'Downton Abbey' Season 2, Episode 6
Mary's been taking care of Matthew and Carlisle wonders if he has any reason to be jealous, announcing that he intends to buy the nearby Hixby Park for him and Mary to live. Downstairs, O'Brien doesn't welcome the news of Anna and Bates intending to marry (jealous?). Cora and Violet argue with Isobel to have Downton back as their own home again. A disfigured Canadian officer claims to know Edith and the Granthams but Edith doesn't recognise him. Carlisle makes Carson an offer to come with him and Mary as their butler. Thomas tries to tempt Mrs Patmore into thinking about the black market as rations are running low and Carson catches Mrs Hughes sending Ethel away with food from the Downton household.
- Jane: "I've never worked in a house where a valet and a housemaid were wed."
Anna: "It'll be unusual, I agree."
O'Brien: "Hope it doesn't break us up, having you two set apart in a home of your own all special while the rest of us muddle on for ourselves."
Anna: "You sound as if you're jealous."
O'Brien: "I'm not jealous. I just don't want it to spoil things."
Bates: (sarcastically) "Why? Because we've all been such pals until now?"
Mrs Hughes and Carson speak with Cora about Ethel and Cora thinks sending a letter to Major Bryant's parents inviting them to see the baby might help. The Canadian officer claims to Edith that he is really the late Patrick Crawley, having suffered from amnesia for the last 6 years so was unable to identify himself and lived as a Canadian until a wartime experience restored his memory, stunning her as if his claims are proven to be true, Downton will have a new heir; Edith believes him. Bates makes an unwelcome discovery from his lawyer: he will not be able to get a divorce from Vera as it now looks as though he has paid her off. Anna is willing to put up a fight to stay with him no matter what but unknown to them, O'Brien is eavesdropping from the next room.
(Carson's room)
Bates: (on the telephone) "That's ridiculous. No, I'm sorry. Of course I'm not saying it's your fault. It's mine. It's all mine. Yes. Thank you. Goodbye." (He hangs up and sighs) "She's only gone and told the judge that I paid her to agree to a divorce."
Anna: "I suppose you did, didn't you?"
Bates: "Yes, I bloody well did."
Anna: "So, what does it mean?"
Bates: "Because we withheld it from the court, it means the judge can withdraw the decree. It means I'm not divorced after all. And, above all, it means...that I am a stupid, stupid, stupid man."
Anna: (coming closer to him) "This won't change a thing. We are going to be together whether she wants it or not. If we have to leave here, if we have to leave the country, we are going to be together."
(The camera pans around the corner to reveal O'Brien listening on the other side of the wall)
Carlisle suggests to Cora that it might be a good idea to bring Lavinia Swire back to Downton and back into Matthew's life. Branson says he is willing to wait forever for Sybil. Mary asks Carson on whether he has reached a decision regarding coming with her and Carlisle to Hixby Park, but he will only give her an answer once she has spoken to Robert. Edith recalls her conversation with 'Patrick' to Robert who voices his doubts as to whether the man really is who he says he is, but agrees to take the man's notes on his story to his lawyers to try and get a more positive identification. Violet tries to get rid of Isobel. Robert is understandably not happy with Mary trying to take Carson from him but on asking Bates what to make of the situation, agrees that it should be Carson's decision in the end. He gathers the family in the one room to tell them of the Canadian's story. Edith sticks up for him but Mary is cynical, stating that it would a cruel turn of events especially for Matthew (who thinks this might be a good thing when the man can at least walk).
- (In the library)
Robert: "I’m sorry if it’s a bit of a crush. I didn’t want to be overheard."
Violet: "Are we talking financial ruin? Or criminal investigation?"
Cora breaks the news to Mrs Hughes that Major Bryant has been killed in action, who in turn, informs Ethel. Ethel decides to write to the Major's parents herself however without any real evidence that the child is Bryant's, things may not change. Relations seem to be deepening between Jane and Robert. Edith continues to have faith in the Canadian, though it seems that she may be giving away too much information. Robert permits Bates some time off so that he can try to sort things out with Vera (again) but warns him not to lose his temper.
- (Robert's room)
Bates: "Your Lordship, I need to go to London tomorrow. I've spoken to Mr Carson, he has no objection."
Robert: "Please say this concerns property and not the former Mrs Bates."
Bates: "I only wish she was the former, milord. Or better still, the late."
Robert: "Indeed?"
Bates: "I have to reason with her, I have no other choice. She's found a reason to delay things again. No, not delay. She's found a way to ruin things."
Robert: "Be sensible, Bates. Above all, do not lose your temper."
Those words could come back to haunt Bates... :/
During dinner in the kitchen, O'Brien remarks on Bates's comings and goings from London, having Anna advise her to keep out of their business. Shortly after, Robert brings the welcome news that the war is finally over and that they will hold a memorial in the upstairs hall. Daisy regrets marrying William, saying that she hadn't been good to him while he'd been alive. Bates returns from London with a scratch on his face and news that things between him and Vera did not go well at all, O'Brien overhearing them. Carlisle brings Lavinia back to Downton and she is adamant not to leave Matthew again (Mary and Robert not looking too thrilled at her return). When Mary questions whether bringing Lavinia back was a good idea, Carlisle threatens to ruin her if she makes things awkward between them.
- (The great hall)
Mary: "Suppose he doesn’t want her back? Have you thought of that?"
Carlisle: "He needs someone to look out for him."
Mary: "Yes, but-"
Carlisle: "And you’ll be too busy with our new life, won’t you?"
Mary: "Look, I know you’re used to having your own way-"
(Carlisle suddenly pushes her against one of the pillars)
Carlisle: "Yes, I am. And I’ll say something now I hope won’t have to repeat. If you think you can jilt me, or in some way set me aside, I tell you now, you have given me the power to destroy you, and don’t think I won’t use it. I want to be a good husband, and for you to be happy, but don’t ever cross me, do you understand? Never." (he kisses her) "Absolutely never."
(Mary looks shocked)
Edith discovers that 'Patrick' has suddenly left but has left her a letter, signed only as 'P'. She believes he was Patrick Crawley and that they as a family failed him. After the Armistace has taken place in the hall, Matthew confides in Bates that he may have felt movement in his legs, but is relucant to say anything more until it happens again. Carson has finally made his decision: he will leave Downton and Robert is sorry to be losing him.
In the kitchen, Bates receives the shocking news that his wife has been found dead, stunning those around him. He quickly leaves and Anna follows suit.
RUH ROH...