Chapter 15 Season 2 – House of Cards Episode Summary 2.2

House of Cards Chapter 15 Episode Summary: House Representative Francis Underwood becomes the Vice President of the United States and immediately wreaks havoc in the White House after scheming with State Secretary Cathy Durant into forcing the issue of the Chinese cyber warfare in the Joint Commission talks.  This caused the ire of Raymond Tusk, mentor and long-time advisor to President Garrett Walker, because it damages his business relationship with China.  Meanwhile, House Representative Jackie Sharp makes her run in the Whip’s race known after receiving the financial support of her good friend, Congressman Ted Havemeyer.

House of Cards Chapter 15 Recap: House Representative Francis Underwood is sworn in as the Vice President of the United States without a single vote cast in his name.  His first order of business is to bring order to the race for the position he left vacant.  The Whip’s race has become reprehensible enough for the President to consider it as his current biggest disappointment.  Frank Underwood along with Speaker of the House Bob Birch speaks with the two frontrunners, Howard Webb and Wes Buchwalter, about the virulent backbiting between them.Continue reading...

In exchange for her loyalty, Christina Gallagher manages to secure a position in President Garrett Walker’s staff with the help of Frank Underwood.  She shows gratitude to Frank by feeding him information about the President beginning with his meeting with Raymond Tusk to discuss the Joint Commission talks.  Frank entrenches the meeting with Tusk and brings along Secretary of State Cathy Durant.  He knew that Cathy would recommend using the Joint Commission talks to present the issue of corporate cyberattacks by the Chinese.  Tusk would rather avoid the issue given the damage it will cause to his business relationship with China and the setback it will cost his co-venture refinery project in Fujian.  Much to Cathy’s surprise, Frank agrees with Tusk arguing that antagonizing the Chinese could undo years of progress.  Nonetheless, President Walker acquiesces to Cathy’s plea and allows her to lay out an agenda surrounding the cyberattacks without making demands so as not to alienate the Chinese.  With his meeting with Tusk encroached, President Walker decides to speak to Tusk over lunch.  Cathy and Frank, on the other hand, discuss the relationship of the President with Tusk.  She learns that the President sees Tusk as a mentor and advisor.  Frank taking his side was part of his strategy believing that opposing him will only prompt Tusk to repel further the cyber warfare issue.  Nonetheless, he believes that Tusk will continue to convince the President to exclude the cyber warfare issue from the agenda of the Joint Commission talks.  He recommends Cathy to force the Chinese to confront the issue immediately despite her promise not to make demands.  The usually uneventful Joint Commission talks made the news after the Chinese walked out to express their resentment for the US delegation’s demand to include the Chinese government-sanctioned cyberattacks on the agenda.  To make matters worse, the Secretary of State made a statement to the press that will further ire the Chinese government.

Lucas Goodwin speaks to the police about the involvement of the newly installed Vice President of the United States in the death of Zoe Barnes.  He persuades them to obtain the data history from Zoe’s phone carrier that will prove that the two were in contact with each other.  Exasperated with Goodwin’s incessant claim, the detective who handled the case shows him the security video from the subway platform that caught Zoe tripping or jumping into the train tracks.  The video did not show evidence of another person pushing her into the tracks.  However, Lucas has not given up on the conspiracy theory and it has affected his work so much so that it caught the attention of his superior.  Concerned about his friend and former subordinate Lucas, Tom Hammerschmidt agrees to meet him at The Washington Herald, the newspaper he once run before Zoe Barnes caused a scandal that led to his termination.  Lucas confides his conspiracy theory to Tom, who patiently listens.  Tom does not find Lucas insane, but he does find the theory implausible.  He supposes that Lucas is grieving for the unexpected loss of his lover.  His grief prompts him to demand an explanation for Zoe’s sudden death and accepts one no matter how incredible it may seem.  Lucas preoccupied with troubles of his own sends a writer from the tech beat to cover the Joint Commission talk’s fiasco believing that the man’s knowledge of technology will be useful in understanding the much-contended Chinese cyber warfare.  The section about the phone companies catches the interest of Lucas Goodwin.  He learns from the tech beat writer that phone carriers keep the data history of their customers including the names of the people they contacted and the contents of their correspondence.  The writer then introduces him to The Deep Web, the 96% of the Internet that is inaccessible to search engines.  It is a place of illegal activity and a part of the Internet where one can hire hackers.  Lucas enters The Deep Web and seeks help in hacking the phone records of the Vice President of the United States.

House Representative Jackie Sharp has lunch with House Representative Ted Havemeyer believing that the man wanted to speak about his illegitimate child suffering from cerebral palsy.  Jackie is one of a few people who know his secret.  She soon learns that Ted wanted to have lunch with her, because he heard about her interest in the position of Whip.  Jackie informs him that her interest in the position is benign given her lack of experience and funding.  Ted offers to funnel his PAC money to gain her supporters.  Jackie refuses the largesse Ted is offering, but Ted makes it clear that he too will benefit from her rise as Whip.  He finds it advantageous to be the benefactor and friend of the Whip.  The man is unaware that Jackie Sharp’s modesty was an act.  She had asked her friend, Lorrie Tate, to inform him of her interest in the Whip race certain that Ted will offer to help her with the campaign.  In exchange, Jackie is to make Lorrie Chief Deputy.  Rumors of Jackie Sharp entering the Whip race begin to fly around Congress prompting Wes Buchwalter to reach out to Frank Underwood for help unaware that he had enticed Jackie to campaign for his position.  Wes, however, senses an inkling of Frank’s hand in Jackie’s campaign for Whip.  He conspires with the enemy, Howard Webb, in the hope of eliminating the third candidate. Webb’s solution, however, is for Wes to drop out.  In exchange, Webb will give Wes the Chairmanship on Appropriations.  Jackie learns of the trade and speaks to Ted, who offers his Chairmanship on Ways and Means to get Wes on their side.  Ted finds it an appropriate sacrifice, one he is willing to make, because the benefit of having the Whip as an ally outweighs any Chairmanship.  Regrettably, Wes Buchwalter’s deep-seated loathing for Ted Havemeyer causes him to refuse the offer unless it comes with the death of Ted’s political career.  Ted ensured Wes’ loss in the Senate race twelve years ago after he financed his primary opponent.  Wes considers his political death at his demand retribution.  Jackie, disinclined to betray the friend who treated her as his own daughter, reaches out to Frank for help, but he can only offer her one solution, betrayal.  Frank offers dirt that will destroy the political career of Ted Havemeyer, but it is information Jackie knows very well.  In fact, Jackie has been checking on Ted’s illegitimate daughter with the nanny of her children on his behalf.  She is reluctant to betray the man who supported her for many years and in some ways gave her career.  Frank becomes disappointed with Jackie after uncovering her weakness, because he chose her to be his replacement for her ruthlessness.  His instincts, however, were right.  Jackie Sharp speaks to Ted Havemeyer of having bought the support of Wes Buchwalter with the death of his political career.  The story of the illegitimate daughter he supports, but never visits will soon make the news marking the end of his career as a politician.

Claire Underwood assumes the role of the wife of the Vice President of the United States and begins the search for her Chief of Staff.  Her other duties include appearances in events and one of them is attending the pinning of stars to two newly commissioned Marine generals, Alicia Hampton and Dalton McGinnis.  Claire would rather not attend the event, but she acquiesces because it is the first event her husband will attend as Vice President.  General McGinnis introduces himself to Frank and informs him of having dated Claire in Harvard.  The encounter disturbed Claire enough for Frank to notice it.  He finds her in the women's room in tears.  Soon he learns that McGinnis was the man who raped Claire during her freshman year in Harvard.  Frank becomes livid and refuses to pin stars on the General, but Claire begs him not to make a scene.  Vice President Frank Underwood does his duty and pins the stars on General Dalton McGinnis with immense displeasure.  Husband and wife return home somber with the remembrance of the violation done to Claire.  Frank tries to dispel the hatred coursing through his blood at the shame of honoring the man who raped his wife.  Claire lies in bed reliving the horrifying ordeal she received from McGinnis.  She confides to Frank her struggle to destroy the person who had been the victim of a heinous violation.  She informs him that the hatred will persist, but he must harness it and use it on someone else.

