Downton Abbey

The house is made open to the public to raise money for the hospital, an act that divides opinions among the family and the servants. Tensions between Violet and Cora come to a head as a decision is made about the hospital takeover, Mr Dawes has a proposition for Molesley, and Baxter is thrown into turmoil by an unexpected letter. Carson is not happy with Thomas, while Mary and Edith hope to overcome their past and find new happiness with the men in their lives.

Isobel is puzzled to receive an invitation to a wedding between a young lady, Amelia Cruikshank, and Lord Merton's son Larry, since in the past he had insulted her by calling her a middle-class gold-digger. A suspicious Violet goes to confront Amelia, and accuses her of wanting Isobel to marry Lord Merton and look after him in his old age. The family watch Henry in a motor car race, but his friend Charlie is killed in a crash. With the entire family in shock, Mary takes a call from Henry, who implores her to give her an answer to his advances; she says no, as he is not the right type for her. Daisy and Molesley sit their exams; the latter does so well that the headmaster offers him a teaching job at the school. He also offers to help Andy learn to read, when his problem is revealed. Mrs Hughes pretends to have injured her hand, so is unable to cook, and gets Mr Carson to do everything; naturally he makes a complete mess, and gains a new respect for his wife's efforts. Mrs Patmore's B&B opens with its first guests. Bertie proposes to Edith, who asks for time to consider. Upon returning to Downton, the family are surprised to learn Violet is going away for a month to the south of France, in an effort to clear the air following the conflict over the hospital. She does make one gesture of goodwill before leaving, a new dog for Robert.

A change of circumstance puts Bertie Pelham in the limelight, and Edith must decide whether to conceal her past at all costs or confront the truth and risk losing everything. As both sisters seek their perfect match, hostilities escalate and it is up to Mary to decide if she can ever make peace with Edith - or herself? Spratt proves to be a man of hidden talents and Mr Molesley embarks on a career in teaching, though his first lesson does not quite go to plan. Mrs Patmore's bed and breakfast garners unwanted attention - will the Crawleys come to her aid?

Everyone gathers for Edith and Bertie's wedding on New Year's Eve. Anna suddenly goes into labour in Mary's bedroom and gives birth to a son. Carson realizes his illness will ultimately prevent him from performing his duties, and tenders his resignation; Robert reluctantly accepts, and suggests that Thomas return as Butler. Carson can retire with a pension, retaining an oversight role, which pleases all three. Violet accepts that Cora has taken over her prime position within the family, and they reconcile.