OPENING TITLES
INT. GREAT HALL
Mrs Hughes does her rounds as the housemaids clean the room.
HUGHES: Hurry up, girls, come on.
INT. DRAWING ROOM
Mrs Hughes continues her rounds. A housemaid cleans the chandelier and steps down from the ladder.
HUGHES: Come on, come on. You should be done here. They'll be back from the station any second now.
INT. SERVANTS' CORRIDOR
Carson and Mrs Hughes descend the servants' stairs.
HUGHES: I haven't had a chance to ask, how was London?
CARSON: Oh, much as usual. Dirty, noisy, quite enjoyable.
HUGHES: There was no need for you to come back a day early. I'm perfectly capable of getting the house ready.
CARSON: Of course you are. But I like to have the heavy luggage back and unpacked before they get here.
HUGHES: I suppose...
(Carson and Mrs Hughes suddenly make way as William almost runs into them with a tray of silver vases.)
HUGHES: Steady, William! This isn't a race.
William nods and exits.
HUGHES: Poor lad.
CARSON: But he did see her? I was worried when I took him to King's Cross.
HUGHES: Yes, he had time to say goodbye.
CARSON: How is he now?
HUGHES: Well, you've only got one mother, haven't you?
(Gwen rushes in holding some flowers.)
GWEN: They're here, Mrs Hughes.
(Carson and Mrs Hughes head for the stairs.)
July 1914
EXT. DOWNTON ABBEY, FRONT WALK
The family exits the motorcar.
CORA: Hello, William. It's good to have you back.
INT. GREAT HALL
ROBERT: What a relief to be home.
CORA: Don't listen when His Lordship pretends not to enjoy the Season.
ROBERT: When in Rome.
HUGHES: Will Lady Mary be back soon?
ROBERT: She's staying on with my sister for a couple of weeks.
The servants assist the family as they remove their travel clothes.
HUGHES: So Grantham House is closed?
CORA: It will be by the end of this week. Dear Mrs Hughes, I hope you've had some time to yourself while we've been away.
HUGHES: I've tackled a few jobs that get forgotten about when the house is full.
ROBERT: Any local news?
HUGHES: The main topic here is the murder of the Austrian Archduke.
CARSON: Here and everywhere else.
ROBERT: I'm afraid we haven't heard the last of that. And how's William?
CARSON: Bearing up.
ROBERT: Poor chap. He has our sympathies. I think I'll wash the train off before dinner.
BATES: Very good, milord. I can unpack while you're bathing.
ROBERT: I'll see you up there.
The family and servants depart leaving only Cora and Mrs Hughes.
CORA: Oh, Mrs Hughes, have you had any thoughts about the garden party for the hospital?
HUGHES: I've started on it, but there are things we need to talk about.
CORA: Oh, dear. That sounds like trouble. I'll take my hat off. Sybil?
(Sybil and Edith stop before they go up the stairs.)
CORA: You were a great success in London, darling. Well done.
(Sybil smiles and goes up the stairs. Edith looks at her mother.)
EDITH: You never say that to me?
CORA: Don't I? You were very helpful, dear. Thank you.
INT. SERVANTS' CORRIDOR
Mrs Hughes has a word with Carson as they watch Mrs Patmore and Daisy through the kitchen window.
HUGHES: I hate to spoil Her Ladyship's homecoming, but what are we going to do about Mrs Patmore? She's worse than when you left. Much worse. Oh, and I meant to ask - is there a decision? About Mr Bates leaving?
CARSON: Not yet. His Lordship wants the facts, and Mr Bates won't give them. So what are you going to say to Her Ladyship about Mrs Patmore?
HUGHES: I'm not sure. I don't want the poor woman sacked, but things cannot go on as they are.
EXT. LONDON, PARK
ROSAMUND: There's nothing like an English summer, is there?
MARY: Except an English winter.
ROSAMUND: I'm sorry you haven't received more invitations. But then, after four seasons, one is less a debutant than a survivor.
MARY: Hmm.
ROSAMUND: My dear, is there anything you're not telling me?
MARY: No.
ROSAMUND: Only, one hears stories...
MARY: There's nothing, Aunt Rosamund.
ROSAMUND: So, have you decided? Whether or not to marry Cousin Matthew?
(Mary looks at Rosamund in surprise.)
ROSAMUND: Oh, there's no secret Cora can keep for more than a month.
MARY: You'd be surprised. I've told him I'll give him my answer the day I get back.
ROSAMUND: Well, it would be very tidy. At least we can say that.
INT. SERVANTS' HALL
Miss O'Brien reads a letter and Bates regards her as she looks up and closes it.
O'BRIEN: Fancy a smoke?
THOMAS: Don't mind if I do.
(Thomas follows her out as William enters.)
WILLIAM: There they go, Guy Fawkes and his assistant.
GWEN: Which is which?
ANNA: Here you are.
(Anna hands William a black cloth. He puts on the black armband. Anna turns to Bates.)
ANNA: Surely if His Lordship hasn't done anything until now, it means he doesn't want to take it any further.
Carson enters and the servants stand.
WILLIAM: Anna's made me an armband, Mr Carson. For my mother. Can I wear it?
CARSON: I daresay. Not when we're entertaining, but otherwise.
(Carson sits and the head of the table and the others sit back down.)
INT. GREAT HALL
ROBERT: Hello, Doctor. I didn't know you were here.
CLARKSON: No, Lady Grantham sent a message.
ROBERT: Why? She's not ill, is she?
CLARKSON: Not ill, exactly.
ROBERT: Would you mind waiting in the library?
(Robert rushes up the stairs.)
INT. LADY GRANTHAM'S BEDROOM
Robert sits down stunned at something Cora just said.
ROBERT: Pregnant?
CORA: You needn't be quite so shocked.
ROBERT: Give me a moment. You haven't been pregnant for 18 years.
CORA: And I'm pregnant now.
ROBERT: I don't understand what we've done differently.
CORA: Stop right there. If you want to know more, go down and offer the doctor some whisky.
ROBERT: I can't take it in.
CORA: But you're pleased?
ROBERT: Of course. Of course I'm pleased.
(They kiss and hug.)
INT. COURTYARD
Thomas smokes and reads the letter O'Brien received while she smirks.
THOMAS: I didn't think she'd do it.
O'BRIEN: I told you she would. I could see she was interested. And I was speaking as one lady's maid to another. That means something, you know.
THOMAS: 'Course we thought we had him before, but he's a slippery devil.
(Thomas smirks and hands the letter back to O'Brien.)
INT. LIBRARY
DR CLARKSON: It's...unusual, obviously.
ROBERT: Unusual? It's Biblical.
DR CLARKSON: Not quite. You understand that women go through a...a certain... change.
ROBERT: Thank you. I know quite as much as I need to about all that.
DR CLARKSON: Well, sometimes it can result in a...a surge of...fertility, for want of a better word.
ROBERT: But the child will be healthy?
DR CLARKSON: Oh, there's no reason why not.
ROBERT: How long has she...?
DR CLARKSON: Hard to be precise. Things had become irregular, but...
ROBERT: Please.
DR CLARKSON: I'd say she's about four months gone. It'll begin to show soon.
ROBERT: And I don't suppose there's any way of knowing if it's a...