President Walker returns to the White House enraged at the news of the failed Joint Commission talks with China.  He reproofs the Secretary of State for the direct ultimatum the US delegation demanded of the Chinese and her decision not to recant it.  Secretary Durant chose to exhibit strength instead of losing face.  The President dismisses Durant then immediately calls Tusk on the phone and includes Frank in the call.  Tusk advises the President to apologize to the Chinese, which Frank supports arguing that the goal is to resume the talks without further delay.  President Walker, however, worries that opposing his Secretary of State will be perceived as a miscommunication between him and his Cabinet.  Following the advice of Frank and Tusk, the President agrees to apologize personally to the Chinese government.  However, Frank speaks of the concern the President raised earlier and the insight from the Secretary of State about the Chinese.  Frank imparts his belief that intransigence might earn the respect of the Chinese as it displays his strength and resolve as the President of the United States.  President Walker follows the advice of his Vice President and takes full responsibility for the direct ultimatum the State Department imposed on the Chinese delegation of the Joint Commission.  Moreover, he shows his resolve to deal with the issue of Chinese cyber warfare in a press conference where he expresses his intolerance for China’s theft of the intellectual property of American corporations and the threat to the government’s online infrastructure.  His press statement caused indignation from the Chinese prompting its Ministry of Foreign Affairs to speak of the injustice of the false accusation and defamation of the People’s Republic of China.  The issue caused China to refuse bilateral trade talks with the United States.  Tusk calls Frank to speak to him of the President’s unexpected statement that wreaked havoc on the trade talks with China.  More troubling to Tusk is the President’s unprecedented decision to oppose his advice without fair warning.  He sees Frank’s handiwork in the President’s press statement.  Frank argues that opposing China benefits the President’s approval rating, which will prove advantageous to all concerned.  They must support the President in the decision he made publicly and instead work on mending the relationship with China through backchannels.

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Chapter 14 Season 2 – House of Cards Episode Summary 2.1

House of Cards Chapter 14 Episode Summary: House Representative Frank Underwood learns that Zoe Barnes has unearthed Rachel Posner leading to his possible involvement in the death of Peter Russo.  Janine Skorsky becomes convinced that Frank Underwood’s support of a sham candidate was all part of his plan to become Vice President of the United States.  Claire Underwood devices a strategy that will put Gillian Cole in her mercy.

House of Cards Chapter 14 Recap: Francis and Claire Underwood return from their run and find Doug Stamper there anxiously waiting for Francis.  Stamper apprises Frank of Zoe’s investigation that led to the discovery of Rachel Posner, the prostitute who was with Peter Russo the night of his DUI arrest.  He also learned from Christina Gallagher that Zoe had been looking into Roy Kapeniak.Continue reading...

Stamper deals with Rachel straightaway with a demand for her to quit her job and leave with him that night.  The exigency of her departure is not groundless for Zoe has come to speak to her again.  Zoe learns that the young waitress had left in the middle of her shift and is nowhere to be found for she has nothing but a PO Box for her address.  Lucas Goodwin and Janine Skorsky had hit an impasse with their leads leaving Rachel as the only person who could uncover the truth about Peter Russo.  Zoe believes that the young woman has knowledge of a more serious crime than Peter’s DUI.  Meanwhile, Stamper had already prepared a place for Rachel in Joppa, Maryland where she is to disappear.  He arrives at her apartment to find her unprepared and hostile to the departure.  She threatens Stamper with a knife and demands that he allow her to keep the new life she has made.  Regrettably, he overpowers her.  Rachel Posner has no other choice but to leave with Stamper.

Congressman Frank Underwood offers House Representative Jackie Sharp his position as the Whip, since he will soon assume the Vice Presidency.  Jackie is a war veteran serving only her third term in congress.  The offer to serve in the Leadership comes as a surprise even to her given her lack of tenure, but Frank is determined to name Jackie as his replacement.  Frank meets with President Garrett Walker, Speaker of the House Bob Birch, and House Majority Leader Terry Womack to discuss his replacement as Whip.  The two most senior members in the caucus, Howard Webb and Wes Buchwalter, were put into consideration, but Frank does not approve of the candidates.  He instead suggests a wide-open race that will allow the caucus to pick his replacement.  Womack supports his recommendation with the argument that the winner will gain the respect of the caucus after having fairly won the race, but Birch is in disagreement with the strategy.  Womack manages to convince Birch to approve of the open race with the condition that neither Birch nor Underwood can endorse a candidate.

The imminent confirmation of Frank’s assumption as the Vice President of the United States leads the Secret Service to begin preparing his security detail, but Frank refuses to receive the service reserved for a Head-of-State until after his confirmation.  He would like to savor the last days of privacy.  Moreover, he refuses to reside at the Naval Observatory during his term and insists on staying at his townhouse despite the necessity to build the security infrastructure that will ensure his safety.  His last request as an incoming Vice President is the promotion of Edward Meechum from Capitol Police to Secret Service regardless of his lack of training.

Claire learns from her lawyer, Oliver Spencer that Gillian Cole insists on going to court despite the recommendation of her lawyers to do otherwise.  She calls her bluff and agrees to go to trial regardless of her lawyer’s advice to woo Gillian into a settlement.  This is because Claire has been working on a different strategy.  She managed to track down David Applebaum, the doctor who impregnated Gillian.  Moreover, Claire had informed Mrs. Applebaum of Gillian’s existence and condition leading the scorned wife to make a scene that embarrassed the mistress of her husband.  This is only the first step in Claire’s strategy to get Gillian in a bind.  Soon, Gillian arrives at CWI after Claire refused to return her calls.  She has come to speak to her about the cancellation of her Blue Cross insurance that was to provide her health coverage up to a year after her termination.  Gillian learned the termination of her health coverage from Blue Cross.  Its reinstatement will require the approval of her former employer.  Gillian informs Claire of the medication that she can only get through her HMO.  She is surprised to learn that Claire is aware of the medication.  Ostensibly, all the consultation with Dr. Larson about post 40-pregnancies was only part of the scheme in gaining knowledge about Gillian’s condition.  Adding to her surprise is Claire forging her signature on a consent form.  Soon it becomes clear that the misfortunes she encountered including the incident with Mrs. Applebaum are Claire’s doing.  Gillian threatens to expose her underhanded tactics in court, but Claire is not intimidated for she knows that Gillian’s unborn child will die without the medication only she can provide through her approval.  Claire guarantees the death of the unborn child if Gillian pursues the trial that will expose Claire for what she truly is.  Ironically, Claire offers Gillian CWI in exchange for her cooperation.

Frank schedules a rendezvous with Zoe.  Lucas Goodwin finds the request portentous, but Zoe is confident of her ability to deal with Frank Underwood.  Moreover, she sensed that Lucas’ disapproval stems from his knowledge of her affair with the congressman.  She pursues the meeting with Frank and sets the meeting place at Rock Creek Park.  Meanwhile, Lucas meets with his reluctant source, the cop who once helped him expose police officers involved in drugs.  The same cop gave him Rachel Posner’s arrest record and intimated that only a person of authority could have expunged Peter Russo’s arrest.  Lucas assumes the involvement of Police Commissioner Barney Hull in the cover-up, but believes him only a pawn to a Congressional Leadership’s scheme.  The power of the people behind the cover-up causes the cop to refuse Lucas further help.  He, however, gave him the police report on the apparent suicide of Peter Russo.  Lucas immediately conveys to Zoe the fact from the police report that Russo was found on the passenger seat instead of the driver’s seat of his car.  Zoe dismisses the insinuation and meets with Frank at Rock Creek Park to ask questions about his support of Peter Russo including her supposition of his involvement in the cover up of his DUI arrest.  Notwithstanding her dismissal of Lucas’ insinuation, Zoe confronts Frank about the police report that placed Russo in the passenger seat of his car where he was found dead.  Frank informs Zoe that Russo was found halfway out of his car showing that he must have had second thoughts about committing suicide, but was too late.  Frank had spoken to the commissioner about leaving this shameful fact from the police report.  Zoe is not convinced, but carelessly shows her incredulity.  She admits to have thought of Frank’s involvement in Russo’s death.  Frank vehemently denies his involvement and struggles to persuade Zoe into believing by confessing his hand in the DUI cover-up and the business with Kapeniak.  Moreover, he admits his assumption of the vice presidency and lures her with access to the Oval Office.  She imparts their conversation to her friends convincing Janine of Underwood’s involvement in Russo’s death.  Zoe, on the other hand, is skeptical of Janine’s theory.  The lure of access to the White House has gotten to her.  She is incredulous of the theory that Frank Underwood supported a sham candidate he knew would self-destruct in order to clear the way for Vice President Jim Matthews to resume his governorship.  Matthews resigning his position as Vice President leaves it open for Frank for the taking.

