OPENING TITLES
EXT. RIPON, CITY HALL COURTYARD
May 1914
SPEAKER: Last June saw Emily Davison crushed to death beneath the hooves of the king’s horse! Will the summer of 1914 prove as fatal for the hopes of women? It cannot! This historic by-election can be the first step of the journey to women’s equality!
WOMAN: If you’re so keen on women’s rights, let a woman speak!
MAN: But why stop there? Let’s get the dogs up and listen to them bark!
SPEAKER: Women! Women...are thrown out of jail...!
Branson appears next to Sybil in the crowd.
BRANSON: Are you all right, milady?
SYBIL: Isn’t it exciting?
SPEAKER: Only to be dragged back inside!
MAN: You’re an idiot!
Isobel sees Sybil in the crowd and pushes through to reach her.
ISOBEL: Sybil, I think it’s time for Branson to take you home!
SYBIL: Not yet.
ISOBEL: I think so. I applaud your spirit in coming, and I will applaud your discretion when you leave!
SYBIL: But you agree with everything he says?
ISOBEL: I do, my dear, but I also know if anything happens to you, Branson will lose his place.
BRANSON: Better safe than sorry, milady.
SPEAKER: ...is an act of mercy. I disagree.
Branson puts an arm around Sybil and pushes a path for her through the jeering crowd.
BRANSON: The car is just here.
SYBIL: Women must get the vote, mustn’t they, Branson? Why does the prime minister resist the inevitable?
BRANSON: Politicians can’t often recognise the changes that are inevitable.
(Branson opens the car door for Sybil and she steps in.)
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD, MOTOR CAR
SYBIL: I hope you do go into politics. It’s a fine ambition.
BRANSON: Ambition or dream? If I do, it’s not all about women and the vote for me, nor even freedom for Ireland. It’s the gap between the aristocracy and the poor and...
SYBIL: And what?
BRANSON: I’m sorry. I don’t mean to speak against His Lordship.
SYBIL: Why not? You obviously don’t approve of him.
BRANSON: Not as a representative of an oppressive class. But he’s a good man, and decent employer.
SYBIL: Spoken like a true politician. What do I look like? Could you sneak me around the back? I should hate for Papa to see me like this.
INT. MR CARSON'S OFFICE
Mr Carson reads a note.
MRS PATMORE (background): Where? I’m not a mind reader!
(Mrs Hughes knocks on the open door.)
HUGHES: Mrs Patmore is very cruel to that poor girl.
CARSON: Mrs Patmore is frightened.
HUGHES: Is she right to be?
CARSON: Well, Dr Clarkson has confirmed she has cataracts.
HUGHES: What can be done about it?
CARSON: There are treatments, but even the best are uncertain. She doesn't want to risk losing what sight she still has.
HUGHES: I don't blame her, but it can't go on forever.
CARSON: No.
(Mrs Hughes sees the note in Carson's hand.)
HUGHES: Oh, dear. Have you had bad news? I shouldn't have bothered you.
CARSON: You weren't to know.
INT. SERVANTS' CORRIDOR
Sybil enters through the back door. She runs into William as he exits a room holding a candelabra.
SYBIL: Oh!
WILLIAM: Excuse me, milady.
SYBIL: William, will you find Anna and tell her I've gone upstairs?
WILLIAM: Very good, milady.
Sybil goes upstairs. William opens a door and bumps Thomas's elbow, making Thomas spill his drink.
THOMAS: You clumsy clodhopper.
WILLIAM: Sorry.
THOMAS: You will be sorry when I've finished you. Look at this!
BATES: Leave him alone.
WILLIAM: Anna, Lady Sybil's back from Ripon. She's gone up to her room.
ANNA: Thank you.
O'BRIEN: Why does she waste her precious time on politics?
THOMAS: Hear, hear.
BATES: Oh, don't you believe in rights for women, Thomas?
THOMAS: What's it to you?
BATES: Well, I know you don't believe in rights of property. I think some people might find that interesting.
THOMAS: Who's going to tell them? You?
INT. MR CARSON'S OFFICE
Mrs Hughes knocks on the door and enters.
HUGHES: Mr Carson, are you all right?
CARSON: Why shouldn't I be?
HUGHES: You've never rung the dressing gong, and Mrs Patmore's doing a soufflé for the first course.
CARSON: Oh, my God.
INT. LORD GRANTHAM'S DRESSING ROOM
ROBERT: Rather unlike Carson. We'd better go straight in to dinner.
BATES: I shall tell Miss O'Brien and Anna.
ROBERT: Any more news of the by-election? Mr Crawley was here earlier. He said his mother had gone to the Liberal rally in Ripon.
BATES: I heard it was quite lively.
ROBERT: I daresay the Townies will make the usual stink when the Tory candidate's returned.
BATES: I'm not sure. I heard the Liberal was given a hard time today. Mr Branson said it was getting out of hand when they left.
ROBERT: Typical Branson to be there. I hope he squared it with Carson. Who went with him?
BATES: Er...I'm not sure anyone went with him, my lord.
ROBERT: You just said "they". Who was with him?
BATES: I'd rather not say.
(Robert turns away from the mirror to look at Bates.)
ROBERT: Bates, who was with him?
BATES: Lady Sybil.
ROBERT: Lady Sybil? Why?
BATES: I should never have mentioned it, my lord. I thought you knew.
ROBERT: No, I did not know.
INT. DINING ROOM
ROBERT: I gather you went to hear the Liberal candidate today?