DR CLARKSON: No.
Mrs Hughes enters and Dr Clarkson stands.
HUGHES: I do beg your pardon, milord. I thought you were alone.
DR CLARKSON: No, please come in, Mrs Hughes. I'm just leaving.
(Mrs Hughes turns towards the door.)
HUGHES: William?
ROBERT: Well, thank you, Doctor...I'd better start writing some letters.
HUGHES: Show Dr Clarkson out.
(William opens the door for the doctor and follows him out.)
HUGHES: I didn't want to bother Her Ladyship if she's not well...
ROBERT: She's resting, but tell me anyway.
HUGHES: It's Mrs Patmore, milord. The time has come when we really have to make a decision.
ROBERT: Mm.
INT. MR CARSON'S OFFICE
Mr Carson reads the note that O'Brien received while O'Brien and Thomas wait.
THOMAS: Now do you believe me?
CARSON: Careful, Thomas. Your position is not a strong one.
O'BRIEN: Don't punish us, Mr Carson. It's Mr Bates who's wanting here.
THOMAS: Tell me, Mr Carson, do you think it right a man like that should live and work at Downton?
EXT. LONDON, BELGRAVE SQUARE/ INT. LADY ROSAMUND'S HOUSE
A car prepares to leave on a raining street. Mary sits alone staring out the window when a butler opens the door.
BUTLER: Mr Napier, milady.
MARY: What a surprise. I'm afraid you've just missed my aunt.
EVELYN NAPIER: I know. I watched her leave.
MARY: How are your wedding plans going?
EVELYN NAPIER: Not very well. In fact, we've decided to call it off.
MARY: Really? It seemed quite fixed at Sybil's ball. What a shame. Please.
(Mary offers him a seat.)
EVELYN NAPIER: It'll be better in the long run.
MARY: Perhaps. I know what high hopes you have of the institution.
EVELYN NAPIER: The thing is, Lady Mary, I-- I'm here today because I needed to tell you something face to face before you went to the country.
MARY: Face to face? Gracious me.
EVELYN NAPIER: I've recently heard gossip about the time when I came to Downton with Kemal Pamuk. Gossip that I believe has made life difficult for you. I've also heard it said that I am the source of these stories. It is very important to me that you should know that I am not. From that day to this, I have never spoken one word on the matter.
MARY: Then who did?
EVELYN NAPIER: It seems to have come from the Turkish Embassy, from the ambassador himself, in fact, and his wife.
MARY: But who told them, if not you?
EVELYN NAPIER: This is the hard part. When I discovered the answer, I debated whether I should relay it, but in the end I feel you ought to know.
MARY: The suspense is killing me.
EVELYN NAPIER: It was your sister, Lady Edith, who wrote to the ambassador. That is why people accept the story.
MARY: Edith?
EVELYN NAPIER: It is very hard to believe.
MARY: Harder for you than for me.
(Napier is surprised by that comment.)
INT. DOWNTON, SERVANTS' CORRIDOR
HUGHES: I love the thought of a baby in the house, but if it's a boy...
CARSON: It'll be very hard on Mr Crawley.
(Mrs Hughes looks at him in surprise.)
CARSON: I know, I was no great champion when he first arrived. But it seems to me he's tried his best, and he's done the decent thing.
HUGHES: I can't see that coming off.
CARSON: You don't mean the engagement?
HUGHES: But it's not an engagement yet, is it?
CARSON: She'd never throw him over.
HUGHES: Mr Carson, Lady Mary Crawley does not deserve you.
INT. THE DOWER HOUSE
VIOLET: And she's not been in touch with Cousin Matthew?
CORA: Not that I've heard.
VIOLET: Wonderful news, of course. You must look after yourself.
CORA: Don't worry, O'Brien has me wrapped in silk and feathers.
VIOLET: You're lucky. I have a horrible feeling Simmons is about to hand in her notice. She's looking very fidgety lately, and I saw her hurrying to meet the postman.
CORA: Oh, you poor thing. Is there anything worse than losing one's maid?
VIOLET: I mean, why would she want to leave me? I've been as gentle as a lamb. Most of the time.
EXT. DOWNTON ABBEY, GROUNDS
Robert and Matthew walk together.
ROBERT: I want to say I'll make provision for you if it's a boy and you get pushed out.
MATTHEW: Don't worry. I know you can't. If any man living understands the strength of the entail, it's me.
ROBERT: I can give you Crawley House for life, if it's a help.
MATTHEW: Have you heard from Mary?
ROBERT: No. Have you?
(Matthew shakes his head.)
ROBERT: By the way, I want to ask a favour. What's the name of your cook? The one you brought with you from Manchester?
MATTHEW: Mrs Bird?
INT. KITCHENS
DAISY: I'll get it, Mrs Patmore!
MRS PATMORE: Oh, don't fuss me!
WILLIAM: Is that everything.
DAISY: Yeah. How are you feeling?
WILLIAM: Well, most people's parents die before them, and so...
THOMAS: Oh, give it a rest. Your mother knew how to drag it out, I'll say that for her.
WILLIAM: What?
HUGHES: Thomas! Get up to the servery.
(Mrs Patmore drops a pot and shrieks, holding her hand in pain.)
MRS PATMORE: You gave me the wrong cloth!
HUGHES: Sit down, Mrs Patmore.
MRS PATMORE: I can't sit down, I've got the luncheon to finish!
HUGHES: It was not a suggestion. Sit!
(Mrs Patmore sits, nursing her hand.)
HUGHES: Daisy and I will finish the luncheon.
INT. CRAWLEY HOUSE
ISOBEL: So he'll give us this house for life, will he? How generous.
MATTHEW: It is generous. He doesn't have to. But it's made me think. You must stay here if you want, but I wonder if it mightn't be better all round if I went back to Manchester.
ISOBEL: It may not be a boy.
MATTHEW: Really, mother. You never approved of it all in the first place. If it is a boy, you should see it as a release, not a disappointment.
ISOBEL: What does Mary say?
MATTHEW: Nothing yet.
Molesley enters.
MOLESLEY: You wanted to see Mrs Bird, sir.
Mrs Bird enters.
MATTHEW: Yes, Mrs Bird, Lord Grantham has rather a favour to ask of you.
MRS BIRD: I'm surprised Lord Grantham knows that I exist, sir.
INT. LORD GRANTHAM'S DRESSING ROOM
Mr Carson knocks and enters with a letter while Bates is tending to Roberts wardrobe.
CARSON: I'm sorry to disturb you.
BATES: Quite all right.
CARSON: Mr Bates, it's about your somewhat startling confession. As you'll have surmised, His Lordship has yet to come to a decision.
BATES: His delay is generous.
CARSON: However, it will be no surprise to you that Miss O'Brien has been unwilling to let things drop. It seems that, when we were in London, she made a new friend. A lady's maid in the house of a colonel in your former regiment.
(Carson hands Bates the letter and Bates reads it.)
CARSON: Please tell me that this account is false, at least in part.
BATES: I wish I could.
CARSON: I'll have to show this to His Lordship.
BATES: Of course you will.
CARSON: I do not like to play the part of Pontius Pilate, but I'm afraid I must. Lord Grantham will decide what's to be done. Mr Bates... I hope you do not feel that I have treated you unjustly.