Zoe later receives a text message from Frank asking her for a fresh start.  She agrees to meet him at the Cathedral Heights Metro Station and finds him on the platform where construction is underway.  Zoe accepts Frank’s request to start their relationship anew beginning with the purging of their previous communications including his contact record on her phone.  She, however, continues to ask him about Peter Russo’s suicide claiming that her trust in him relies on learning of the details of his death.  Zoe makes him aware of her knowledge of Rachel Posner’s presence at the McNeely Cancer Institute fundraiser, the event Peter Russo attended the night he fell off the wagon.  She asks him of his hand at having the prostitute bump into Russo at the fundraiser, but Frank fervently denies knowledge of it.  Zoe insists that Rachel has been acting under Frank’s orders and asks him of the young woman’s whereabouts.  She claims that her inquiries and his honesty in answering them will protect them both from other people’s investigation.  She eventually confesses that her insistence stems from wanting assurance that her role as Frank’s pawn did not lead to someone’s murder.  Frank finds her notion ludicrous causing him to walk away, prompting Zoe to follow him.  Little did she know that he had planned that act as well as he timed it exactly as the train arrived on the platform.  Frank Underwood pushes Zoe Barnes onto the incoming train where all witnessed her fall, but none saw her murder.  Frank arrives home after taking the life of Zoe only to find that his wife has prepared a cake for his birthday.  News of Zoe’s horrific death reaches Lucas Goodwin and Janine Skorsky.  Janine is certain that Zoe’s death was no accident and is already preparing her departure when Lucas arrives.  She has decided to forego the investigation into Frank Underwood for fear of her life.  Janine has received pornographic photos of Zoe that Frank took to impart his awareness of her participation in Zoe’s investigation.  Lucas begs her to stay in order to help him bring Frank Underwood to justice, but Janine, who has not known fear before, is horrified of the man soon-to-become Vice President.  Claire learns of Zoe Barnes’ death from the morning news.  Although the police have ruled her horrific death an accident, Claire appears to believe otherwise.

Jackie meets with Frank after reading through the files he has on her, Webb, and Buchwalter.  She comes to a realization that Frank had chosen her over the two senior house representatives, because he could not find anything damaging to her.  She, however, wonders about the qualities Frank found in her that made him certain of her aptitude as Whip.  She learns that it is her ruthless pragmatism.  Jackie, as a war veteran, expertly and efficiently obliterated villages that housed innocent people in accordance with orders from higher authority.  In other words, Frank chose her for her ability to do what is needed.  Her service background, clean history, and photogenic appearance add to her good qualities.

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The London Season – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 4.9

Synopsis: The Crawleys are in London for Lady Rose’s debut.  Lady Rose becomes acquainted with Ms. Freda Dudley Ward, the mistress of the Prince of Wales.  All is well until Mr. Terence Sampson gets hold of a highly sensitive letter that will bring scandal to the monarchy.  The Crawleys go in a mission to retrieve the letter from Mr. Sampson’s possession.

Downton Abbey The London Season Episode Summary: It is 1923 and the Crawleys are at the Grantham House in London in preparation for Lady Rose McClare’s ball.  People of high society will be attending the debutante ball including Lady Cora’s family from America.  Mrs. Crawley, however, has decided not to attend.  Lord Merton, who has taken a liking to Mrs. Crawley, finds this a pity.  He later learns that Mrs. Crawley had indeed changed her mind.  She has decided to join Lady Grantham to the ball.  She explains that she felt smug to dismiss the invitation to an event she has come to realize a tradition practiced to measure a person’s progress through life. Continue reading...

Lady Rose could not wait to be presented to enjoy the life of an adult woman that she manages to convince Lady Cora and Lord Grantham to allow her to attend a party with her friend, Madeleine Allsopp, at the Embassy Club where the famous band, Ambrose & His Orchestra, is performing.  They find Miss Allsopp’s father there with the Prince of Wales in the company of Ms. Freda Dudley Ward.  Ms. Ward expresses her gratitude to Lady Rose for their presence, noting that the Prince of Wales had become grouchy before they arrived.

Tom Branson is alone in Downton Abbey with Lady Edith leaving for London to join her family for Lady Rose’s ball.  Mr. Barrow whines about having to wait on him knowing that the man used to be the family’s chauffer whose position would have been beneath him if he had not married up.  Tom’s only fault is that he was fortunate enough to have fallen in love with Lady Sybil, who reciprocated his love.  Not wanting to be a burden to the understaffed house at Downton Abbey, Tom decides to have his dinner at The Grantham Arms.  He bumps into Miss Sarah Bunting on his way to the pub.  Lady Violet sees them and she stops her car to bid him good-bye before she leaves for London.  She boasts to the uninterested Miss Bunting about Lady Rose’s debut that will involve supper at the Palace.  The encounter with Lady Violet causes Miss Bunting to rescind her refusal of Tom’s offer of dinner at the pub.  She then puts him in an awkward position when she asks to see the mansion at Downton Abbey.  Tom reluctantly gives Miss Bunting a tour of the main rooms of the mansion and he more hesitantly brings her to the gallery as per her request.  He confesses his uneasiness of bringing her to the mansion in the Crawleys absence, but Miss Bunting insists on seeing the gallery.  His uneasiness is with basis for malicious Mr. Barrow finds them at the gallery and he is sure to make something out of nothing.  Tom finds the need to clarify their presence at the gallery in the hope that Mr. Barrow would not give malice to what he saw, but knows well that Mr. Barrow has nothing but malice in his mind.  In fact, Mr. Barrow informs Lord Grantham about seeing Tom with Miss Bunting at the bedroom gallery the moment he had a chance to speak with him privately.  Lord Grantham confronts Tom about the information Mr. Barrow relayed to him.  Tom does not deny or make excuses about the fact that he had brought Miss Bunting for a quick tour of the house after dinner.

Mrs. Martha Levinson arrives at the Grantham House with her son, Harold Levinson.  The man was reluctant to leave America, but had to due to the Teapot Dome scandal that almost ruined him.  He and his mother will be spending some time traveling around Europe.  Mrs. Levinson alone is a handful and she without a maid is another level of nuisance.  Fortunately, reinforcements from Downton Abbey arrive.  Mrs. Hughes has come to take charge in the absence of the Grantham House governess, Mrs. Bute.  She brings with her Daisy Mason to help Mrs. Patmore.  Daisy relays a cryptic message from Mr. Barrow to Miss Baxter, one Mr. Molesley overheard.  There is no doubt that Mrs. Hughes is a welcome sight given the kerfuffle that will endure for a few days.  Mr. Carson welcomes her assistance and her opinion regarding the treat he is planning for the servants as per Lady Cora’s request to show gratitude for their hard work.  He has already chosen two sights to bring the servants, but could not decide between the two.  Mr. Carson plans a fun day for the servants, but he has yet to decide whether to bring them to the new Science Museum or the Crystal Palace.  Mrs. Hughes is disappointed at Mr. Carson’s idea of a fun day, but does not share her criticism.  Instead, she suggests getting the opinion of the staff.  He takes her advice and presents the sights he has chosen for their day of fun and quickly realizes the disappointment in everyone as he went over his list of attractions.

Charles Blake takes Lady Mary out to lunch and to the viewing of the Summer Exhibition where they find Lord Gillingham speaking with Lady Rose and Ms. Dudley Ward.  They learn that Billy Aysgarth, Madeleine Allsopp’s father, introduced Lady Rose to Ms. Dudley Ward.  As it turns out, Mr. Blake is acquainted with Ms. Ward, both of whom are not invited to Lady Rose’s ball until now.  Ms. Ward immediately senses the friction between Mr. Blake and Lord Gillingham.  Soon, the grand soiree at the Grantham House commences.  Lady Rose introduces Lord Aysgarth and his daughter to Mrs. Levinson and Harold.  Lord Aysgarth rudely leaves their company to chat with his old friend, Lord Harrowby, leaving Miss Allsopp to make excuses for her father’s discourteous behavior.  The impudence is not lost on Mrs. Levinson.  Lord Grantham, on the other hand, is shocked and annoyed to find his sister, Lady Rosamund Painswick, arrive with the unwelcome guest, Mr. Terence Sampson.  The con artist obviously inveigled his invitation to the party, but the Crawleys, afraid of making a scene, could not do anything but receive him.  He begins chatting with his friend Lord Aysgarth, who is very much aware of his reputation as a card sharp.  Lord Aysgarth learns from him that the Levinsons are made of money.  In fact, they were responsible for keeping Downton Abbey afloat.  Lord Aysgarth takes an interest on the Levinsons after hearing of their wealth and he sends his daughter to mingle with Harold.  Meanwhile, Mr. Sampson once again gets himself invited to an after party at the Embassy with Lady Rose and Ms. Ward.  Lady Rose arrives at the Embassy with her friends and imparts to their male company of the letter Ms. Ward showed them.  The letter seems to be of value given the identity of its writer.  With them at the nightclub are Harold, Lord Aysgarth, and Mr. Sampson.  Lord Aysgarth persuades Harold to dance with his daughter embarrassing Miss Allsopp especially after learning that Harold is aware of Lord Aysgarth’s intentions.  Lady Rose decides to dance with Neil Foster leaving Mr. Sampson alone at their table to look after their bags.  This gave Mr. Sampson an opportunity to steal the mysterious letter from Ms. Ward’s bag.