SYBIL: There were several speakers, actually. He was the last.
ROBERT: Did he speak well?
SYBIL: I thought so.
ROBERT: But there was quite a brouhaha.
SYBIL: You know what these things can be like.
ROBERT: I do. Which is why I am astonished you should not feel it necessary to ask my permission to attend! I assume this was Branson's scheme.
SYBIL: No.
ROBERT: I confess, I was amused at the idea of an Irish radical for a chauffeur, but I see now I have been naïve.
CORA: I told Branson to take Sybil.
ROBERT: What are you saying?!
CORA: Sybil needed to go to Ripon. I asked Branson to drive her. I thought it would be sensible, in case there was trouble.
SYBIL: I want to do some canvassing. The by-election isn't far off.
(Robert and Violet stare open mouthed at Sybil.)
VIOLET: Canvassing?
SYBIL: Oh, it's quite safe. You're in a group and you knock on doors.
VIOLET: Yes, I know what canvassing is.
MARY: I think that Sybil is…
VIOLET: What? Are you canvassing, too? Or would you rather take in washing?
MARY: I was only going to say that Sybil is entitled to her opinions.
VIOLET: No! She isn't until she is married. Then her husband will tell her what her opinions are.
MARY: Oh, Granny!
SYBIL: I knew you wouldn't approve.
ROBERT: Which presumably is why you all hid your plans from me.
INT. SERVE ROOM
THOMAS: Her Ladyship will have a smacked bottom if she's not careful.
CARSON: Hurry up. I don't want anything else to go wrong tonight. Where's the sauce? Doesn't this have Hollandaise?
DAISY: I'll get it. I won't be a jiffy.
THOMAS: Would you do that for me?
DAISY: I'd do anything for you.
INT. DINING ROOM
VIOLET: Does this mean you won't be presented next month?
SYBIL: Certainly not. Why should it?
VIOLET: Well, I doubt I'd expect to curtsey to Their Majesties in June, when I'd been arrested at a riot in May. But them I'm old. Things may be different now.
CORA: She hasn't been arrested, and it wasn't a riot.
EDITH: But it might be next time.
ROBERT: There will not be a next time.
INT. SERVANTS' HALL
ANNA: Her Ladyship's not best pleased at being told off in public. William said she was looking daggers.
BATES: I'm sorry I started all this.
BRANSON: Ah, it's not your fault. Anyway, he ought to be glad he's got a daughter who cares.
Thomas enters.
THOMAS: Her Ladyship's ready to leave.
(Branson gets up from the table.)
BRANSON: I'll bring the car around.
THOMAS: Are you pleased with yourself?
ANNA: Silly chump.
BATES: He's nervous. He thinks I'm planning to tell Mr Carson about the wine.
ANNA: Well, he shouldn't have stolen it then, should he?
BATES: No. But I don't want anyone to lose their job because of me.
ANNA: Even Thomas? Even after what they tried to do to you?
BATES: Even then.
INT. GREAT HALL
CARSON: Your Ladyship, do you have a moment?
CORA: Of course.
CARSON: I have received a letter, my lady, from a friend of mine. He's valet to the Marquess of Flintshire.
CORA: I don't envy him.
CARSON: Lord Flintshire is a minister at the Foreign Office.
CORA: As you know, Lady Flintshire is His Lordship's cousin.
CARSON: Oh, of course, of course. The point is, he has dealing with the Turkish ambassador. It seems His Excellency has made him privy to a scurrilous story concerning Lady Mary and the late... Mr Pamuk.
CORA: May I read this letter?
(Carson opens the letter and hands it to Cora.)
CARSON: Is there anything you want me to do about it?
CORA: No, thank you. Sometimes even to deny these things is only to throw paraffin onto the flames.
CARSON: I did try to inform His Lordship--
CORA: What?
CARSON: But I...couldn't seem to find the right moment.
CORA: Quite right. Please leave His Lordship to me.
INT.SERVANTS' CORRIDOR
O'BRIEN: I'm sorry. The only sure way to get rid of a servant is to have him or her suspected of stealing.
THOMAS: Aren't you forgetting we've tried that and it didn't work.
O'BRIEN: But last time we invented a theft. What we need to do is to make him a suspect when something's really been stolen.
THOMAS: How do we know anything's been stolen?
O'BRIEN: Because you stole it, you noodle.
THOMAS: Oh, you mean the wine.
O'BRIEN: Yeah, the wine.
THOMAS: But that's the whole point; Bates knows I took it. He was threatening to tell Mr Carson.
O'BRIEN: Well, he can't, can he? Not if we get in first.
INT. MR CARSON'S OFFICE
CARSON: Are you telling me you saw him take the cellar key?
THOMAS: Not exactly, but I saw him in here and I thought the key was swinging on its hook. I just wondered if you'd noticed if any of the wine was missing.
(Carson stops and looks at Thomas, then considers.)
INT. LADY GRANTHAM'S BEDROOM
Robert reads in bed as Cora gets under the covers.
ROBERT: I think I owe you an apology, after the way I spoke at dinner.
CORA: Next time you want to treat me like a naughty schoolgirl, you might do it in private, not in front of the servants.
ROBERT: You're right. I'm sorry.
CORA: Of course, it gave your mother her best evening since Christmas.
ROBERT: Hm. Even so, we must try to keep control of Sybil.
CORA: Robert, believe me, Sybil is not your problem. We've got to support Mary this year. When we get to London.