BATES: On the contrary, Mr Carson. I am astonished at your kindness.
(Carson exits.)
EXT. LONDON, BELGRAVE SQUARE/ INT. LADY ROSAMUND'S HOUSE
ROSAMUND: Of all of you, Sybil might find joy in a cottage. But not you.
MARY: We don't know it'll be a boy.
ROSAMUND: Exactly. So ask Matthew to wait until the child is born. If it's a girl you can wed him happily, and all will be as it was before.
MARY: But if I delay, won't he think I'm only after him for his position? Besides, I'm not sure I want to put him off, even without the title.
(Rosamund is surprised.)
MARY: We get on so well, you know. And he's terribly clever. He might end up Lord Chancellor.
ROSAMUND: And he might not. Oh, come along, Mary, be sensible. Can you really see yourself dawdling your life away as the wife of a...country solicitor?
INT. LIBRARY
Carson enters with Robert.
CARSON: But why would we ever want a telephone at Downton, my lord?
ROBERT: Well, they have their uses. You could speak to the housekeeper in London. That'd be helpful, surely.
CARSON: I hope I have not failed in my management of the recent move.
ROBERT: Not at all. But the telephone is here now, and the girls got used to it when we were in London. Besides, none of us know what the next few months will bring.
CARSON: Because of the Archduke's death?
ROBERT: Austria won't get what it wants from Serbia. And now Russia's starting to rumble. Well, there's not much we can do about that. So, will you take care of the telephone man?
(Carson nods with a grumble.)
CARSON: Oh, about Mr Bates, my lord. I expect you've had time to consider the contents of that letter?
ROBERT: Yes, but I find it very odd. Regimental silver? I could more easily see Bates as an assassin than a petty pilferer.
CARSON: I agree. And while the letter is hard to argue with, I wouldn't put anything past Thomas or Miss O'Brien.
INT. DRAWING ROOM
SYBIL: So, what did we miss?
MARY: Nothing much. Although you'd have had more invitations than I did.
VIOLET: Have you thought about Matthew?
MARY: Of course, but Aunt Rosamund...
VIOLET: No! She's written to me. I should pay no attention.
EDITH: But Granny, she has got a point. Mary can't be completely naïve.
MARY: I don't need your help, thank you.
VIOLET: Mary, listen to me. If you take Matthew now when his whole future is at risk, he will love you to the end of his days.
SYBIL: Why, Granny, you're a romantic.
VIOLET: I've been called many things, but never that.
EDITH: And what happens if the baby is a boy and Matthew loses everything?
VIOLET: Mary can always change her mind.
MARY: But I can't do that to Matthew. It's not how we are together.
VIOLET: Oh!
MARY: Now, I'm going upstairs to help Anna unpack.
SYBIL: I'll come with you.
Sybil leaves with Mary. Violet sits down with Cora and Edith.
CORA: Edith, why don't you go, too?
VIOLET: Sir Anthony Strallan was at Lady Wren's party. He asked after you.
(Edith smiles and exits.)
CORA: Is she really serious about him?
VIOLET: Any port in a storm. Oh, by the way, I was right about my maid. She's leaving to get married. I mean, how could she be so selfish?
CORA: I do sympathise. Robert's always wanting me to get rid of O'Brien, but I can't face it. Anyway, she's so fond of me.
VIOLET: Well, I thought Simmons was fond of me. What am I to do?
CORA: Why don't I put an advertisement in The Lady? It's always the best place to start.
VIOLET: Oh, that's so kind. Thank you. I really must be going. Now, don't let Mary wait for the baby before she gives Matthew her answer.
CORA: I'm sure it's another girl.
VIOLET: I know those men of the moral high ground. If she won't say yes when he might be poor, he won't want her when he will be rich.
INT. SERVANTS' HALL
DAISY: Maybe we should knit something.
O'BRIEN: Oh, yes, I'm sure they'd love a pair of booties knitted by you.
WILLIAM: Or what about a Christening mug?
THOMAS: They can buy their own silver.
GWEN: Anything in the paper, Thomas?
THOMAS: They've arrested this Princip fellow and his gang. All Serbian and members of the Black Hand.
O'BRIEN: "The Black Hand"? Oh, I don't like the sound of that.
BATES: I don't like the sound of any of it. War is on the way.
WILLIAM: Then we'll have to face it. As bravely as we can.
THOMAS: Thank you, Mr Cannon Fodder.
GWEN: Well, don't you think a war's coming?
THOMAS: Oh, there'll be a war, all right. It's time to prepare for it.
ANNA: The country, do you mean?
THOMAS: No, me.
BATES: You never disappoint.
Carson enters and the servants stand.
CARSON: Daisy? Run and find Mrs Patmore. His Lordship wants to see her in the library.
DAISY: His Lordship wants Mrs Patmore to go up to the library?
CARSON: That is what I said. And Anna, you're to come, too.
(Daisy goes to fetch Mrs Patmore. Carson exits.)
O'BRIEN: And we thought the assassination of an archduke was a surprise.
(Anna leaves and they sit down.)
INT. LIBRARY
Carson enters.
CARSON: Mrs Patmore, my lord.
(Mrs Patmore and Anna enter and Robert rises from his desk.)
MRS PATMORE: Your Lordship, I know things haven't been quite right for a while, but I can assure you...
ROBERT: Come in, Mrs Patmore.
MRS PATMORE: I promise you, milord, if I could just be allowed a bit more time--
ROBERT: Mrs Patmore, I've not asked you here to give you your notice.
MRS PATMORE: Haven't you?
ROBERT: No. I understand you've had some trouble with your sight.
MRS PATMORE: That's just it! I know I could manage better if only--
ROBERT: Please, Mrs Patmore...
ANNA: Let him speak. Beg pardon, milord.
ROBERT: Don't apologise. Now, on Dr Clarkson's recommendation, I'm sending you up to London to see an eye specialist at Moorfields. Anna will go with you and you'll stay with my sister Rosamund in her new house in Belgrave Square.
MRS PATMORE: I'm afraid I'm going to have to sit in your presence, milord.
ROBERT: Of course.
MRS PATMORE: B...but how will you get on here?
(Robert sits in a chair next to Mrs Patmore.)
ROBERT: Well, Mrs Crawley is lending us her cook, Mrs Bird. She's coming over tomorrow. You'll be good enough to show her how things work.
MRS PATMORE: A...are the Crawleys to starve while I'm away?
ROBERT: They'll eat here every evening. Now, my sister's butler will look after you. He's very nice. Anna, you won't mind a visit to London?
ANNA: No, milord. Thank you. It'll be an adventure.
ROBERT: One with a happy ending, I hope.
EXT. DOWNTON ABBEY, GROUNDS
MATTHEW: Let me get this clear. At Sybil's ball you said you'd give me your answer the day you got back, and now you say you will not.
MARY: Why do we have to rush into it? I need to be sure, that's all.
MATTHEW: But you were sure. Shall I tell you what I think has altered you? My prospects. Because nothing else has changed.
MARY: No.
MATTHEW: Yes! If your mother's child is a boy, then he's the heir and I go back to living on my wits, and you'd rather not follow me there.
MARY: Oh, Matthew, you always make everything so black and white.