The kitchen has been producing food relentlessly.  Mrs. Patmore could not thank Daisy enough for her assistance, which the assistant cook appreciates.  Ethan Slade, Harold Levinson’s valet, notices her aptitude at managing the kitchen and asks her about leaving Downton Abbey to further her career.  Daisy takes offense at the innocent question from the valet she had only known for half an hour.  The young valet who has not left America until now is finding the customs in England different from America.  He, however, remains tolerant and accepting of the requests asked of him including the demand for him to serve as a footman.  Unaware of the footman’s decorum, Ethan offers hors d’oeuvres like a traveling salesman causing Mr. Carson to scold him.  The reproach he received did not dampen his spirits and he returns to the kitchen cheerful as when he arrived.  He relays comments he overheard upstairs especially about the kedgeree that he learned Daisy made.  It was a dish even Mr. Levinson, a man averse to English food, devoured.  Daisy has been having a good week with all the compliments she has received for her cooking.  Alfred Nugent’s letter of good news adds to her cheer.  Alfred wrote to inform her that he has finished his course at the Ritz Escoffier culinary school and the school had offered him a job as an under chef at the Ritz.  Ethan sees the delight the news brought to Daisy and wonders whether she and Alfred are lovers.  He inquires about it to Mr. Carson and is pleased to learn that there is no romance between the two.

The day of Lady Rose’s presentation has arrived.  She rides in the car with Lady Cora as throngs of commoners greet them as they parade through The Mall leading to the Buckingham Palace.  Lady Rose and the other debutantes enter the Palace in awe including Lady Cora, who will be presenting Lady Rose.  Lord Grantham looks expectantly on as Lady Cora and Lady Rose wait for their turn.  At last, the master of ceremonies calls the Countess of Grantham and Lady Rose MacClare.  With a curtsey and a nod from the Throne, Lady Rose is now officially a woman.  However, unlike other debutantes, the King addresses her after the Prince of Wales informs him of her relation to Lord Flintshire.  King George V mentions the hospitality that Lord Flinshire extended to the Prince of Wales in Bombay and speaks of the success of the Indian tour under the command of the father of Lady Rose.  Lady Rose and Lady Cora join the other guests at the reception where the Levinsons are also in attendance thanks to Lord Grantham’s position as lord lieutenant.  Mrs. Levinson finds that Lord Aysgarth has become keen on her.  Harold notices the man’s sudden interest in his mother and informs Miss Allsopp of his mother’s finances.  Moreover, he tells her that when Mrs. Levinson dies, all the capital reverts to him.  His blunt discussion of money embarrasses Miss Allsopp terribly causing her to run away.  Meanwhile, Ms. Ward is also at the Presentation Court.  She confronts Lady Rose with troubling news about the loss of the letter she showed her and Miss Allsopp the night of the grand soiree.  Learning that Miss Allsopp does not have the letter, Lady Rose could only think of one other person who might have taken it, Mr. Sampson.

The following morning, Lady Rose asks Lord Grantham if Mr. Sampson is capable of doing something dishonorable.  Her inquiry forces her to divulge the story surrounding the letter and its significance.  Mr. Sampson must be looking into selling the letter to the newspapers in America for gossip of the love affair between the Prince of Wales and Ms. Dudley Ward has been all over America.  Lady Rose finds herself responsible for the theft, because Mr. Sampson would not have known its existence if she had not joked about it that night at the Embassy.  Lord Grantham’s loyalty to the monarchy prompts him to help retrieve the letter.  He devises a plan that involves sneaking into Mr. Sampson’s flat to retrieve the letter.  He enlists Mr. Bates’ help in forging a letter with Mr. Sampson’s signature informing the porter to allow them entry to the flat unaware that the forger is Mr. Bates.  He also enlists the help of Lady Mary who has the important task of retrieving the letter from Mr. Sampson’s flat, while Lord Grantham keeps Mr. Sampson in the card game he is hosting.  Lady Rose suggests inviting Lord Aysgarth to the card game for she is certain that he will not refuse.  Moreover, Mr. Sampson will most likely join Lord Aysgarth to the game without suspecting anything.  Lord Grantham will also invite Harold to the card game making the invitation too hard to refuse.  Lady Rose suggests inviting Miss Allsopp to ensure that Harold will stay for the game.  The problem now becomes Mrs. Levinson, who Lord Grantham believes will inadvertently divulge their scheme.  He suggests having Aunt Rosamund take her, Lady Violet, and Mrs. Crawley to a play just to keep Mrs. Levinson away for the evening.  Lady Mary is reluctant to play a part in the scheme that will help cover up a scandal that she believes the crowned Prince brought to himself.  Lord Grantham argues that it became their responsibility the moment they introduced Mr. Sampson to Ms. Dudley Ward and Lady Rose as good as handed him the letter.

Harold Levinson tries to make up for his offense and invites Miss Allsopp for a picnic alone with him following the advice of his valet, Ethan.  Daisy informs Ethan that in England, a man cannot go on a picnic alone with a young, unmarried woman, but learns that Lord Aysgarth and Mrs. Levinson will be joining them.  Ethan volunteers Daisy to be one of the staff that will prepare the food at the picnic.  Mrs. Patmore sees right through Ethan’s plan and welcomes it.  They set up the picnic in front of the Albert Memorial.  Harold could not believe his enjoyment of English food and the picnic despite the extra company in the persons of his mother, Lord Aysgarth, Lady Violet, and Mrs. Crawley.  He admits to Miss Allsopp of the reputation he has with women, one he managed despite his unprepossessing appearance, thanks to the wealth he inherited from his father.  He continues on the conversation about money and begins to offend Miss Allsopp again, but redeems himself with a confession of admiration towards the young lady.  He, however, as Miss Allsopp surmised, will not go along Lord Aysgarth scheme.  He does it out of respect for her whom he knows is a reluctant pawn to the plot.  Later, Ethan informs Daisy that Mr. Levinson has become such a fan of his cooking that he wants her to go with him to America to cook for him.  He informs her that she need not provide an answer right away for they will be touring Europe for a month or two.  If Daisy decides to accept the job offer, he will send her the fare and Ethan will meet her in New York.

Lady Edith informs Aunt Rosamund that Michael Gregson had given her power of attorney to give her authority over his affairs including decisions required from an editor.  She wonders about the rights of their child, but Aunt Rosamund makes it plain that their daughter’s rights to her biological parents’ affairs have been dissolved the moment the Schroders adopted her.  Lady Edith, however, has second thoughts in the vow she made to keep her bastard child a secret.  Her change of heart arose after learning that Michael’s disappearance and potential death was borne out of a noble deed.  Michael got into a fight the night he disappeared with a gang of toughs who preach about the most horrible things.  Lady Edith would like their child to receive half of the inheritance.  Aunt Rosamund recommends giving the inheritance anonymously, but Lady Edith’s concern is not really about the inheritance and truly due to the guilt of giving her child away.  Her guilt overcomes her so that Lord Grantham could not help but ask her daughter about the sadness that exudes her.  Her vague but loaded answer perplexed him.  Lady Edith intimates that she would never intend to hurt her father.  Later, a statement from Tom Branson about fighting for their wishes gives Lady Edith the courage to decide for herself.  She informs Lady Cora and Lady Rosamund of her decision to leave London the day after the ball and her plan to go to the Continent to settle matters regarding Michael Gregson.

Mrs. Hughes relays to Anna the appeal at the Scottish Church for old clothes for Russian refugees.  Although Anna did not bring to London clothes she would want to donate, she informs Mrs. Hughes of convincing Mr. Bates to buy a new overcoat and donate his old one to the cause.  Mrs. Hughes finds a ticket stub as she looks through the pockets of Mr. Bates’ overcoat to ensure that he has not left anything of his inside it.  She brings to Lady Mary’s attention the ticket stub that places Mr. Bates in London the day Mr. Green died and gets the impression that Lady Mary already knew of his presence in London that fateful day.  Lady Mary assures Mrs. Hughes that Anna does not suspect anything.  Mrs. Hughes wonders if Lady Mary will inform Anna of their discovery and intimates of her reluctance to tell her.  Moreover, Mrs. Hughes finds no reason to condemn Mr. Bates for avenging his wife’s honor if he truly killed Mr. Green.  Later, she learns from Mr. Bates that he has not been in London since he buried his mother during the war.  She then overhears Lady Mary trying to trick Mr. Bates into revealing the crime he may or may not have committed against Mr. Green and she intervenes to prevent her from pushing him to a confession.  Lady Mary speaks privately with Mrs. Hughes confessing of her unease in covering up a potential crime.  Mrs. Hughes speaks of the repercussion their unearthing the truth will produce.  She would rather not see Mr. Bates punished for taking the life of a vicious man.  Lady Mary believes that the end does not justify the means.  Mr. Bates senses the insinuation from Mrs. Hughes and Lady Mary of his presence in London.  Anna informs Mrs. Hughes of her husband becoming upset for handing over his overcoat before he has gone through its pockets.  Miss Baxter intensely listens to the conversation between Anna and Mrs. Hughes trying to make something of it.  Mr. Molesley does the same with her when Mr. Barrow speaks to her about hearing her report.  He calls for her in order to rescue her from doing something she obviously is hesitant to do for Mr. Barrow.  This offered a reprieve to Miss Baxter though only temporary.  Nonetheless, Mr. Molesley advises her not to allow herself to be part of Mr. Barrow’s schemes for the consequences of doing so are graver than the unearthing of the secret that Mr. Barrow holds over her.