ROBERT: But it's Sybil's first season. We can't have Mary stealing her thunder.
CORA: Sybil will do well enough. It's time Mary was settled. High time.
ROBERT: Poor old Edith. We never seem to talk about her.
CORA: I'm afraid Edith will be the one to care for us in our old age.
ROBERT: What a ghastly prospect.
INT. DRAWING ROOM
Mary enters in riding clothes.
MARY: Mama? Anna said you wanted me.
CORA: Look who's paid us a visit.
MARY: Sir Anthony! How nice. We all thought we'd driven you away with that horrible salty pudding.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: No, indeed. But I have been away.
EDITH: He's been in Austria and Germany.
MARY: How interesting.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: Interesting...and worrying.
CORA: Sir Anthony's here to show you his new car.
MARY: Oh.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: I've--I've rather taken to driving myself, and I have to keep finding destinations to justify it.
MARY: What kind of car is it?
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: It's an open Rolls Royce, and I wondered if you might like a spin in it.
MARY: Oh, how kind. But alas, not today. I've had Diamond saddled and he's waiting for me.
CORA: You could ride this afternoon.
MARY: But it's arranged now. But thank you, Sir Anthony. Do ask me again.
Mary leaves and Sir Anthony sits.
EDITH: I...don't suppose you'd take me?
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: Of course. I should be delighted.
INT. MR CARSON'S OFFICE
BATES: What is it that I'm accused of?
CARSON: Oh, nobody's "accusing" you of anything, but there has been a suggestion that you were handling the cellar key, and before I take it any further, I want to find if there's a simple explanation.
BATES: Because some wine is missing?
CARSON: How do you know that?
(Bates doesn't answer.)
CARSON: Right. Well, we'll leave it there for now.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD, OPEN ROLLS ROYCE
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: The Kaiser is such a mercurial figure - one minute the warlord, the next a lovelorn poet.
EDITH: But a poet in need of an empire.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: That's very good. "A poet in need of an empire," yes. My late wife used to say that...
EDITH: What did Lady Strallan used to say?
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: Oh, never mind.
EDITH: But I should like to hear it.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: Really?
(Edith nods.)
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: Would you really? She used to say that Kaiser Bill loved uniforms and medals, but he never really connected them with fighting.
EDITH: What was she like?
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: Maud? Oh, she was awfully funny. Some people couldn't see it, but she was.
EXT. THE VILLAGE
William is walking in his time off. He meets Lady Mary walking her horse and tips his hat to her. A blacksmith hammer clangs in the background.
MARY: Is Lynch anywhere about?
WILLIAM: Oh, I haven't seen him, milady.
MARY: My horse is lame.
WILLIAM: Oh, I could have a look at him.
MARY: Do you know about horses?
WILLIAM: I looked after the horses on my father's farm. It was the best job in the world.
MARY: Then why did you leave it?
WILLIAM: My mother wanted me to have a chance of bettering myself.
MARY: As a second footman?
WILLIAM: It's a good place for me, milady.
MARY: Of course it is. I'm sorry.
WILLIAM: She hopes, one day, that I might be first footman, or even get to be...
MARY: Carson had better watch out.
WILLIAM: Stranger things happen at sea.
INT. MR CARSON'S OFFICE
O'BRIEN: I've seen Mr Bates with a bottle from time to time. I must have thought he was helping you.
CARSON: Why would I order a valet to help with the wine?
O'BRIEN: Well, when you put it like that, of course you wouldn't.
CARSON: So, Mr Bates is taking wine. And why would this be? To drink it?
THOMAS: It's not to clean his boots.
CARSON: Thank you, Thomas. Daisy? Thomas says you have something to add to this.
DAISY: Well...
CARSON: You're not in any trouble or any danger of trouble.
THOMAS: You remember what you saw.
DAISY: I may have seen him coming out of the cellar.
CARSON: "May"? Did you or didn't you?
O'BRIEN: It's very hard for the girl, Mr Carson. You're frightening her.
CARSON: I'm sorry. Thank you. You may go.
INT. LADY GRANTHAM'S BEDROOM
Cora sits in bed reading Woman's Weekly. O'Brien brings in her breakfast tray.
CORA: Thank you, O'Brien. How is everything downstairs?
O'BRIEN: All right, I think, milady. Though, Mr Carson's a bit cast down.
CORA: Oh? Why? What's the matter with him?
O'BRIEN: He's found out something about...well, a person he admires, and it isn't very nice.
CORA: Has he said who this person is...who's proved a disappointment?
O'BRIEN: I don't like to say, milady.
CORA: Please do, if you know.
O'BRIEN: Oh, I know. It's Mr Bates.
CORA: Oh. Bates? Why? What's he done?
O'BRIEN: You should ask Mr Carson, milady. It's not my place to tell.
INT. LIBRARY
SYBIL: Papa... Can Branson drive me into Ripon on Friday evening?
ROBERT: I don't think so, no. Not after the last time.
SYBIL: Oh, please. There's a meeting of my borstal charity. I've missed two, and I simply must be there.
ROBERT: You'd have to take Mary or Edith with you.
SYBIL: Don't make me. Those meetings are deadly at the best of times, and you know what they're like when they're bored.
ROBERT: Why are all your causes so steeped in gloom?
SYBIL: Because it's the gloomy things that need our help. If everything in the garden's sunny, why meddle?
ROBERT: Well, I agree with that. Talking of sunny, are you looking forward to your coming Season?
