- Violet embroils the Minister of Health in the hospital row, but his visit ends in catastrophe. Mary's suspicions are aroused.
- In London Edith has a date with Bertie as well as appointing an editrix but Mary discovers her sister's secret, at the same time assuring Tom that Henry Talbot is merely a friend. Barrow finds out young footman Andy's weakness whilst a court case brings Baxter and Molesley closer together and Denker has cause to be grateful to Spratt. Violet invites health minister Neville Chamberlain to dinner in her plan to defeat Isobel and Cora and their supporters over the hospital but the event is overshadowed by a family emergency.—don @ minifie-1
- May 1925. Mrs Patmore, Daisy, and Andy help Mr Mason move into the farm. Thomas discovers that Andy is desperately illiterate, and kindly offers to teach him in secret, so he can study farming theory while apprenticing with Mr. Mason. The dowager decides to fire Denker for 'over-loyal' insolence to Dr. Clarkson, but the maid plays the hidden kin card to make Spratt argue for a second chance. Violet blackmails Minister of Health Neville Chamberlain to attend dinner at Downton, haranguing everyone about the hospital. Robert suddenly vomits blood over the dinner table, collapses, and is rushed by ambulance to hospital as Dr. Clarkson diagnoses a burst ulcer. The earl survives surgery well, but Mary tells Tom that the two of them 'must' take over running the estate, 'sparing' her father further stress. Mary keeps toying with gentleman admirer Henry Talbot, who finds a car-crazy friend in Tom, and becomes suspicious about Marigold's birth after overhearing a puzzling remark between Cora and Violet. Edith hires same-age Laura Edmunds as magazine editor, and slides into kissing mode with Bertie Pelham. Molesley accompanies Baxter to Coyle's trial, but she is not called upon to testify as he pleads guilty.—KGF Vissers
- Mr. Mason moves to Yew Tree Farm, assisted by Daisy, Andy, and Mrs. Patmore. Tom and Mary drop by and express their concern as to whether Mr. Mason can handle the physical work involved in raising pigs. Andy volunteers his services, much to everyone's surprise. He is eager to learn about farming and Mr. Mason loans him some books. Mr. Mason asks Daisy to live at the farm, saying she can still work at the big house as it is just a 20 minute walk. Daisy, however, is not enthusiastic and avoids giving him an answer.
Carson and Mrs. Hughes have their first dinner at their cottage on the estate. Mrs. Patmore sent some food but Mrs. Hughes knows little about cooking. The meal she prepares is not up to Carson's standards. Later he suggested that Mrs. Patmore give her a few lessons. Mrs. Hughes is obviously angry but does not protest.
Edith goes to London to interview candidates for the new editor and hires Laura Edmunds, an attractive woman her own age. She and Bertie meet at her flat for a drink before going out to dinner. They kiss and he tells her how much he likes her. Edith says they barely know each other.
Henry Talbot invites Mary to watch him test drive his new car. Tom offers to go with her. They take a walk on the estate and he asks if she is serious about Talbot. She admits to liking him but says she will never marry "down." They discuss Tom and Sybil's marriage and he points out how happy they were, even though he lacked money and social status. Mary says the family understands that now, although they didn't at first.
After the test drive is concluded, Talbot invites them to join him at a nearby pub. Mary has rarely visited a pub. She and Talbot make tentative plans to meet in the future. Tom says they should simply admit to wanting to see more of each other.
Anna and Bates discuss whether Mary and Talbot will eventually marry. Anna does not think so. She doesn't believe Talbot is what Mary is looking for, but admits that she could be wrong. She wonders what Talbot would do at Downton Abbey should he and Mary get married. Bates suggests he get a job but Anna says there is nothing locally for him to do. Bates expresses his great happiness at the coming birth of their child. Anna is more cautious and reminds him that they still have months to wait.
After being cautioned by Bates and Anna to be mindful of what she says, Baxter goes to give evidence at Peter Coyle's trial. Molesley insists on accompanying her. But Coyle changes his plea and Baxter's testimony is not needed. She is very relieved. Later, Anna asks her how the trial came out and Baxter shares the good news. Anna obviously wants to know more but Baxter is not forthcoming.
With their parents away, the Downton children spend time with Robert and Cora. Sybbie asks if Granny Violet is a red Indian. Robert laughs and asks her what she means by that. George reveals that Nanny said she was on the warpath. Cora shows the children pictures of places she and "Donk" have traveled. Robert explains what a Sphinx is.
Andy continues to rebuff Barrow's invitations. He tells Anna and Bates that knowing Barrow's "inclinations" he does not want to socialize with him. Anna say he isn't being fair. Later, Barrow catches Andy angrily throwing one of the books Mr. Mason loaned him. He guesses that Andy can't read and offers to teach him. Andy accepts the offer.
Believing that Dr. Clarkson has turned against the Dowager Countess over the fight for the hospital, Denker tells him off. He is furious and reports her behavior to Violet, who promptly dismisses her. Denker is devastated and asks for Spratt's help in getting her job back. He refuses until she threatens to tell the police that he aided his nephew's escape from prison. Violet agrees to give Denker another chance after Spratt points out how difficult it is to find properly-trained lady's maids. Spratt tells Denker not to ever mention his nephew again. Denker says it will depend on whether she needs to.
Robert's attacks of indigestion are becoming more frequent but he shrugs it off.
On hearing that Neville Chamberlain, then the Minister of Health, is traveling in the area, Violet insists on inviting him to dinner at Downton Abbey. The battle over the hospital is heating up and she wants to get Mr. Chamberlain on her side. Robert and Cora don't think he will accept the invitation but Violet says she can persuade him. She points out that his wife's godfather was her late husband.
In the hours leading up to the dinner, Robert is increasingly unwell. It is too late to cancel and he refuses Cora's suggestion to not attend. Violet changes the seating arrangement behind Cora's back. Lord Merton and Isobel arrive together. She scolds Dr. Clarkson for traumatizing Denker and almost getting her fired. Dr. Clarkson says he didn't want her to be fired, only reprimanded. Mr. Chamberlain arrives and Violet makes a vague reference to something that happened in his past.
During a fierce argument between Cora and Violet, Robert stands up. Suddenly he projectile-vomits blood all over the table and collapses. Dr. Clarkson says his ulcer has burst. Carson calls for an ambulance. Robert manages to tell Cora that if "this is it" he has loved her very much. Cora replies that this is not "it". Edith and Mary accompany their parents to the hospital. Before they leave, Mary overhears a remark about Cora never forgiving Violet about Marigold that arouses her curiosity.
Tom stays behind to see Mr. Chamberlain off and asks why he accepted the dinner invitation. Chamberlain reveals a secret about his younger days that Violet had knowledge of. While it happened long ago, mention of it in the newspapers would be embarrassing. Chamberlain decided that accepting Violet's invitation was a small price to pay.
Robert has surgery and is expected to recover. Mary tells Tom that from now on, the two of them will assume complete responsibility for the running of the estate. While they will involve Robert in major decisions, he must not be allowed to worry as that was what caused the ulcer.
Before retiring, Mary asks Anna if there has been any talk about Marigold in the servants' hall. Anna says only that she is a very lucky little girl to have been taken in by the family. Mary asks her if that is all and Anna says it is. Mary is too exhausted to discuss the matter further.
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