The ladies and Harold return from the picnic and learn of the card game that evening.  Lord Grantham did not count on them refusing the offer to go to the theater and Lady Edith sensing that the card game is a ruse.  Mrs. Levinson arrives at the drawing room and learns of the evening she is to spend with Lady Rosamund Painswick at the theater.  Much to Lord Grantham’s surprise, she is the least to provide the most reluctance for the imposed night out in the town.  The male guests arrive at the Grantham House for the card game.  Meanwhile, Lady Mary along with Lady Rose and Mr. Blake gains entry to Mr. Sampson’s apartment through the signed note from him.  They soon return with news of not having found the letter.  However, not all of them found the unsuccessful escapade futile.  Mr. Blake took pleasure at knowing that Lady Mary reached out to him for help.  He forthrightly expresses his desire to be her lover.  She is uncertain of their future given their diametric background and thinking, but Mr. Blake believes in a future where caste becomes trivial.  News of the failed mission reaches Mr. Bates despite the success of his forgery.  Mr. Bates realizes that if he were in possession of a valuable document, he would carry it with him wherever he goes.  True enough, this is indeed what Mr. Sampson did.  He kept the letter in the breast pocket of his overcoat.  Mr. Bates snatched it as he helped him into his coat.  All who partook in the plot rejoice with the retrieval of the letter that would have ruined the crowned Prince, while Mr. Sampson realizes that he had lost the letter that would have brought him some fortune.  Given the Prince’s reputation, Lady Mary is uncertain that the monarchy is safe from scandal.  However, as Anna puts it, the next crisis would at least not involve the Crawleys.  Lady Mary and her family are grateful to Mr. Bates for without him the Crawleys would have been entangled in a scandal for which they are partly to blame.  Anna explains that Mr. Bates is very loyal to the family just as the Crawleys are loyal to him and Anna.  Lady Mary shows her loyalty to Mr. Bates by throwing into the fire the ticket that proves that he was in London the day Mr. Green died.

The guests arrive at Lady Rose’s ball and just as the ball commences officially with a dance between the master of the house and the debutante, the crowned Prince graces the ball with his presence.  Who better to open the ball but the Prince of Wales, heir apparent to the throne? All are in awe as the Prince dances with Lady Rose.  The rest of the family and the guests join the dance including Harold who uncharacteristically dances with Miss Allsopp.  They remain friends despite agreeing not to be part of Lord Aysgarth’s scheme.  Mrs. Levinson, on the other hand, turns down Lord Aysgarth’s marriage proposal, but offers him introductions to rich, old ladies who covet a title.  Lady Violet learns that Mrs. Levinson rejected Lord Aysgarth’s proposal, much to her surprise.  She could not fathom the lack of desire for a title that Mrs. Levinson had to remind her how Lady Violet’s world is slowly slipping away to make way for Mrs. Levinson’s world.  The thought gave Lady Violet a terrible fright.  Meanwhile, Mr. Blake is annoyed at watching Lord Gillingham and Lady Mary dancing.  He becomes much more peeved at seeing them sneaking out of the ballroom to speak privately.  Lord Gillingham learns that Lady Mary had turned down Mr. Blake, but he has refused to accept it.  He soon learns that Lady Mary had refused him for his resentment for nobility.  A true gentleman, Lord Gillingham, tells Lady Mary the truth about Mr. Blake despite the disadvantage it will cause him.  He tells her that Mr. Blake is in fact heir to his father’s cousin, Sir Severus Blake.  Mr. Blake is to inherit the baronetcy and one of the largest estates in Ulster making him a nobleman.  He, in fact, will soon become more eligible than Lord Gillingham.  Mr. Blake had always known this, but he is one who felt no desire to display his status.  To learn that she and Mr. Blake share a similar background makes a difference in Lady Mary’s attitude toward Mr. Blake.  Lady Mary confronts him about keeping it from her and learns that Mr. Blake did not want her to think that they share the same prejudices given their upbringing.  Moreover, Mr. Blake wanted to win her on his merits.  He is surprised to know that Lord Gillingham had told her about his social class.  Lord Gillingham wanted a fair fight to win Lady Mary’s heart.

Morning has come and the masters and guests are still in the ballroom, while the servants continue their service without sleep.  Mrs. Hughes brings up the matter of the outing to motivate them and is relieved to learn that Mr. Carson has finally gotten it right.  Mr. Carson has decided to spend their day off by the sea.  Meanwhile, Lady Edith is back at Downton Abbey.  She speaks with Mr. Drewe about adopting the daughter of her friend, a child she will be bringing to Downton from Switzerland.  Lady Edith explains that her parents disapproved of her friendship with the child’s mother, which is why the child cannot live with them.  She asks for Mr. Drewe’s confidence in keeping the truth about the child secret.  Mr. Drewe senses that the child is Lady Edith’s daughter and sympathetically offers to keep the secret only between the two of them.  Mr. Drewe plans to send a letter to himself, a letter from his friend who passed away and asked in her will for him to take the child.  He is certain that his wife, Margie, will not question the request and will love the child like her own.

After days of hard word, the servants at last get their day off at the beach.  All enjoy their respite from the drudgery of service, but Mr. Barrow is set on tormenting Miss Baxter.  She, however, has taken Mr. Molesley’s advice and at last stands up to Mr. Barrow despite the consequences of getting his ire.  Miss Baxter thanks Mr. Molesley for giving her the courage to confront the things in her past that had caused her fear.  She has yet to see what will happen, but she is relieved that she is no longer afraid.  Daisy also has reached a decision.  She has decided not to go to America to work for Mr. Levinson.  This disheartens Mr. Slade, who had pushed for her recruitment as Mr. Levinson’s cook to be with her.  Daisy is aware of this and is grateful for his affection.  Ivy Stuart overhears Daisy’s refusal to go to America and pleads Mr. Slade to allow her to take Daisy’s place as Mr. Levinson’s cook.  Daisy helps her get Mr. Slade to accept arguing that Mr. Levinson will not notice the difference if Ivy took her place.  Mrs. Patmore witnessed this all.  She is surprised that Daisy is not upset with Mr. Slade’s advances.  On the contrary, Daisy is ecstatic at having a man keen to court her.  The thought of it will keep her happy for months to come.  She and Mrs. Patmore watch as Mr. Carson holds Mrs. Hughes hand as he walks through the beach for the very first time.

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Episode 7 Season 1 – Mr. Selfridge Episode Summary 1.7

Synopsis:  Mr. Selfridge returns to work after a long absence and expresses his desire to make Selfridges an even greater success.  The accident that nearly cut his life short made greater his want to accomplish things in a short time.  Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who has agreed to hold a book signing at Selfridges and has been a supporter of the Spiritualist movement, successfully persuades Mr. Selfridge to agree to host a séance at Selfridges.  The séance brought about the ghosts of people’s past including that of Mr. Selfridge.

Episode Summary: Employees of Selfridges fret over the return of their employer, Mr. Selfridge, eager to please the leader absent for a time due to his accident.  Harry Gordon Selfridge returns to his department store, business as usual, but revitalized due to his near fatal accident.  The presence of the famous writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who is at Selfridges to promote his new book, The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard, graces his return.Continue reading...