SYBIL: I am, rather.
EXT. DOWNTON ABBEY GROUNDS
Mary sits on a bench, reading. Matthew walks by and she sits up with a smile and closes the book.
MARY: Hello. What are you doing here?
MATTHEW: I'm in search of your father. Carson thought he was outside.
MARY: He's in the library.
MATTHEW: Oh.
(Matthew hesitates and Mary looks at him expectantly.)
MARY: What is it?
MATTHEW: Nothing much. I've had an inquiry about one of the farms.
MARY: Ah.
(Matthew takes off his hat and sits on the bench with her.)
MATTHEW: So...what's new at the big house?
MARY: Sybil, mainly. She's discovered politics, which of course makes Papa see red.
MATTHEW: I admire Sybil's passion, though.
MARY: Of course. But then, I like a good argument. Papa does not.
MATTHEW: If you really like an argument...
MARY: Yes?
MATTHEW: We should see more of each other.
INT. LIBRARY
SYBIL: So, it's all right? I can go?
ROBERT: Will you be late?
SYBIL: I think I'll miss dinner.
ROBERT: Well, remember to tell Branson to take a sandwich for himself.
INT. THE DOWER HOUSE
CORA: But who's it from?
VIOLET: Susan Flintshire.
CORA: What does she say?
VIOLET: Well, prepare yourself for the worst. Not the first page. My poor niece never uses one word when twenty will do. Start there. "I'm sorry..."
CORA: "I am sorry to have to tell you that Hugh has heard a vile story about your granddaughter Mary..."
VIOLET: "Sorry"? She's thrilled. Now, first I must ask - and I want you to think carefully before you answer - is any of this true?
(Cora looks up at Violet, and Violet is surprised to find affirmation in Cora's gaze.)
VIOLET: I see. Some of it is true.
(Cora continues to stare at Violet.)
VIOLET: How much? Oh, dear.
CORA: She didn't drag him.
VIOLET: I wondered about that. I mean, obviously Susan's forgotten the distance between the girls' rooms and the bachelors' corridor.
CORA: She couldn't manage it alone.
VIOLET: So how did she do it?
CORA: I helped her. She woke me up and I helped her.
VIOLET: Well...I always thought this family might be approaching dissolution. I didn't know dissolution was already upon us. Does Robert know?
CORA: No. And he isn't going to.
VIOLET: Oh...
CORA: Of course it was terribly wrong. It was all terribly wrong, but I didn't see what else…
VIOLET: Please. I can't listen to your attempts to try and justify yourself.
CORA: I know this is hard for you to hear. God knows it was hard for me to live through. But if you expect me to disown my daughter, I'm afraid you will be disappointed. Good day.
EXT. COURTYARD
Bates sits on a bench. Anna joins him.
ANNA: I thought you must be out here.
BATES: And you'd be right.
ANNA: I know you're upset.
BATES: Yes, I'm upset. I've been working here two years and yet Mr Carson has no difficulty believing the worst of me.
ANNA: I think he has a great deal of difficulty, which is why he hasn't told His Lordship yet. Can't you just explain about Thomas?
BATES: Not now. It would sound like a false accusation.
ANNA: You can't take it lying down, because you're not guilty of any wrong, and before it's over, I'm going to tell the world.
BATES: Are you? I'm not sure the world is listening.
INT. LADY SYBIL'S BEDROOM
Gwen is finishing the bed when Sybil enters.
GWEN: Sorry, I'm a bit late tonight.
SYBIL: Not to worry. How are you?
GWEN: Bearing up.
SYBIL: This isn't the end. You mustn't give up. We'll get there.
GWEN: Forgive me, my lady, but you don't get it. You're brought up to think it's all within your grasp, that if you want something enough it will come to you. Well, we're not like that. We don't think our dreams are bound to come true, because...because they almost never do.
SYBIL: Then that's why we must stick together. Your dream is my dream now, and I'll make it come true.
INT. SERVANTS' CORRIDOR
Thomas talks with O'Brien as he takes a smoke break by the door.
THOMAS: Why hasn't he done anything? He's had the story and the witnesses.
O'BRIEN: "The witnesses"? What do you think this is, a murder mystery?
THOMAS: Well, Mr Bates can't accuse me now. It'll sound as if he's trying to get his own back.
O'BRIEN: If I lose my job over this, I swear to God I'll swing for you.
INT. KITCHENS
William enters as Daisy is cleaning up.
WILLIAM: Is there any stale bread you're throwing out? And some salt.
DAISY: Why?
WILLIAM: Well, I thought I'd make a last hot poultice or Diamond. It'll give him a better night.
DAISY: You big softie. What'll Mr Lynch say?
WILLIAM: Well, he doesn't mind. He says I've got the touch. He thinks I should pack this in and be a groom.
DAISY: Why don't you?
WILLIAM: My mum. She was so excited when I came here. They're proud of me, and I'd hate to spoil that.
DAISY: Do you miss them? I never had that in my childhood. Someone you could always trust.
WILLIAM: I trust them, they trust me. There are no lies in our house. Thanks, that's enough.
EXT. DOWNTON ABBEY, GROUNDS
Isobel approaches Mary and Cora on their walk.
ISOBEL: I'm glad to catch you. We have a conundrum at the hospital, and I would value your opinion.
CORA: 'Course.
ISOBEL: We've been treating the mother of you footman, William Mason.
MARY: What's the matter with her?
ISOBEL: Heart, I'm afraid. She's forbidden us to say anything to her son.