MATTHEW: I think this is black and white. Do you love me enough to spend your life with me? If you don't, then say no. If you do, then say yes.
MARY: I want to... Granny told me I should say yes now, then withdraw if you lost everything.
MATTHEW: To make that work, you'd have to be a good liar. Are you a good liar?
MARY: Well, not good enough to try it, apparently.
INT. LORD GRANTHAM'S DRESSING ROOM
ROBERT: How could you not have realised they'd discover the loss at once? And to keep them in your house... But you only served two years?
BATES: That's right, my lord.
ROBERT: So, clearly the judge thought there was some mitigating factor. I just want to know the truth.
BATES: I cannot speak of it, milord. You must decide whether I stay or go on the basis of the evidence before you. I will respect that.
INT. SERVANTS' CORRIDOR
ANNA: Sorry, I don't believe it.
BATES: How can you say that? When I've confessed to the crime?
ANNA: Well, His Lordship obviously doesn't think that's all there is to it, and I don't either.
MRS PATMORE: Daisy, have you finished...
Mrs Hughes approaches.
HUGHES: Anna, are you set for the nine o'clock train tomorrow?
ANNA: All packed and ready.
HUGHES: You'll be met at King's Cross by Lady Rosamund's chauffeur, which I think is generous, but after that you're on your own. Right. I must get on. I'm acting referee for Mrs Patmore and Mrs Bird.
BATES: Best of luck.
ANNA: Will you miss me?
BATES: Try not to miss me. It'll be good practice.
INT. KITCHENS
MRS PATMORE: I expect it'll be hard adjusting to this kitchen after the one you're used to.
MRS BIRD: Not to worry, I'm sure I can have it cleaned up in no time.
MRS PATMORE: Cleaned up?
MRS BIRD: I'm not criticising. With your eyesight, it's a wonder you could see the pots at all.
Mrs Hughes enters.
HUGHES: You'll have met Daisy and the others?
MRS BIRD: I have. Though what they all find to do is a mystery to me.
MRS PATMORE: Are you not used to managing staff, Mrs Bird?
(Anna and Molesley watch the conversation from the kitchen window.)
MRS BIRD: I'm used to getting it done with one kitchen maid, Mrs Patmore, but I suppose in a house like this, you expect to take it easy.
(Mrs Patmore puts down her baking spoon at that.)
ANNA: Do you think we should erect a ring and let them fight it out?
MOLESLEY: She's all right, Mrs Bird. She's more of a general than a trooper, but you need that in a cook.
ANNA: Well, Mrs Patmore's the Generalissimo.
INT. CRAWLEY HOUSE
ISOBEL: Well, I'm very sad. I thought Mary was made of better stuff.
MATTHEW: Don't speak against her.
ISOBEL: Of course, she's taken advice from someone with false and greedy values.
MATTHEW: Oh, Mother.
ISOBEL: And we don't have to go too far to know who that is!
MATTHEW: Mother!
ISOBEL: I've a good mind to...
MATTHEW: You are not to go near Cousin Violet. That is an order.
INT. CORA, COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM'S BEDROOM
ROBERT: Something's not right about it.
CORA: I agree. Having a silver thief in the house does not seem right at all. Even if he could walk.
ROBERT: But Carson isn't keen to get rid of him, either, and he normally comes down on this sort of thing like a ton of bricks.
CORA: What's his reasoning?
ROBERT: He blames Thomas and O'Brien. He says they've been working against Bates since he got here.
(O'Brien enters in the background.)
CORA: So I should sack O'Brien instead?
ROBERT: You'll hear no argument from me.
O'BRIEN: This should do the trick, milady.
EXT. COURTYARD
Thomas and O'Brien take a smoke break.
O'BRIEN: Ten years of my life that's what I've given her. Ten bloody years
THOMAS: But did she say she'd sack you?
O'BRIEN: It's obviously what he wants.
THOMAS: So when will they tell you?
O'BRIEN: When they've found a replacement. Heaven forfend she should have to put a comb through her own hair. And if I'm going, you won't be far behind.
THOMAS: Oh, so what? Sod 'em. There's a war coming and war means change. We should be making plans.
O'BRIEN: What you talking about?
THOMAS: Well, put it like this. I don't want to be a footman anymore, but I don't intend to be killed in battle, neither.
(Thomas finishes his cigarette and walks back to the house.)
INT. SERVANTS' CORRIDOR/KITCHENS
Thomas enters through the back door. Mrs Patmore's whispering to Daisy.
MRS PATMORE: I'm not saying poison them. Just make sure they don't find her food all that agreeable.
DAISY: By poisoning it?
MRS PATMORE: Will you stop that!
DAISY: You don't want it to taste nice.
MRS PATMORE: I want them to be glad when I get back. That's all.
INT. OUTER HALL
CARSON: This will be for the family and the one in my pantry is for the staff. Or, more precisely, me.
MR BROMIDGE: We don't normally provide two.
CARSON: Then perhaps we should find another supplier.
MR BROMIDGE: Hold your horses. Right. Where do you see this other telephone?
CARSON: Here in the outer hall.
Carson sees Strallan enter through the open front door and he opens the inner door for him.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: Good afternoon, Carson. Is Lady Edith in?
EDITH: I am!
Edith enters.
EDITH: I most certainly am.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: I was just driving past...
EDITH: Yes?
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: And I thought you might like to come for a spin. If you're not too busy.
EDITH: Wait till I get my coat.
Sybil enters.
MR BROMIDGE: Is it all right if I make some notes?
SYBIL: I'm so sorry, Mr...?
CARSON: This is Mr Bromidge, my lady. He's here about the telephone.
SYBIL: Oh! Please make your notes, dear Mr Bromidge. We're so looking forward to it. What an exciting business to be in.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: You must be expanding every day.
MR BROMIDGE: Ah, we are, sir. But, er, that brings its problems. Training up men for the work when many have no aptitude. Ha, I can't even find a secretary who can keep pace at the moment.
SYBIL: What?
MR BROMIDGE: It's hard with a new concept. Too old, they can't change. Too young, and they've no experience.
SYBIL: But have you filled the post yet? Because I know just the woman.
MR BROMIDGE: Well, she must hurry up. We'll, er, close the list tomorrow night.
SYBIL: You'll have her application, I promise.
EXT. LONDON, MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL
A nurse exits the hospital and Anna and Mrs Patmore enter.
INT. LONDON, MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL
ANNA: This isn't bad at all, is it?
MRS PATMORE: I don't know. No one told me there'd be an actual operation.
ANNA: Well, what did you think? They were just going to make magic passes over your eyes?
(A doctor enters.)
DOCTOR: All right, Mrs...Patmore?
ANNA: She'll be fine, thank you.
DOCTOR: And you've been, er, sent to us by the Earl of Grantham?
ANNA: That's right.
DOCTOR: Very good. You can leave her now. We'll, er, keep her in for a week. You can collect her next Friday.
(Anna nods and the doctor leaves and Anna rubs Mrs Patmore's arm.)
ANNA: I'll be in to visit every day.
MRS PATMORE: What about the rest of the time?
ANNA: Don't worry. You'll be fine.
EXT. LONDON, PARK
Anna strolls through the park.
EXT. MILITARY OFFICES
Anna approaches a military building.
NCO: Bates, you say?