Mr. Selfridge works even harder for the success of his department store and exacts the same from his department heads.  He sets them on to the task of improving their departments and warns them against stagnation.  His narrow escape with death invigorated his belief to seize the day.  The department heads are to think of new product lines and fresh and exciting suppliers.  His demands are not a criticism of his employees’ current performance, but simply a fulfillment of his desire for innovation.  Despite his insatiable attitude, Mr. Selfridge remains appreciative of his employees and he exhibits this with his expression of gratitude to Miss Ravillious.  Mr. Selfridge did not let her work in managing the Suffragette crisis go unnoticed.  Miss Ravillious asks Mr. Selfridge to have Miss Towler join her department for her reward.  Miss Mardle learns of the request and regretfully informs Miss Towler about it for she would very much want to keep her most capable senior assistant.  She leaves the decision to Miss Towler and offers to argue for her if she decides to stay in the Accessories department.  Miss Towler, although grateful for working for Miss Mardle, would like to move to the Fashion department believing that her future is in fashion.  Miss Mardle could not help but become disappointed, but she acquiesces with Miss Towler’s decision nonetheless.  She must now choose between Kitty and Doris for the senior accessories assistant position and she is unhappy with neither of the two who happen to be sucking sweets while on duty.  Miss Ravillious, on the other hand, holds Miss Towler in high regard that she allows the young woman to dress the new mannequins.  Her new task puts her in an enclosed quarter and in close proximity with Mr. Leclair fanning the fire that burns inside her.  Unable to contain her desire, Miss Towler makes her advance and kisses Mr. Leclair.  The ingénue’s forthright action catches the man by surprise, but he enjoyed it nonetheless.  Mr. Leclair and Miss Towler passionately kiss.

Frank Edwards initiates a flirtation with the strawberry blonde shop girl, Kitty Hawkins.  Soon after, Kitty receives a box of heart-shaped chocolates with an unsigned card and suspects Mr. Edwards as its giver.  Later, she and Doris grab something to eat at the Tea Room near Selfridges and find the disgraced Miss Bunting unkempt.  Doris Miller decides to fraternize with Miss Bunting and learns of her hardship given her termination and absence of a reference.  Doris shrewdly gathers that the woman is too embarrassed to ask for money that she instead pretends to have found Miss Bunting’s coin on the floor and gives it to the immensely grateful woman.  Doris finds Miss Bunting at the Tea Room once again and learns that her mother whom she had stolen for passed away.  Sympathetic of the ruined woman, Doris offers to treat her to supper.  More than that, Doris speaks with Mr. Grove to speak in behalf of Miss Bunting.  She apprises him of the woman’s financial hardship and asks him for a reference for her.  Moved by Doris’ plea, Mr. Grove hands her money to give to Miss Bunting and agrees to speak to Mr. Selfridge about giving the woman reference.  Kitty, on the other hand, receives another note from her secret admirer.  The note asks her to meet with him at the tea hut on Duke Street.  Kitty arrives at the tea hut on the specified time expecting to meet Mr. Edwards only to learn that her secret admirer is George Towler.  Although annoyed at the truth, Kitty commiserates for George, who confessed that she is out of his league.  His humility and genuine admiration won him Kitty’s approval.

Mr. John Musker meets with Mr. Selfridge to check on the entrepreneur.  They discuss about expanding the department store and their desire to purchase the buildings adjacent to Selfridges.  Mr. Musker, however, warns him about competition from developers, but assures the entrepreneur of their upper hand given their impending stock issue.  He expects the city and the bank to recommend issue in about two months, but Mr. Selfridge finds the duration too long and insists that the bank make the recommendation sooner.  Mr. Selfridge’s impatience worries Mr. Musker, who knows that his importunateness will do them a disservice.  He argues that banks dislike being hurried especially by an American.  Mr. Selfridge is adamant with his desire to persuade the bank to issue the stocks such that he recommends that Mr. Crabb bring the bank to them.  This troubles Mr. Musker enough that he enlists the help of Lady Loxley.  His concern is not without foundation given that the chairman of the bank and his deputy has agreed to meet with Mr. Selfridge at the shop floor of Selfridges.  Mr. Selfridge receives the esteemed bank executives and already creates uneasiness with his choice of words.  He becomes candid with the bankers’ concerns regarding his reckless personality.  He confesses that his recent accident did put Selfridges in a precarious position, but assured them that his near death experience proved that the company that carried his name would survive without him.  His words seem to have put the bankers at ease and Lady Mae’s show of support appeased their concerns.  The bankers schedule a meeting with Mr. Selfridge to discuss the stock offer.  Mr. Selfridge is grateful and indebted to Lady Mae for using her influence to gain favor of the bankers.  She, however, warns him of the consequences of his business going public.  The issue of stock will put his family in the public eye.  In fact, his eldest child will soon be attracting attention.  Rosalie Selfridge has convinced herself that she must take part in the London Season to gain the acceptance of the British elite.  She, however, loses confidence the night of the soiree that she is to attend in the company of Lady Mae and not her parents.  Rosalie later finds confidence in her mother and Lady Mae’s encouragement.

Rose Selfridge learns from her mother-in-law, Lois Selfridge, that Roderick Temple had a huge success in his exhibition in Paris.  Although the news was conveyed without malice, Rose could not help but feel a pang of guilt at hearing the young man’s name.  She makes her way to her husband’s office to have lunch with him as per his request that morning.  Moreover, she has come to have Sir Arthur Conan Doyle sign her books.  The famous writer most willingly signs her books and introduces them to his American friend, Mr. Rex Crenell, a highly regarded medium.  It pleases Sir Arthur that Rose is familiar with the Spiritualist movement that he and Mr. Crenell join her and Mr. Selfridge for lunch.  Rose piques Sir Arthur’s interest even more with her observation of Harry during his coma, calling it otherworldly.  Her statement leads Sir Arthur to tell the story of Mrs. Haskins, a woman whose heart stopped for over twenty minutes causing the nurse to call her death only to find the woman resurrected moments later.  Sir Arthur believes that Mr. Selfridge could have been partly dead and partly alive just like Mrs. Haskins.  Although Rose seems amenable to believe unexplained phenomena, she brings up the issue of some mediums exploiting vulnerable people.  Sir Arthur confirms Rose’s suspicion, but vouches for Mr. Crenell.  The medium offers to hold a séance at Selfridges for the staff that they may bear witness of his gift.  Rose and Sir Arthur urge Mr. Selfridge to accept the offer.  Mr. Selfridge invites his employees to the séance causing fear on some such as Miss Mardle and Miss Blenkinsopp, who finds the event unwise especially with the recent death of Mr. Grove’s wife.  They, nonetheless, attend the séance.

Although skeptical of the séance, Mr. Selfridge presents his agreement to hold it at Selfridges as a display of openness for progress and discovery that allows for expansion of knowledge and experiences.  Mr. Crenell assuages the audience’s fear by drawing out laughter from the audience and by explaining the various items for the séance.  The staff’s fear remain nonetheless even with Mr. Perez, who drops a glass in fright.  Sir Arthur joins the circle of spiritualists conducting the séance and with their help, Mr. Crenell, brings forth his first spirit.  He identifies an elderly man as a twin of someone who lived in Somerset, but no one recognizes him.  Mr. Crenell moves on to another spirit, a woman he claims who has recently died.  The woman wants to send a message to her husband and with the help of the spiritualists identifies her as one whose name starts with the letter H.  Miss Mardle believes her to be the recently deceased, Hettie Grove.  Mr. Crenell conveys the woman’s message to her husband.  She wants him to know that she is out of pain and that she is grateful for all the years of his care.  Moreover, she gives her husband her blessing to marry again.  This message delights Josie Mardle, but upsets Roger Grove enough for him to walk out of the room.  Josie speaks with Roger about the message from the supposed spirit of his late wife hopeful that the message has lifted Roger’s burden of guilt.  She learns soon enough that it has not and that Roger asks her to wait for him still.  Josie, who has waited for Roger for such a long time during her childbearing years, could no longer do so.  

Another spirit, one so forceful that the light from the candle is extinguished, confronts Mr. Crenell with a hostile message.  The forceful spirit of a man causes Mr. Crenell to end the séance abruptly.  Mr. Selfridge and Lois seem to think that the spirit is of his late father, but both refuse Mr. Crenell’s offer for a private session knowing that the malign male force is associated with Mr. Selfridge.  The séance made Lois realize that the past most especially the lie he told her son haunts her and her son.  She believes that his son’s nightmares stem from the lie she made him live.  Lois soon learns that her son had long known of her husband’s shameful desertion of his family.  Harry does not find his mother at fault for making people believe that her husband was a war hero in order to hide the shame of her husband’s choice to walk out on his family at the time they need him most.  In fact, Harry credits all the good he has done in his life to his mother.  They agree to put the past behind them.

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Episode 7 Season 4 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 4.7

Episode Summary: Lord Grantham goes to America after conceding to the demand of Lady Cora’s mother, Mrs. Levinson, to show support for his brother-in-law.  Lady Mary learns of the violation done to Anna and intervenes for Mr. Bates that he may not leave the side of his wife at her time of need.  Charles Blake sees another side of Lady Mary after a night of trudging through mud.

Downton Abbey Episode 7 Season 4 Recap: Harold Levinson is mired in the drilling leases scandal involving Senator Fall.  Mrs. Levinson demands Lord Grantham’s presence in the Senate committee hearing in America to show support for her son, Harold Levinson.  She believes that the presence of his brother-in-law, an English Earl, will make Harold respectable.  The request infuriates Lord Grantham, but he concedes nevertheless.Continue reading...