MARY: That's ridiculous.
ISOBEL: She's gone home now, but she's still very ill. Clearly, the boy should go and see her, and I assume you would have no objections.
CORA: Of course not.
ISOBEL: So... do we break a patient's confidence and disobey her orders, or not?
CORA: We can't, if she's forbidden it.
ISOBEL: I must say I agree with you.
MARY: Well, I'll tell him.
CORA: No, you will not. She has rights, too, and there are rules.
MARY: I don't care a fig about rules.
EXT. STREET, RIPON
Branson drives the motor car around a corner, Sybil in the back seat.
BRANSON: Where to from here, milady?
SYBIL: What do you mean? We've arrived.
BRANSON: The meeting's in one of these buildings here?
SYBIL: This is the meeting. We're here for the counting of the votes.
(Branson stops the car and looks back at her.)
BRANSON: I don't understand. I thought that...
(Sybil gets out of the car.)
SYBIL: Don't be silly, Branson. You didn't think I'd miss my very first by-election?
BRANSON: I don't think His Lordship would approve.
SYBIL: Let me worry about him.
BRANSON: I have to park the car. Don't move. Stay where you are!
SYBIL: Really, Branson, I thought I gave the orders.
(Sybil walks into the courtyard and Branson waves at the honking car behind him and shifts into gear.)
INT. DRAWING ROOM
Thomas opens the door for a guest.
ROBERT: Well, I said to...
THOMAS: Sir Anthony Strallan.
Strallan enters.
CORA: Sir Anthony?
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: Don't worry, Lady Grantham. I haven't got the date wrong.
ROBERT: What a relief. I could hear Cora wondering if dinner would stretch.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: No, I'm not really here at all, but I was driving past your gates on the way to the Callender-Becketts, and I thought I'd take a chance. You see, the thing is, I've got two tickets for a concert in York next Friday.
MARY: How nice. Although, I--I can't…
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: No, I was hoping that Lady Edith might like to accompany me.
EDITH: But I'd love to.
ROBERT: Shouldn't you ask what sort of concert it is?
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: Just Hungry Hundreds stuff mostly, you know. Bellini, Puccini, Rossini. I'm not up to anything complicated.
EDITH: I--I'd like that very much.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: Excellent. Well, it's quite a hike, so I'll pick you up around 6:00? Lady Jervas has asked us for a bite to eat afterwards, if that's all right with your mother?
CORA: By all means.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: Well, I must run. I hope I haven't spoilt your dinner.
ROBERT: We may have to hire a nurse after all.
INT. KITCHENS
Daisy flips a mould upside down to put the dessert on a plate.
MRS PATMORE: Oh, for heaven's sake, hold it steady if you don't want to start again from the beginning.
DAISY: Do these biscuits go up?
MRS PATMORE: No, I put them out for the fairies.
DAISY: Oh.
MRS PATMORE: Of course they're going up. What's wrong with you? You're always dozy, but tonight you'd make Sleeping Beauty look alert.
DAISY: I was just thinking.
MRS PATMORE: Blimey, batten down the hatches.
DAISY: I think I've let myself down.
MRS PATMORE: It can't be a new sensation.
EXT. RIPON, CITY HALL COURTYARD
A man reads off the vote count as the crowd clamours and jostles each other.
ANNOUNCER: The Honourable Joseph Gerald Antsy for the Conservative and Unionist Party: 6,363 votes
WOMAN: Vote for women! Vote for women!
ANNOUNCER: Martin James Dillon, for the Socialist Party: 2,741 votes.
Branson rushes to get to Sybil in the crowd.
BRANSON: Can we call it a day, milady?
SYBIL: Don't be silly. This is the moment we've come for.
ANNOUNCER: Trevor Andrew Morgan, the Liberal Party...
(The announcer has trouble being heard over the crowd.)
BRANSON: This lot aren't interested in politics. They're spoiling for a fight.
EXT. RIPON, STREET
Matthew exits his law firm and hears the sound of the crowd.
ANNOUNCER: ...5,894 votes! I hereby declare that the Honourable...
(A truck full of tough looking men drives up to the city hall. The men rush into the courtyard.)
RINGLEADER: Come on, out you get, lads! We'll soon wipe the smile off their Tory bloody faces.
EXT. RIPON, CITY HALL COURTYARD
Matthew enters and pushes through the crowd to reach Sybil.
ANNOUNCER: ...is duly elected...is duly elected to serve as Member of Parliament...Member of Parliament...
MATTHEW: Sybil!
ANNOUNCER: ...for the Ripon constituency.
MATTHEW: What on earth are you doing here?
SYBIL: I couldn't miss this.
MATTHEW: Couldn't you? I could.
Branson sees the rough men enter.
BRANSON: I don't like the look of this, milady.
(One of the men knocks another man's hat off. The man continues forward and Branson confronts him.)
BRANSON: Look, look, I'm on your side. Don't cause any trouble; you have to believe me.
(The man shoves Branson aside and confronts Matthew.)
MAN: What's your problem, then, Mr La-di-da?
MATTHEW: My problem is you.
MAN: Oh, aye?
The man tries to punch Matthew, but Matthew punches back and somehow Sybil gets knocked to the ground. She bumps her head on a low table, knocking her unconscious. Matthew and Branson crouch over her anxiously. Matthew touches her head and his hand comes away with blood.
BRANSON: Oh, no. Oh, please God, no.
(Branson and Matthew lift her up and Branson carries Sybil out of the courtyard.)
