Cora discovers she is pregnant. The family is astonished and, in London, Mary wonders how to answer Matthew’s proposal, since his situation would change completely if the baby is a boy. Her aunt, Lady Rosamund Painswick, questions whether Mary would be happy as the wife of a solicitor. Evelyn Napier tells Mary that the story going round about Mary and Pamuk was started by Edith.
In Downton, family and servants prepare for a garden party in aid of the local hospital. Everyone is delighted at the prospect of a new baby. Robert, however, is anxious to do the right thing by Matthew, who is already bitterly disappointed that Mary will not give him an answer until after the birth. Isobel discovers that, for a change, she and Violet are agreed on this matter. They both wish Mary would say yes. Mary accuses Edith of spreading the story that threatens to ruin her. Edith shrugs. Mary had it coming.
At Mrs Hughes’s prompting, Robert informs Mrs Patmore that he has arranged for her to see an eyespecialist in London. Anna will accompany her. Mrs Crawley’s cook, Mrs Bird, will look after them. Mrs Patmore asks Daisy to ensure Mrs Bird’s cooking does not surpass her own. Daisy takes her task very seriously.
O’Brien has received a letter. Thomas is thrilled with its contents and they show it to Carson who passes it on to Robert. It contains unfortunate news that O’Brien has dug up about Bates, and Bates’s future at Downton still hangs in the balance following his revelations in the previous episode. Robert informs Cora. He would prefer to get rid of O’Brien, rather than Bates, and he says it just as she walks into the room. O’Brien is angry at the thought of being replaced and the news motivates Thomas to enquire with Clarkson about finding work in the army medical corps. When Thomas tells O’Brien that Cora is advertising for a new maid, O’Brien’s rage makes her arrange an accident for Cora resulting in the miscarriage of her baby boy. But O’Brien is mortified when she discovers the truth. It was Violet, not Cora, who was looking for a lady’s maid.
Mr Bromidge is charged with fitting Downton’s telephone. The servants all wonder how it works. Bromidge is talking to Sybil about his trying to find a secretary. She immediately thinks of Gwen. Sybil enlists Branson’s help and ensures the job interview goes ahead without a hitch in the library.
The news of the death of Cora’s unborn son spreads quickly and Thomas’s callous comments bring a punch from William. The moment bonds William and Daisy. But when Mary tries to accept Matthew, she finds her delay in giving her answer before the miscarriage has cost her a husband.
In London, Anna delves into Bates’s history. She visits his former Barracks and gets an address for his mother who tells her the truth of her son’s past. Anna informs Robert who assures Bates that his job is secure. Despite this, Bates is still hesitant to reveal his true feelings towards Anna, but when Molesley makes an enquiry into Anna’s availability, Bates assures him she has a serious admirer.
Molesley sees Thomas attempting to steal a wallet from Carson’s coat pocket. Carson informs Robert and they agree to dismiss Thomas after the garden party.
On the day of the party, Mrs Bird and Mrs Patmore, having initially hated each other, find common ground in fighting Mrs Hughes. Before Carson gets a chance to sack him, Thomas hears from Dr Clarkson that he has a place on a training course at Richmond Camp. Instantly, he hands in his notice.
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How come I've been taking my meds"
Originally Posted by Crimbo Cracker