ANNA: John Bates. He must have left the army about eight years ago.
NCO: Wait here, please.
(The NCO marches off and solutes to another soldier on his way. Anna sits on a bench to wait.)
INT. KITCHENS
Mrs Bird checks on Daisy's cooking.
MRS BIRD: Have you finished the soup?
DAISY: I think so, Mrs Bird.
MRS BIRD: And the sauce for the fish?
DAISY: Yes, Mrs Bird.
MRS BIRD: Well, then, put them in the warmer.
(Daisy rushes nervously to the sink, grabs the soap and a grater and grates it into the soup, checking to make sure no one's looking.)
EXT. MILITARY OFFICES
The NCO returns with a record book. Anna stands.
NCO: You don't mean John Bates who went to prison for theft?
ANNA: That's correct.
NCO: Well, I know who he is right enough. That was an odd business.
ANNA: Why "odd"?
NCO: Never mind. So you're his cousin and you'd like to be in touch?
(Anna nods.)
NCO: Very forgiving. Well, I've got no address for him or his wife. But I have got one for his mother, which should still be good. I've written it down for you.
(The NCO hands Anna the note.)
ANNA: Thank you for your trouble.
INT. UPSTAIRS CORRIDOR
Mary waits for Edith to walk by and grabs her arm.
MARY: Is it true you wrote to the Turkish ambassador about Kemal?
EDITH: Who told you?
MARY: Someone who knows that you did.
EDITH: Then why are you asking?
MARY: Because I wanted to give you one last chance to deny it.
EDITH: And what if I did? He had a right to know how his countryman died. In the arms of a slut.
INT. DRAWING ROOM
VIOLET: How's that advertisement getting on for the new maid?
CORA: Well, it's only just come out.
CARSON: William and I can manage here now. Go and tell Mrs Bird we'll have our dinner in twenty minutes.
CORA: Carson, be sure to say to Mrs Bird the dinner was really delicious.
(Carson nods proudly. Cora moves to sit across from Edith. Mary is behind her.)
CORA: So, how was the drive?
EDITH: It was lovely. Only...
ROBERT (background): They are now. When they're in London, at least.
CORA: Yes?
EDITH: Well, he said he had a question for me. He told me he'd ask it at the garden party, and he hopes I'll say yes.
ISOBEL(background): Yes, I could.
ROBERT(background): Carson's very wary...
CORA: You must think very carefully what our answer will be.
MARY: Yes, I should think very carefully about a lot of things.
(Edith's smile fades and Mary gets up to move. Matthew watches her.)
ISOBEL: Do your neighbours have one?
ROBERT: Yes, they do, in London anyway.
MATTHEW: It seems very wise to get a telephone now. If there is a war, it may be very hard to have one installed in a private house.
ROBERT: Well, let me show you where we're going to put it.
MATTHEW: Oh.
Matthew and Robert leave. Isobel refuses to look at Violet, whom she's still angry with.
VIOLET: First electricity, now telephones. Sometimes I feel as if I were living in a--an H.G. Wells novel. But the young are all so calm about change, aren't they? Look at Matthew. I do admire him.
ISOBEL: Do you?
VIOLET: What have I done wrong now?
ISOBEL: Oh. please. Don't pretend Mary's sudden reluctance can't be traced back to you.
VIOLET: Well, I shall pretend it. I told her to take him. Your quarrel is with my daughter Rosamund, not me. So, put that in your pipe and smoke it.
INT. MR CARSON'S OFFICE
Thomas takes the wallet out of Carson's coat pocket. Molesley enters and pauses when he sees Thomas.
THOMAS: Mr Molesley, what you are after?
MOLESLEY: Wanted a word with Mr Carson. I'm here to have my dinner.
THOMAS: You don't want much, do you?
MOLESLEY: What're you doing?
THOMAS: Mr Carson dropped his wallet in the passage. I was replacing it.
INT. DINING ROOM
Robert and Matthew sit at the table.
ROBERT: But everything seemed so settled between you at Sybil's ball.
MATTHEW: Things have changed since then.
ROBERT: Not necessarily. I don't seem to be much good at making boys.
MATTHEW: Any more than I'm much good at building my life on shifting sands.
ROBERT: You do know I should be very proud to have you as my son-in-law, whatever your prospects.
MATTHEW: Unfortunately, sir, your daughter is more practical than you.
INT. SERVANTS' HALL
CARSON: Will you join us, Mrs Bird.
MRS BIRD: I don't mind if I do.
DAISY: I'm not sure Mrs Patmore would like that, Mr Carson. Cook always eats separate, that's what she says.
MOLESLEY: Not in our house. There's only the four of us.
Thomas approaches O'Brien.
THOMAS: Well, you're going any minute. She's advertised for your replacement.
O'BRIEN: That filthy, ungrateful cow.
HUGHES: Let the kitchen maids have theirs on their own. You stay with us.
Mrs Bird nods her appreciation and sits at the table while Daisy finishes serving up the soup.
CARSON: Her Ladyship said to tell you that the dinner was delicious.
DAISY: She can't have.
CARSON: Daisy? Does that surprise you?
(The servants all being eating and realise something's wrong. Mrs Bird spits out her soup and looks at Daisy)
MRS BIRD: What have you done with this, you little beggar? I knew it. That's why I said it was for upstairs. come on! Tell us what's in it!
DAISY: Just...water and a bit of soap.
(The servants all put down their spoons.)
MRS BIRD: And you've put something in the fish sauce as well?
DAISY: Only mustard and aniseed.
HUGHES: Why, Daisy? Why would you do such a thing?!
DAISY: Because Mrs Patmore was worried that they'd prefer Mrs Bird's cooking and they wouldn't want her to come back.
CARSON: Is that likely? When they've taken such trouble to get her well?
DAISY: I'm sorry.
Daisy continues crying. Mrs Bird stands and goes to comfort her.
MRS BIRD: There, there. There are worse crimes on earth than loyalty. Dry your eyes, and fetch the beef stew I was making for tomorrow. You've not had a chance to spoil that, I suppose.
DAISY: I was going to mix in some syrup of figs. But I've not done it yet.
THOMAS: Well, at least we'd have all been regular.
INT. GREAT HALL
SYBIL: Carson said you were here.
MR BROMIDGE: Ah, just, er, checking that everything's being done right, milady.
SYBIL: Only we never heard back. That is, Miss Dawson never heard back from you. About an interview.
MR BROMIDGE: Ah, yes, er, we...we got the young lady's letter. But the trouble is, she didn't have any experience of hard work that I could tell, so...
SYBIL: Oh, but she's a very hard worker!
MR BROMIDGE: Oh, I couldn't find any proof of it. And she gave you as a reference when, er, you don't run a business, milady. Well, not that I'm aware of.
(Sybil turns to a housemaid passing through the hall.)
SYBIL: Lily! Can you find Gwen and tell her to come to the hall, now.
LILY: Yes, milady.
(The maid exits and Sybil turns back to Bromidge.)
SYBIL: The reason Gwen didn't give any more details is because she works here. As a housemaid.
MR BROMIDGE: Ah, and you thought that'd put me off?
SYBIL: But she's taken a postal course and has good speeds in typing and Pittman shorthand. Test her.