MATTHEW: This way.
INT. DOWNTON
Mary exits the drawing room where Branson and Gwen are waiting.
GWEN: I've fetched a coat.
(Gwen helps Mary into the coat.)
MARY: Why? What do I need a coat for?
BRANSON: I've come to fetch you, my lady. We've taken Lady Sybil to Crawley House in the village.
MARY: What's happened?
BRANSON: I took her to Ripon for the count. She got injured in a fight.
(Mary touches Branson's hand and covers her mouth in fear.)
MARY: Take me there at once.
INT. CRAWLEY HOUSE
Isobel rings out the blood into a bowl as she treats Sybil's head wound. Sybil lies on a couch, regaining consciousness. Mary enters.
MARY: My God. Oh, my darling...
MATTHEW: I didn't know what to do, so I had Branson bring her here.
MARY: Quite right. Mama would have fainted if she'd seen her like this. As for Papa...
ISOBEL: This will sting a bit, but it's stopped bleeding. Did you know she was planning this?
MATTHEW: Of course not.
ISOBEL: Well, what were you doing there? I was working late. I'd forgotten it was election night or I wouldn't have stayed.
SYBIL: I'm so grateful you did.
MARY: I could ring Branson's neck.
MATTHEW: What was he thinking? I'm afraid it'll cost him his job.
SYBIL: No. I told him he was taking me to a committee meeting. When he realised what it was, he wanted to come straight back.
MARY: You'll have to stick up for him, because Papa will skin him alive.
MATTHEW: Are you feeling strong enough to go home?
SYBIL: I think so, if you'll take me.
MARY: Here, wear my coat to cover the blood. You'll look more normal.
Mary takes it off and puts it around Sybil's shoulders.
MATTHEW: Lean on me.
(Isobel regards Mary as Mary watches Matthew lead Sybil out. Mary turns to her.)
MARY: Thank you so much for this.
(Mary turns to leave, but stops.)
MARY: By the way, what happened to William's mother?
ISOBEL: Not good, I'm afraid. She's home, but she's still very weak. Another attack should finish her.
MARY: And he still doesn't know?
ISOBEL: She's adamant. I've tried to explain how hard it'll be on him, but she won't have him disturbed. To hear her talk, you'd think he was a cabinet minister.
MARY: He's made her proud. There are plenty of children in grander circumstances who'd love to say the same.
INT. MR CARSON'S OFFICE
Mr Carson locks storage cupboard doors.
HUGHES: I wish you'd tell me what's troubling you. If it's this business with Mr Bates...
CARSON: Oh, it's not that. I'll get to the bottom of that.
HUGHES: Well, I hope you'll do it soon. If there's one thing I hate, it's an "atmosphere," and we've got a real atmosphere going now. It's an unfair rumour which needs to be scotched.
CARSON: It's very hard to hear the names of people you love dragged in the mud. You feel so powerless.
HUGHES: Well, I respect Mr Bates, but I'm not sure that I love him.
CARSON: I wasn't thinking of Mr Bates.
Daisy knocks at the open door and enters.
DAISY: Mr Carson, have you got a minute?
HUGHES: What is it, Daisy? Mr Carson's a very busy man.
DAISY: I know he is, but I think he'll want to hear this. I told you something that wasn't true.
CARSON: Why would you do that?
DAISY: I did it as a favour for a friend, but I know now he was wrong to ask if of me.
EXT. DOWNTON, FRONT WALK
Matthew helps Sybil out of the car. Mary follows them towards the house, but Branson takes off his hat and addresses her.
BRANSON: She's not badly hurt, is she?
MARY: I don't think so, no.
BRANSON: Thank God.
MARY: Better be prepared. I'm afraid Lord Grantham will hit the roof.
BRANSON: I never would have taken her there. I may be a socialist, but I'm not a lunatic.
MARY: I'm not sure Papa knows the difference.
BRANSON: You'll let me know how she gets on? Please.
MARY: If you wish.
INT. LADY SYBIL'S BEDROOM
Sybil and Cora sit on the bed and Mary and Edith stand nearby as Robert rages.
ROBERT: How dare you?! How dare you disobey me in this way!
CORA: Robert, I'm sure...
ROBERT: Are you so knowledgeable about the great world...
INT. GREAT HALL
Matthew can hear Roberts shouting as he paces.
ROBERT: ...that my instructions are to be set as nothing?!
INT. LADY SYBIL'S BEDROOM
SYBIL: Papa, I'm sorry I disobeyed you, but I'm interested. I'm political. I have opinions.
ROBERT: Of course, I blame Branson.
MARY: I don't think that's fair.
ROBERT: We had none of this - none of it - until he set foot in our house! I suppose I should give thanks he hasn't burnt the place down over our heads!
SYBIL: Branson didn't know anything about it until we arrived there.
ROBERT: He leaves tonight.
SYBIL: If you punish Branson, I'll never speak to you again! Never!
MARY: I don't believe this is Branson's fault. Truly, Papa.
SYBIL: Blame me.
ROBERT: I do blame you!
CORA: Robert, can we do this in the morning? Sybil needs rest.
SYBIL: But if I find tomorrow that Branson is missing, I'll run away. I warn you.
ROBERT: Oh? And where would you go?
SYBIL: Well, I can't think now, but I will go, and you'll be sorry.
ROBERT: I should be sorry. Very sorry indeed.
INT. GREAT HALL
Matthew stops pacing as Robert and Mary enter.