Mr. Bates, as the valet of his lordship, must travel to America with Lord Grantham.  He seeks the help of Mrs. Hughes in avoiding the trip for he could not leave Anna given the fairly recent incident that befell her.  Mrs. Hughes speaks to Lady Mary to make the request without divulging the reason behind it.  However, Lady Mary insists on knowing the facts.  Mrs. Hughes once again bears the burden of divulging Anna’s secret.  Hearing of the gross violation Anna endured Lady Mary wastes no time to persuade her father to take Mr. Barrow instead.  Lady Mary insists that the request is for good reason, but she swore to secrecy.  Mr. Barrow is delighted to take the place of Mr. Bates.  He, however, puts Miss Baxter on a mission to uncover the reason behind it.  He expects her to have an answer ready upon his return.  Mr. Molesley overhears Mr. Barrow’s demand and asks Miss Baxter about it, but the woman becomes guarded.  Anna feels that she robbed her husband of a chance to go to America, a trip for which everyone envies Mr. Barrow, everyone but Mrs. Patmore.  Anna expresses her gratitude towards Lady Mary for intervening for Mr. Bates.  She is aware that Mrs. Hughes had informed her of the violation done to her, but knows only that her attacker is a ruffian whose identity she does not know.  Lady Mary offers help to get justice for Anna, but Anna refuses to dwell on the incident.

Lady Edith has become morose.  She learned that Michael Gregson arrived in Munich, signed in his hotel, went out and never returned.  She asks her mother permission to go to London.  Unaware of the purpose of her trip, Lady Cora agrees believing that time in London might do her depressed daughter some good.  Lady Rose uses Lady Edith’s depression as an excuse to accompany her to London convincing Lady Cora to acquiesce to her request.  The truth is, Lady Rose, does not intend to spend time with glum Lady Edith.  She has come to London to spend time with Jack Ross, who is very much aware that their affair is only a fling from a rebellious young woman of status.  Lady Edith’s visit to London is of a far more serious matter.  She confides her unplanned pregnancy to Lady Rosamund and her plan to abort it.  Although having a child out of wedlock is an anathema to society especially to nobility, Lady Rosamund finds Lady Edith’s decision to undergo abortion awful.  Nonetheless, she provides her niece genuine support and offers to accompany her to the abortion clinic.  They arrive at a dubious looking clinic and Lady Edith begins to weigh her decision.  She confides her inability to bear the scandal if news of her pregnancy breaks.  She also realizes the burden of guilt she will have to live with the rest of her life.  Lady Edith foregoes the abortion.

Mrs. Crawley visits Lady Violet whom she heard has fallen ill and finds that her condition has worsened.  Mrs. Crawley fetches Dr. Clarkson and learns that Lady Violet has bronchitis.  Dr. Clarkson recommends hiring a nurse to look after Lady Violet for her bronchitis could progress to pneumonia without proper care.  Mrs. Crawley volunteers to become her nurse knowing very well that the cottage hospital is short of nurses.  She does so knowing that she will have to provide care for the whole duration.  A trained nurse, Mrs. Crawley takes on the task of keeping Lady Violet’s temperature down in order to prevent pneumonia.  Lady Cora and Lady Mary pay her a visit and are quite relieved that Mrs. Crawley had volunteered to take care of the old woman, discharging them of the responsibility.  With Mrs. Crawley attending to Lady Violet, Tom Branson is left without a companion to the Liberal MP’s talk at the Ripon Town Hall.  He and a woman at the talk becomes the center of attention after the speaker, John Ward, notices the woman calling Tom’s attention.  Tom had earlier asked if he could take the empty seat beside her only to learn that the woman had reserved it for a friend.  The talk had commenced and her friend is still nowhere in sight that she decides to offer him the seat.  It was good that Mrs. Crawley had stayed with Lady Violet for it allowed the old woman to recover from her illness.  Lady Violet could not wait for Mrs. Crawley to leave her be, but soon realizes her ingratitude after Dr. Clarkson tells her of Mrs. Crawley’s genuine concern and dedication.  The woman had nursed her to recovery for the last two days and nights, sacrificing her health that Lady Violet may weather the worst.  This knowledge persuaded Lady Violet to acquiesce Mrs. Crawley’s offer to accompany her that evening.

Mr. Carson receives a letter from Alfred Nugent updating him of his progress at the Ritz Escoffier.  Moreover, he asks the butler’s permission to visit Downton for he will be returning home to see his ill father.  Mrs. Patmore and Mrs. Hughes ask Mr. Carson to refuse Alfred’s visit, afraid of the quarrel over him between Ivy and Daisy.  Regrettably, Mr. Carson does not know of any other way to contact Alfred.  He takes it upon himself to fetch the former footman from the train station that he may divert him from Downton Abbey.  Taking Mrs. Hughes’ advice, Mr. Carson tells Alfred that several servants have contracted the flu, which is why he booked him a room at the pub instead.  It was the right decision for Daisy and Ivy are at it again after learning that Alfred will not be visiting.  Regrettably, Alfred decides to drop by Downton before he catches the train back to London.  He expresses his delight at hearing Ivy’s claim of missing him.

Lady Mary and Mr. Blake continue their disagreement.  Mr. Blake expresses his aversion to the estate owners who are unwilling to change their lifestyle despite the obvious ruin of their estates.  With everyone away including Evelyn, who has agreed to have dinner with his parents’ friends, Lady Mary and Lady Cora are left to spend dinner with Mr. Blake.  Later, Lady Mary and Mr. Blake visit the Tamworth pigs that had just arrived earlier that day.  She explains the new venture into pig farming with the hope to expand if it succeeds.  Mr. Blake notices a pig that is nearly dead due to dehydration after the pigs had upturned the trough leaving them without water.  With help too far away and too little time to save the pigs, Mr. Blake and Lady Mary take it upon themselves to bring the pigs water.  They manage to save the pigs after hours of lugging pails of water through mud in their dinner clothing.  Mr. Blake sees the other side of Lady Mary, one covered in mud and serving him scrambled eggs she cooked by herself.  News of their adventure reaches the others, and Evelyn intimates of Lady Mary obtaining another suitor.  This does not delight her, who had confessed before of not being ready to become happy again.  To add to her dilemma, Lord Gillingham is coming to stay at Downton.  He brings with him his valet, Mr. Green.  The change in Anna and Mrs. Hughes’ countenance at his arrival made the identity of Anna’s attacker very clear to Mr. Bates.  Mrs. Hughes confronts Mr. Green to make him aware of her knowledge of the crime he committed against Anna.  Mr. Green is unperturbed by her confrontation and insists that Anna is also to blame.  Moreover, the knowledge of Mr. Bates’ unawareness of his identity gives him pleasure much to Mrs. Hughes’ dismay.  Mr. Green initiates the conversation about the last night of the house party contrary to Mrs. Hughes’ demand not to draw attention.  He goads Mr. Bates with hints that reveal him as Anna’s attacker.  The reaction from the Bates did not go amiss with Miss Baxter.

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Episode 6 Season 4 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 4.6

Episode Summary: Lady Rose arranges the jazz band, The Lotus, to play after dinner as a surprise birthday present for Lord Grantham.  Lady Mary begins to regret extending her hospitality to Evelyn’s boss, Charles Blake, for he manages to annoy her immediately.  This, however, delights Evelyn, who seeks to court Lady Mary.

Downton Abbey Episode 5 Season 4 Recap: Mr. Barrow expects a report from Miss Baxter and she relays the conversation she overheard between Lady Rose and Lady Cora.  Lady Rose appears to have a secret she wants Mrs. Hughes to keep.  Miss Baxter believes that the secret is trivial, but Mr. Barrow thinks otherwise that he persuades her to gather more information about it.  Unbeknownst to him, the secret revolves around the surprise birthday party they have planned for Lord Grantham.  Lady Rose had hired a band to play after dinner on the night of his birthday.  She wants Mrs. Hughes to keep the band members downstairs while the family is having dinner so as not to ruin the surprise.  Lord Grantham, however, learns of the dinner party his family is throwing for him through friends who could not keep a secret.  Fortunately, Lady Rose has kept hiring a band to play at the party from everyone except Mrs. Hughes.Continue reading...