MR BROMIDGE: I will if I like the look of her. Ah, so, young lady, you thought I'd turn up my nose at a housemaid.
GWEN: I did, sir.
MR BROMIDGE: Well, my mother was a housemaid. I've got nothing against housemaids. They know about hard word and long hours, that's for sure.
GWEN: Well, I believe so, sir.
MR BROMIDGE: Right, well, is there somewhere we could talk?
SYBIL: Gwen, take Mr Bromidge to the library. I'll see no one disturbs you.
GWEN: Okay.
Gwen precedes Mr Bromidge into the next room and Sybil stands guard in the outer hall as Robert approaches.
LADY SYBIL: Sorry, Papa, you can't go in there.
ROBERT: Why on earth not?
SYBIL: Gwen's in there with Mr Bromidge. She's being interviewed.
ROBERT: I cannot use my library because one of the housemaids is in there applying for another job?
SYBIL: That's about the size of it.
INT. LONDON, MRS BATES'S HOUSE
Anna visits Bates' mom.
MRS BATES: So, what is it you want to know?
ANNA: I want to know the truth about the case against him. I want to know why the sergeant thought it was "odd". I want to know what Mr Bates isn't saying.
MRS BATES: Because you don't believe him to be guilty?
ANNA: No, I don't. I know he's not.
MRS BATES: Well... You're right, of course.
ANNA: Then who was it? Who was the thief?
MRS BATES: His wife, Vera.
INT. MR CARSON'S OFFICE
William and Gwen stare at the telephone.
WILLIAM: Who do you call? No one you know has got one.
GWEN: But they will have. You'll see.
CARSON: Might I inquire why my pantry has become a common room?
WILLIAM: Sorry, Mr Carson. But...do you know how it works?
CARSON: Of course I do.
DAISY: Will you show us?
CARSON: Certainly not! A telephone is not a toy, but a useful and valuable tool. Now, get back to your work.
(The servants leave and Mr Carson closes the door and stares at the telephone like the others just were. He picks up the ear piece gingerly and blows into it. Then he leans over and puts his ear to the mouthpiece and blows into the earpiece.)
INT. LONDON, MRS BATES'S HOUSE
MRS BATES: She worked at the barracks sometimes, and helping at big dinners and so on. That night her opportunity came and she took it. They knew it was her. Someone even saw her with a big carry-all.
ANNA: But why did he confess?
MRS BATES: Well... John wasn't the same man in those days. The African war had shaken him up and made him angry. He'd been wounded, and he drank a lot more than was good for him.
ANNA: Was he violent?
MRS BATES: No. No, not violent, but he could be hard at times, with a tongue like a razor. He felt he'd ruined Vera's life, Miss Smith.
ANNA: Do you agree with him?
MRS BATES: No. No, I thought she was a nasty piece of work. But that's why he took the blame.
ANNA: Surely, if everyone knew he was innocent...
MRS BATES: But he confessed. There was nothing anybody could do once he confessed.
INT. GREAT HALL
Thomas escorts Dr Clarkson through the house.
THOMAS: Could I ask you something, sir? Only...I get the feeling that a war's on the way.
(Thomas hands Dr Clarkson his medical bag.)
DR CLARKSON: I'm afraid we all do.
THOMAS: And when it comes, I want to be really useful to my country.
DR CLARKSON: How heartening.
THOMAS: So I've been thinking, what could be more useful than what you do? Bringing people back to health, back to life.
DR CLARKSON: I see. Well, erm, we are looking for volunteers to train for the Territorial Force hospitals, if that's what you mean.
THOMAS: It's exactly what I mean.
DR CLARKSON: Will you not be missed here?
THOMAS: Maybe. But we'll all be going, won't we? The younger men anyway.
DR CLARKSON: As you wish. I'll make inquiries.
THOMAS: Thank you very much, Doctor.
INT. LIBRARY
Carson pours a drink for Robert.
CARSON: Mr Molesley walked in and there he was, as bold as brass, taking my wallet out of my change coat. Mr Molesley would have no reason to make it up, my lord. He doesn't know Thomas. Why would he lie?
ROBERT: So Thomas has been caught red-handed. Well, we knew he was a thief, didn't we?
CARSON: And now we have unimpeachable proof. I'm afraid he has to go.
ROBERT: I hate this sort of thing. With Lady Grantham's condition and everything. Can we at least wait until after the garden party?
CARSON: Very well, my lord. But then, I think we must act.
INT. KITCHENS
Mrs Patmore is wearing sunglasses.
HUGHES: How long will you wear them?
MRS PATMORE: A week or so. But I can see much better already, even with them on.
HUGHES: Thank heaven. Now, we need to talk about the garden party. Mrs Bird and I have made some lists...
MRS PATMORE: Mrs Bird? Oh, I think we can manage without any help from Mrs Bird.
MRS BIRD: Can you? Well, if you want your garden party to be run by a Blind Pugh, that's your business.
HUGHES: Mrs Patmore, there's a lot to be done and you're only just up on your feet. We really cannot manage without Mrs Bird.
MRS PATMORE: If you say so.
HUGHES: Now, I've been checking the stores and I've ordered what you'll need for the baking.
MRS BIRD: That's very kind, Mrs Hughes. But, er, I believe we should check the stores when it's convenient.
HUGHES: Mrs Bird, at Downton Abbey, the housekeeper manages the store cupboard, but I think you'll find...
MRS BIRD: I've never not run my own store cupboard in my life. Separate the cook for the store cupboard? Where's the sense in that?
MRS PATMORE: How long have I been saying this, O Lord?
MRS BIRD: We're the ones who cook it. We should be the ones to order it.
MRS PATMORE: Mrs Bird, I shall be very happy with your help with the garden party. I'm sure we can manage it easily between the two of us.
INT. MR CARSON'S OFFICE
Carson sits at his desk with the telephone in front of him. He picks up the earpiece correctly and speaks into the phone.
CARSON: Hello, this is Downton Abbey. Carson, the butler, speaking.
(Carson hangs up the earpiece and considers for a moment. He picks the earpiece back up.)
CARSON: Hello. This is Mr Carson, the butler of Downton Abbey. To whom am I speaking?
(A voice sounds through the earpiece and Carson just about drops it in surprise.)
CARSON: I'm not shouting! Who are you?
OPERATOR: Mrs Gaunt.
CARSON: Oh, Mrs Gaunt.
OPERATOR: What number do you want?
CARSON: No, I don't want to place a call.
(Mrs Gaunt says something we can't hear.)
CARSON: I was practicing my answer.
(Mrs Gaunt says something we can't hear.)
CARSON: Well, I daresay a lot of the things you do sound stupid to other people!
(Carson hangs up.)
INT. LADY GRANTHAM'S BEDROOM
VIOLET: I've written to your mother. She's very anxious, naturally. She suggested coming over.
CORA: Oh, God.
VIOLET: Yeah, well, that's what I thought. So I put her off, told her to come and admire the baby.
O'Brien enters.
O'BRIEN: I'll just go and run Your Ladyship's bath.
CORA: Thank you, O'Brien.
VIOLET: Oh, have you had any answers about the position?
CORA: Quite a few.
VIOLET: So what do they sound like?
CORA: There's one I think has real possibilities. She learned to do hair in Paris while she was working for the Ambassadress.
