a British accent does sound far superior to an American one. 😉
• Rose and her hubby are having fun in New York.
• Robert and Carson continue to lament the end of the good old days. Does it seem that Robert is drinking much more these days?
• Daisy went toe to toe with the new owners of the Mallerton estate but frankly, all I could do was insist to Brian that the actor that played Sir John Darnley was Mr. Wickham from the 1995 Pride and Prejudice. What did people do before they had google at their finger tips to solve such quandaries?? 🙂
• Thomas has been softened, not playing any evil tricks this episode. He appears quite the opposite, playfully giving George a piggy back ride. It was rather sweet. Let’s see if that changes.
• I love the scene of Cora and Robert in the kitchen eating cold chicken out of the fridge as the servants drank the very good Veuve Cliquot from the very cool part of the cellar. It was a definite “sign of the times.” Also, wasn’t it a little odd that Robert apologized to Carson for being in a kitchen that was in his home?
• Edith is still a little Eeyore-ish and  uncertain about her future, but at least she has her beautiful (if unacknowledged) daughter with her and she is looking lovely in her outfits!

Photo Credit: pbs.org

Fave Quotes

• Mrs.  Hughes: I am not sure I can let him (Carson) see me as I am now.”
• Mrs. Patmore: “Perhaps you can keep the lights off.”

• Pratt: “I just hope you will be kind enough to give me sufficient warning.”
• The Dowager: (Dumbfounded.) “I’m sorry, what?”
• Pratt: “So I may find myself alternative employment before I am cast out.”
• The Dowager: “Oh, Spratt You’ve clearly had a bad dream and are confusing it with reality.”
• Pratt: “Your ladyship’s humor is always a tonic but it is a matter of some importance to me.”
• The Dowager: “If you were talking in Urdu I couldn’t understand you less.”

• Mrs. Patmore: “Well, you’ve got a nerve. Mr. Carson won’t like that.”
• Daisy: “Well, even Mr. Carson can’t always have his own way.”
• Mrs. Patmore: “Ooohooh!

• Lady Mary (to Robert): “I’m impressed. My darling Papa transformed into Machiavelli at a touch . Will wonders never cease?”

• Violet (to Isobel): “Does it ever get cold on the moral high ground?”

• Mrs. Hughes: (Speaking of Ms Patmore’s conversation with Mr. Carson) “He avoided vulgarity then?”
• Mrs. Patmore: “Vulgarity? Mr. Carson wouldn’t be vulgar if you put him on a seaside postcard.”

Fun Links to Enjoy

• Real World Downton Abbey by thelazygeniuscollective.com – This is pure eye candy for Downton lovers. From the oldest to the youngest actors – they all look gorgeous! I am a happily married woman but if I was single (and 20 years younger) I’d have my bedroom walls plastered with photos from this post. 😉

• Downton Abbey With American Accents is Absolutely Hysterical by townandcountrymag.com (Mary doing uptalk is hilarious.)

Okay, your turn! Thoughts? Favorite scenes? Favorite quotes? Do share!

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