MATTHEW: How is she?
MARY: She'll be perfectly fine.
ROBERT: I gather you're the shining knight in all this.
MATTHEW: Not really but I'm glad I was there.
ROBERT: So am I, by heaven. If it had been left to that bloody fool, Branson.
(Matthew and Mary exchange a significant look pertaining to Roberts prejudice.)
ROBERT: You should see what he reads. It's all Marx and Ruskin and John Stuart Mill. I ask you.
MARY: Papa prefers the servants to read the bible and letters from home.
Mrs Hughes enters.
HUGHES: There are sandwiches for Mr Crawley in the dining room, Lady Mary.
MARY: Thank you, Mrs Hughes. (to Matthew.) We couldn't let you starve.
MATTHEW: You really didn't have to.
ROBERT: Mary, look after Matthew. I'll go up and revive your mother.
(Mary and Matthew walk towards the dining room.)
INT. MR CARSON'S OFFICE
CARSON: Do you stand by your story?
THOMAS: I don't have a story.
CARSON: You saw Mr Bates in here alone, hanging up the cellar key. To me, that is a story.
THOMAS: I only said I might have seen him. Suppose I was wrong?
CARSON: And Miss O'Brien, were you then wrong when you thought you saw Mr Bates carrying a bottle?
Anna looks at O'Brien.
ANNA: You wicked creature.
HUGHES: Anna. You're here to watch, not participate.
O'BRIEN: I don't think I was wrong, no.
CARSON: What do you say to that Mr Bates?
BATES: I know this to be untrue because I have no need of it. Since I arrived at Downton, you have never seen me drink one drop of alcohol.
CARSON: Let us say, then, that Miss O'Brien was...mistaken.
ANNA: Mistaken, my eye.
CARSON: And Daisy, we all know the value of your contribution.
DAISY: Yes, Mr Carson.
CARSON: But I must ask one thing, Mr Bates. How did you know the wine had been taken?
BATES: I'm afraid I cannot answer that.
INT. DINING ROOM
Matthew removes the top of the decanter.
MATTHEW: We can drink to Sybil's safe return.
MARY: Why not? I'll ring for a glass.
MATTHEW: Never mind that. Here.
MARY: You're not very fastidious about doing things properly, are you?
MATTHEW: Are you?
MARY: Less than you might think.
MATTHEW: Are you at all political?
(Matthew uncover the sandwiches and Mary takes a strawberry.)
MARY: Yes, but with a hung Parliament, it's hard to get excited about a by-election. You know nothing will change, whoever gets in.
INT. MR CARSON'S OFFICE
The servants exit except for Bates, Anna, Carson, and Mrs Hughes. Bates closes the door.
BATES: If I might keep you for a minute more, Mr Carson?
HUGHES: I--if you'd like me to leave?
BATES: No, I would like you to stay, please, Mrs Hughes. And you, Anna. You have decided not to take action over the allegations Thomas has made against me because you believe them to be untrue.
CARSON: That is correct.
BATES: And you are right, there is no truth in them. But if you were to proceed with the matter, you would find them to be proven. Thomas has tried to convince you that I am a drunkard and a thief.
ANNA: Which we never believed.
BATES: Because you know no different. Until a couple of years ago, I was a drunkard...and I was imprisoned as a thief.
(Mrs Hughes and Carson are shocked. Anna is dubious.)
BATES: I have repaid your kindness very poorly. I masqueraded as a man of honour and integrity, but by any moral code, I am disgraced.
HUGHES: That can't be the whole story.
BATES: Perhaps not, but it's enough of it to demand my resignation.
CARSON: Do you want to leave, Mr Bates?
BATES: No, but I feel I have no choice.
CARSON: You owe me a say in the matter, surely?
BATES: If you wish.
CARSON: Then I will consider the case and give you my decision when I have discussed it with His Lordship. Until then, I hope you will remain in your post.
INT. DINING ROOM
MARY: Thank you for coming to Sybil's rescue. You were very brave. She told me you knocked a man down.
MATTHEW: I hope I did my duty.
MARY: Are you a creature of duty?
MATTHEW: Not entirely.
MARY: When you laugh with me or flirt with me, is that a duty? Are you conforming to the fitness of things? Doing what's expected?
MATTHEW: Don't play with me. I don't deserve it. Not from you.
MARY: You must be careful not to break Sybil's heart. I think she has a crush on you.
MATTHEW: That's something no one could accuse you of.
MARY: Oh, I don't know.
MATTHEW: I assume you speak in a spirit of mockery.
MARY: You should have more faith.
MATTHEW: Shall I remind you of some of the choicest remarks you made about me when I arrived here?
(Mary looks down.)
MATTHEW: Because they live in my memory as fresh as the day they were spoken.
MARY: Oh, Matthew, what am I always telling you? You must pay no attention to the things I say.
(They regard each other for a moment, and then rush in for a passionate kiss.)
EXT. COURTYARD
Anna approaches Bates.
ANNA: Mr Bates.
BATES: Anna.
ANNA: Will you really leave?
BATES: I doubt His Lordship wants a thief in the house. Now, go to sleep and dream of a better man.
ANNA: I can't. Because there isn't one.
(Bates takes Anna's hand. they lean in for a kiss, but a servant exits just at that moment to bring out the rubbish. Anna leaves.)
INT. LADY GRANTHAM'S BEDROOM
Cora is reading in bed when Mary enters.
CORA: Has Matthew gone?