VIOLET: Oh... Oh, that sounds promising.
INT. LIBRARY
Robert is sitting at his desk when the door opens.
ROBERT: Carson, I've been meaning...
ANNA: You're Lordship.
ROBERT: Oh. Anna, you're back safely, then?
ANNA: Yes, thank you, milord. And Mrs Patmore's fighting fit again.
ROBERT: "Fighting fit" is the phrase. Is something the matter?
ANNA: I wanted to see Your Lordship because...
ROBERT: Please.
(Anna walks closer.)
ANNA: While I was in London, I learned something about Mr Bates.
ROBERT: Not bad, I hope.
ANNA: No. Not bad at all. I'd have told Mr Carson, but I thought you might like to hear it from me first.
ROBERT: Go on.
ANNA: You see, I went to call on Mr Bates's mother.
INT. LADY GRANTHAM'S BATHROOM
Cora is taking her bath.
CORA: O'Brien... how long do you think it takes a lady's maid to settle in?
O'BRIEN: Depends on the maid, milady.
CORA: 'Course it does.
(Cora drops the bar of soap.)
CORA: Oops. Sorry.
O'Brien walks over and picks up the soap. A second bar of soap is next to it, but she leaves it there and hands Cora the soap.
O'BRIEN: The other half's under the bath.
CORA: Never mind. Thank you.
(O'Brien moves the soap with her foot so it's not under the bath.)
O'BRIEN: I'll just go and sort out your clothes, milady.
CORA: Okay.
O'BRIEN: Sarah, O'Brien, this is not who you are.
(O'Brien turns back to the bathroom.)
O'BRIEN: Milady, if you could just wait...
(Cora shouts as she falls in the bathroom and O'Brien stops.)
INT. LORD GRANTHAM'S DRESSING ROOM
Robert stares out the window.
BATES: The doctor's gone, Your Lordship, but he's coming back after dinner. Lady Mary's with her now.
ROBERT: Thank you.
BATES: I don't suppose you'll want to change. But is there anything else I can do to be useful?
ROBERT: It was a boy.
(Robert begins to cry.)
ROBERT: I'm sorry, I don't mean to embarrass you.
BATES: I'm not embarrassed. I just with you could have been spared this.
ROBERT: I know you do. Thank you. By the way, Anna's told me what she learned in London.
BATES: Has she? She's not told me.
ROBERT: Oh, well, the good news is you won't be leaving Downton. And I need some good news today.
INT. SERVANTS' HALL
Miss O'Brien thinks about what she's done.
HUGHES: That poor wee babe.
ANNA: How's Her Ladyship doing?
HUGHES: I'll take her up a tray in a minute, but I daresay she won't touch a bite.
WILLIAM: What about you, Miss O'Brien?
O'BRIEN: What about me?
WILLIAM: It must have been quite a shock.
O'BRIEN: Yes. Yes, it was.
Branson enters.
CARSON: I think you'd better dine with us, Mr Branson. We can't know if you might be needed later.
BRANSON: Well, I'm to go for the doctor at ten.
Thomas enters.
THOMAS: What a long-faced lot.
CARSON: Kindly show some respect.
THOMAS: Come on, Mr Carson, she'll get over it. They're no bigger than a hamster at that stage.
BATES: Will you shut up?
HUGHES: I agree. What is the matter with you, Thomas?
THOMAS: I don't know. I suppose all this makes me feel claustrophobic. I mean I'm sorry, 'course I am, but why must we live through them? They're just our employers; they're not our flesh and blood.
DAISY: Thomas, don't be so unkind.
WILLIAM: Is there nothing left on earth that you respect?
THOMAS: Hark at him. Blimey, if he carries on like this for the unborn baby of a woman who scarcely knows his name, no wonder he fell to pieces when his old mum snuffed it.
Mrs Hughes and Mr Carson's jaws drop. William bolts out of his chair and punches.
CARSON: William! Thomas! William! Stop that! That is enough!
Neither of them pay Carson any heed. The roll of the table onto the floor and William punches Thomas. Thomas stops the next punch and hits William back. Branson steps in and pulls William off Thomas.
BRANSON: Calm down. He had that coming.
EXT. DOWNTON ABBEY, GROUNDS
A string quartet plays for the garden party. Daisy brings a tray of food to the catering tent and Thomas brings them out to the guests, his face bruised from the fight.
DR CLARKSON: Oh, Thomas.
(Thomas approaches the doctor.)
DR CLARKSON: I've done as I promised. General Burton is commanding the Division at Richmond and I think I may have a place there for you.
(Clarkson pulls out some papers.)
DR CLARKSON: Under Colonel Cartwright. These are the papers. When you're ready, report to the local recruiting office and they'll take it from there. As a matter of fact, I'm being drafted back in as a captain, so I'll try to keep an eye on you.
THOMAS: That's very kind of you, Doctor.
DR CLARKSON: With any luck, there may be some advantage in your having volunteered so early.
Thomas nods and leaves. William enters the catering tent with empty champagne glasses. Daisy waits with dessert trays.
WILLIAM: Oh, hang on a minute. Now, give me yours and take this one at the same time.
DAISY: William, I'm sorry I've been so unkind to you lately.
WILLIAM: That's all right.
DAISY: No, it's not all right. I don't know why I said those things.
WILLIAM: Well, you were under an evil spell.
DAISY: Well, I'm not under it any more.
WILLIAM: I'm glad.
DAISY: Friends?
WILLIAM: Always friends.
INT. KITCHENS
MRS BIRD: I think we should start the ices now. If you agree, Mrs Patmore.
MRS PATMORE: Certainly, Mrs Bird.
(The telephone rings and the cooks stop to look.)
MRS PATMORE: Oh, my Lord, listen to that. It's like the cry of a banshee.
Branson enters as the phone rings again and he points to Carson's office.
BRANSON: Mr Carson's telephone is ringing. Well, isn't someone going to answer it?
MRS PATMORE: I wouldn't touch that thing with a ten-foot pole.
BRANSON: Well, I will, then.
Branson enters Carson's office and answer the phone properly.
OPERATOR: Is Mr Carson there?
BRANSON: No, Mr Carson's busy, but can I take a message?
EXT. DOWNTON ABBEY, GROUNDS
Branson runs to Sybil where she's talking with Edith and two other ladies.
EDITH: I wish ours was.
BRANSON: I've got news, milady!
(Branson whispers in Sybil's ear. Sybil covers her mouth as she gasps excitedly.)
SYBIL: Oh! Sorry.
Sybil rushes off and Branson follows her, to the surprise of Edith and the other ladies. Sybil and Branson run to Gwen, who's carrying a tray.
SYBIL: Mr Bromidge has rung! You've done it, Gwen! You got the job!
GWEN: Take it! Take it!
The maid takes the tray and Gwen has a giggling group hug with Sybil and Branson. Mrs Hughes approaches scornfully.
HUGHES: Something to celebrate?
(The group hug breaks up to face Mrs Hughes. Branson takes Sybil's hand.)
GWEN: I got the job, Mrs Hughes! I'm a secretary! I've begun!
HUGHES: I'm very happy for you, Gwen. And we'll celebrate after we've finished today's work.
GWEN: Of course, Mrs Hughes.
(Gwen sobers and goes back to work. Sybil realises she's holding Branson's hand and he turns to her.)