MARY: Yes.
CORA: Thank the Lord he was there.
(Mary closes the door and sits on the bed.)
CORA: I hope you thanked Matthew properly.
MARY: I got them to make him some sandwiches.
CORA: That's not quite what I meant.
MARY: And he asked me to marry him.
CORA: Heavens! What did they put in them?
MARY: I'm serious. He proposed to me.
CORA: Oh, my dear... Have you given him an answer?
MARY: Only that I'd think about it.
CORA: Well, that's an advance on what it would have been a year ago. Do you want to marry him?
MARY: I know you want me to marry him.
CORA: What we want doesn't matter. At least, it's not all that matters. Do you love Matthew?
MARY: Yes. I think perhaps I do. I think I may have loved him for much longer than I knew.
(Mary tears up.)
CORA: Oh, my darling. Let's not pretend this isn't the answer to every one of our prayers.
(Mary is upset by that.)
MARY: I'd have to tell him.
CORA: Oh... is it absolutely necessary?
MARY: If I didn't, I'd feel as if I'd caught him with a lie.
Robert enters and is surprised to find Mary there. Mary stands.
MARY: I hope you know that really smart people sleep in separate rooms.
ROBERT: I always keep the bed made up in the dressing room, so at least I pretend we sleep apart. Isn't that enough?
MARY: No. Never mind. Good night.
INT. SERVANTS' CORRIDOR
Mrs Patmore walks past O'Brien and Thomas.
MRS PATMORE: Oh, haven't you gone up yet? Blow this out.
(Mrs Patmore hands O'Brien an oil lamp.)
MRS PATMORE: You're the last. Goodnight.
THOMAS: Goodnight.
O'BRIEN: Goodnight.
(Thomas step closer to O'Brien as Mrs Patmore ascends the stairs.)
THOMAS: I'm going to bloody get him. I don't care what you say.
O'BRIEN: What would I say? Everything comes to him who waits.
THOMAS: Well, I've waited long enough.
EXT. STABLES
Mary walks in her riding clothes.
MARY: Does Carson know you're here?
WILLIAM: I heard you were going out, and I wanted to see how he was walking.
(William pets Diamond as he waits for her to take the reins.)
MARY: Lynch is happy for me to ride him?
WILLIAM: Oh, yes. He's better. But I'll wait and see what he's like when you're up.
MARY: William, are you planning to go home soon?
WILLIAM: Well, it's a bit far for my half day, but I can maybe get the time to go in July, when the family's in London. That's if I don't go with you, of course.
MARY: I think you should take a few days off and go now. I'll fix it. I'll speak to Father and to Carson. No one will mind.
WILLIAM: But why, milady?
MARY: Your mother's not been well.
WILLIAM: Wha...how--how do you know?
MARY: I heard someone mention it in the village. I forget who.
WILLIAM: I had a letter and she never said.
MARY: Oh, I'm sure it's nothing, but I know it would cheer her to see you.
WILLIAM: Well... if it wouldn't be a bother.
MARY: It won't. I'll arrange it as soon as I get back.
WILLIAM: Thank you very much, milady.
(Mary takes begins to walk the horse.)
MARY: She ought to spend some time with the people she loves.
INT. LADY GRANTHAM'S WRITING ROOM
Cora writes at her desk. Thomas enters.
THOMAS: The Dowager Countess, milady.
(Violet enters and Cora stands, Thomas exits.)
VIOLET: Good afternoon, my dear.
CORA: Good afternoon.
VIOLET: There's no need to be so prim. I come in peace. Shall I sit here?
(Violet seats herself and Cora stands next to a nearby chair.)
VIOLET: Now, I've been thinking. I confess I do not know if I would have had strength, mentally or physically, to carry a corpse the length of this house... but I hope I would have done. You were quite right. When something bad happens, there's no point in wishing it had not happened. The only option is to minimize the damage.
CORA: Or try to. But if the Flintshires have got hold of it...
VIOLET: I've written to Susan. I said it was a story made up by Mr Pamuk's enemies to discredit him. Even if she doesn't believe me, she won't tell in case it reflects badly on her. The ambassador is dangerous, but then, how many people really go to the Turkish embassy?
CORA: It only takes one.
VIOLET: Well, I mean, it just can't be helped. We can't have him assassinated. I suppose.
CORA: Robert still doesn't suspect.
VIOLET: Oh, I should hope not. No, our only way forward is to get Mary settled as soon as possible.
CORA: I have news on that score. Matthew has proposed.
VIOLET: My, my. Has she said yes?
CORA: She hasn't said anything yet, except that she's going to have to tell him about Pamuk.
VIOLET: For heaven's sake! Why?
CORA: She thinks to keep it secret would be dishonourable.
VIOLET: She reads too many novels. I mean, one way or another, everyone goes down the aisle with half the story hidden. The question is, will she accept Matthew?
CORA: I'm not sure.
VIOLET: Well, if she doesn't, we'll just have to take her abroad. In these moments, you can normally find an Italian who isn't too picky. We'll give her till the start of the grouse.
CORA: Very well. If she turns Matthew down, we'll take her to Rome in the autumn.
VIOLET: It's official.
CORA: Thank you for not turning against her. I know that you have rules, and when people break them you find it hard to forgive. I understand that and I respect it.
VIOLET: In this case, Mary has the trump card.
CORA: What?
VIOLETMary is family.
(Cora smiles as Violet leaves.)
End of the episode.
Ecrit par Stella