BRANSON: I don't suppose that...
HUGHES: Lady Sybil? Her Ladyship was asking after you.
Sybil leaves. Branson turns to watch her go. He thinks for a moment and is about to leave when Mrs Hughes addresses him.
HUGHES: Be careful, my lad. Or you'll end up with no job and a broken heart.
BRANSON: What do you mean?
(Mrs Hughes regards him for a moment and leaves with a small sigh.)
EXT. DOWNTON ABBEY, GROUNDS
Strallan walks with Mary.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: I don't seem to be able to find your sister.
MARY: I wonder where she is. Of course, she may have been cornered. I know there was some old bore she was trying to dodge.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: Who was that?
MARY: I'm not sure. He's simply ghastly apparently, but he's promised to propose today. I can't tell you how funny she was when she acted it out. She ought to go on the stage.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: Really? Ah, how amusing.
Carson watches the party with Mrs Hughes.
CARSON: Well done, Mrs Hughes. Beautifully executed, as always.
HUGHES: The key is in the planning.
(Thomas approaches them.)
THOMAS: Mr Carson, this probably isn't the moment, but I've just heard from Dr Clarkson I've been accepted for a training scheme. For the army medical corps.
CARSON: Have you indeed?
THOMAS: Yes, and I want to do it, so I'll be handing in my notice. I'll serve our the month, of course.
CARSON: Thank you, Thomas. We can talk about it later.
(Thomas leaves.)
HUGHES: And you couldn't have planned that any better either.
Edith follows Strallan.
EDITH: You can't be leaving yet.
SIR ANTHONY STRALLAN: I'm afraid I must. Please make my excuses to your mother.
(Strallan tips his hat to her. Edith follows him for a moment longer as he walks away.)
EDITH: But...
(Mary watches her. When Edith meets her eye, Mary raises her glass to Edith in mockery.)
O'Brien goes to Cora who is lounging unhappily in the shade of a tent.
O'BRIEN: I wish you'd come inside, milady.
CORA: No. People mustn't think I'm really ill. I don't want to cast a dampener on the party.
O'BRIEN: Very well. But are you are you have everything you need, milady?
(O'Brien places a blanket over Cora's legs.)
CORA: Dear O'Brien. How sweet you are.
O'Brien nods and leaves. Violet rushes to her.
VIOLET: O'Brien, O'Brien! Can I have a word? I need a favour and I don't want to bother Lady Grantham with it.
O'BRIEN: Certainly, milady.
VIOLET: She's been helping me find a new maid... and we've had quite a few answers from her advertisement. Can you find where she's put them and get Branson to bring them to the Dower House?
O'BRIEN: Her Ladyship was helping you find a new lady's maid?
(O'Brien realises her mistake.)
VIOLET: Yes. We should have asked you, really. You might take a look at the letters if you have a minute. There's one we liked the sound of who'd been trained in Paris. Do you know where she might have put them? The answers?
O'BRIEN: Oh, yes, milady. There are only two or three places they could be.
VIOLET: Oh, thank you, O'Brien. You're a treasure. Thank you.
EXT. GROUNDS, CATERING TENT
Bates stands there with his cane while Anna brings in a tray.
ANNA: I didn't know a garden party was a spectator sport.
BATES: Pretty, though, isn't it? Hard to believe the clouds are gathering on a summer's day like this.
ANNA: Mr Bates, I know you think I was wrong to call on your mother.
BATES: I don't think that. She likes you, by the way.
ANNA: I had to find out the truth.
BATES: But you see you don't know the whole truth, not even now. You know my mother's truth.
ANNA: But not your wife's... Where is she now.
BATES: I couldn't tell you.
ANNA: I better get back.
Anna leaves and Molesley steps up next to Bates.
BATES: Are you here, Mr Molesley? I didn't know that.
MOLESLEY: Just helping out. Nice girl, that Anna. Do you know if she's got anyone special in her life?
BATES: I'd like to say she hasn't. I would, truly, but I'm afraid there is someone, yeah.
MOLESLEY: And do you think he's keen on her? Or is it worth a go?
BATES: Well, he keep himself to himself. He's very hard to read at times, but...I'd say he's keen. I'd say he's very keen indeed.
(Molesley grimaces and walks on. Mrs Patmore rushes out with a tray.)
MRS PATMORE: Daisy! I said ices, not iced cakes! Now, unclog your ears and get these to William before they turn into soup.
EXT. DOWNTON ABBEY, GROUNDS
Mary talks with Matthew by a bench.
MARY: But I don't understand, nothing's changed.
MATTHEW: Everything's changed.
MARY: You can't be sure I was going to refuse you, even if it had been a boy. Because I'm not.
MATTHEW: That's the point. I can't be sure. Of you, or of anything, it seems. The last few weeks have taught me that.
MARY: But you can't leave Downton.
MATTHEW: I can't stay. Not now.
MARY: Well, what will you tell Papa?
MATTHEW: That I'm grateful for what he's tried to do, but the experiment is at an end. I'm not a puppet. I must take charge of my own life again.
MARY: Would you have stayed if I'd accepted you?
MATTHEW: Of course.
MARY: So I've ruined everything.
MATTHEW: You've shown me I've been living in a dream, and it's time to return to real life. Wish me luck with it, Mary. God knows I wish the best for you.
(Both of them are on the verge of tears when he leaves. Mary covers her face with her hands and cries.)
Violet and Rosamund see Matthew return.
VIOLET: Well, Rosamund, I'm afraid your meddling has cost Mary the only decent offer she'll ever get.
ROSAMUND: I'm sorry, Mama, but you know me. I have to say what I think.
VIOLET: Why? Nobody else does.
Carson goes to Mary as she cries.
CARSON: Are you quite well, my lady?
LADY MARY: Of course. You know me, Carson. I'm never down for long.
(Mary continues to cry and Carson holds her in his arms.)
CARSON: I know you have spirit, my lady. That's what counts. It's all that counts in the end. There, there.
Isobel and Violet walk together.
ISOBEL: So, Mary is to be denied her countess's coronet after all?
VIOLET: Don't crow at me. I think she was very foolish not to take him when she could. Well, I told her so.
ISOBEL: Well, if I'm perfectly honest, I wonder if Matthew isn't making the same mistake right now.
(They watch Matthew walking alone.)
Robert sits with Cora, holding her hand.
ROBERT: Are you warm enough?
CORA: I am when you're holding my hand.
(Carson enters with post tray.)
CARSON: Your Lordship? This has just arrived for you.
ROBERT: Thank you.
CARSON: Oh, and I'm happy to tell you that Thomas has just handed in his notice. So we'll be spared any unpleasantness on that score.
ROBERT: What a relief.
Robert places the letter opener back on the tray and Carson leaves. Robert's expression changes to foreboding surprise as he reads the letter. He exits the tent and pulls off his hat to wave everyone's attention.
ROBERT: Please, will you stop, please!
(The string quartet stops playing.)
ROBERT: My lords, ladies and gentlemen. Can I ask for silence?
(All conversations cease and the servants step out of the catering tent to listen.)
ROBERT: Because I very much regret to announce...that we are at war with Germany.
(Everyone stands in shock.)
End of the episode.
Ecrit par Stella