Lady Violet notices that the Netsuke ivory carving of a fisherman has gone missing from her desk and suspects young Pegg of the theft.  Mrs. Crawley learns that young Pegg has been dismissed from his job as gardener without knowing the reason for it.  She confronts Lady Violet about the young man’s termination and reproaches her for her penchant for materialism at the expense of justice.  Mr. Spratt’s arrival with news of having found the Netsuke in the maid’s cleaning bucket confirms Mrs. Crawley’s suspicion of young Pegg’s unjust dismissal.  Lady Violet, however, maintains her belief that the young gardener took the valuable letter opener.  Mrs. Crawley takes it upon herself to investigate.  She purposely drops by the Dower House when Lady Violet is not around and feigns dizziness that the butler, Mr. Spratt, may allow her to sit in the drawing room.  Mrs. Crawley begins to snoop around the room in search of the valuable letter opener Lady Violet insisted young Pegg pilfered.  Her search bore fruit for she found the letter opener stuck down the side of an armchair.  Later, Mrs. Crawley returns with Dr. Clarkson keen to reproach Lady Violet for the unjust dismissal of young Pegg.  She is surprised to learn that Lady Violet had already hired young Pegg back.  In fact, she had explained to him of the reason for his dismissal and apologized for falsely accusing him of theft.

Alfred Nugent has lost his desire for cooking following the rejection from the Ritz Escoffier.  He, however, soon receives a letter from the prestigious cooking school offering him a slot after one of the chosen candidates dropped out of the course after receiving a job offer.  He is to leave Downton Abbey as soon as possible so as not to miss any more classes.  Daisy Robinson could not contain her tears at the news of Alfred’s departure.  She blames Ivy Stuart for driving him away.  All the same, Alfred is leaving Downton and the family has been informed.  He expresses his gratitude for their kindness towards him and also of Mr. Carson’s generosity in being his mentor.  Everyone but Daisy bids Alfred goodbye and he knows why.  Alfred makes it a point to say goodbye to Daisy.  He apologizes for the hurt he has caused her, but explains that he can never be the man for her.  Daisy accepts his apology and wishes him good will.  Mrs. Hughes asks Mr. Carson about hiring Mr. Molesley as Alfred’s replacement now that they are short of a footman, but Mr. Carson does not intend to hire Mr. Molesley after he hesitantly accepted the job offer.  Mr. Carson finds that Mr. Molesley’s hesitance to accept the job of a footman showed ingratitude.  Mr. Molesley learns that Downton is in need of a footman and speaks to Mr. Carson about it only to learn that he is no longer being considered as a candidate after he had expressed his disinclination to accept a permanent inferior position.  Mr. Molesley speaks with Mrs. Hughes, who is sympathetic to him.  Mrs. Hughes comes up with a plan to persuade Mr. Carson to take him on as a footman.  She sends for him the day of Lord Grantham’s birthday that he may serve the servants’ tea, a task that shows Mr. Carson his humility.  Mrs. Hughes’ plan worked for Mr. Carson gives in and offers Mr. Molesley the position Alfred left vacant.

Lady Edith learns that Michael Gregson has gone missing.  To add to her grief, she receives a letter from the doctor she visited in London, which confirms her pregnancy.  Lord Grantham finds her in the library in tears.  He correctly supposes that his daughter’s grief stems from the disappearance of Gregson and offers to send someone to look for him in Munich.  Lady Edith, however, informs him that Gregson’s office already sent a detective to look for him.  She just wants to know what has happened to her lover regardless of the dreadfulness of the truth.

Jimmy Kent and Ivy Stuart make their way back to Downton after seeing Rudolph Valentino’s film, The Sheik.  They extend their date a little longer and sit on a bench under the moonlight.  They begin to kiss passionately, but Jimmy has something else in mind.  This disgusts and upsets Ivy, but Jimmy is equally upset for he expects a reward in return for his supposed generosity.  Ivy leaves Jimmy after learning of his ulterior motive.  Ivy reports the incident to Mrs. Hughes and Ms. Patmore in Daisy’s presence.  The incident made her realize of Alfred’s decency, which upset Daisy enough to go into a tirade about how Ivy caused them grief by choosing Jimmy over Alfred.

Anna suggests that she and Mr. Bates go on a date as part of their effort to live past her horrible ordeal.  Mr. Bates insists that he is happy whenever he looks at her, but Anna knows this to be a lie.  She believes that her rape overshadows everything they do.  Mr. Bates agrees with her and begins to understand the necessity of their date.  They are to have an evening together where they vow not to think of the ghastly violation done to her.  Anna and Mr. Bates arrive at the Netherby hotel where Anna booked a reservation at its restaurant.  The arrogant maître‘d who had judged them with the clothes they are wearing refuses them entrance feigning not having their reservation.  He adds that there are no tables available for the Countess of Grantham is at the restaurant with a large party.  Lady Cora sees Anna and Mr. Bates with the maître‘d and speaks to them with familiarity embarrassing the obsequious maître‘d for behaving rudely to the friends of the Countess of Grantham.  By some miracle, he has found Anna and Mr. Bates a table at the restaurant, once he originally said was unavailable.  Later, Anna is once again reminded of the violation done to her despite her promise to put it behind for at least one evening.  She tells her husband that she is not a victim, while her husband intimates his guilt of failing to protect her.  Unfortunately, Lady Cora arrives at their table before they could discuss further.  She generously offers them a lift home.  The strain between husband and wife did not go amiss with Lady Cora.  She conveys her observation to Lady Mary while Miss Baxter is in the room.  She had heard that Anna was hurt somehow and that Mr. Bates feels guilty for failing to protect her.  Miss Baxter reluctantly relays the information she gathered to Mr. Barrow despite Lady Cora’s request to keep it to herself.  Soon, Mr. Barrow learns of the secret Mrs. Hughes is keeping for Lady Rose when the young mistress informs them that a London band from the nightclub, The Lotus, is coming to play after dinner as a surprise gift for Lord Grantham.  She asks for their confidence in keeping it a secret so as not to ruin the surprise.  Moreover, she asks that they extend hospitality to the musicians who will be staying with them.  Mr. Carson assures her that they will behave as expected, but betrays his assertion when the black bandleader, Jack Ross, arrives much to everyone’s shock.

Evelyn Napier arrives with Charles Blake at Downton Abbey after accepting the Crawleys’ invitation for them to reside there for the duration of their project.  Lady Mary learns that her understanding of the goal of their project is the opposite of its true objective.  Mr. Blake explains that they are to analyze the situation in order to determine whether their society is shifting fundamentally.  Their work is not to provide advice to landowners that will allow them to save their estates, but simply to ensure food production for the kingdom.  Mr. Blake bluntly relays Mr. Lloyd George’s priority of feeding the population over rescuing the aristocracy.  Mr. Blake manages to annoy Lady Mary in the few minutes he has spent at Downton.

The dinner party for Lord Grantham commences.  Mr. Blake sits beside Lady Mary giving him another chance to exasperate her.  Lady Cora notices her daughter’s annoyance and shares her observation to Evelyn Napier, who explains that Mr. Blake finds people with a sense of entitlement a challenge.  Therefore, Lady Mary’s annoyance only encourages him.  Evelyn, on the other hand, confesses his enthusiasm for Lady Mary, one Mr. Blake claims he does not share.  Mr. Blake finds Lady Mary a person who expects to reap rewards without lifting a finger.  He does not find people like her deserving.  Evelyn states that the feeling between Mr. Blake and Lady Mary is mutual.  Mrs. Crawley hears of Tom’s plan to immigrate to America and speaks to him about it.  Tom surprises himself after coming to a realization that he has come to love the Crawleys.  Nonetheless, he could not see making a life at Downton especially if he is to marry a commoner.  Soon, Lady Cora concludes the dinner and leads the ladies to the drawing room, leaving the gentlemen to drink and converse.  However, Lady Rose announces a deviation from the custom and instructs the band that is waiting outside to begin playing music.  This surprises everyone and pleases Lord Grantham until he comes across the black bandleader.  Lady Edith utters what is in everyone’s mind, but Lord Grantham decides to see past the color of Jack Ross’ skin.  He takes Lady Cora for a dance as a gesture of graciously accepting his niece’s birthday present.  Even Lady Violet shows progressive thinking when she advises Lady Edith to put aside her provincial mentality.  The hosts and the guests dance to the jazz band at Downton Abbey, the very first one to perform at the estate.  Mrs. Crawley uses the appearance of a jazz band at a formal dinner party in telling Tom that unexpected changes can come to Downton.  He should know for his marriage to a woman of nobility remains the most startling change in the history of Downton Abbey.  The dinner party was a success.  Lord Grantham enjoyed it so much that he agrees to Lady Mary’s suggestion to cover the bill.  Lady Mary goes downstairs to inform Jack Ross when she finds him and Lady Rose kissing passionately.  She gives them the courtesy to become aware of her presence, allowing them to compose themselves.  Lady Mary says nothing of the incident she had just witnessed.

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Lady Violet - Downton Abbey Quotes

In my opinion, Lady Violet is the wittiest character on Downton Abbey. Her wit excuses her impudence. Here are a few of her quotes.

Episode 6 of Season 4 - My dear, we country-dwellers must beware of being provincial.

Episode 5 Season 4 – Downton Abbey Episode Summary 4.5

Episode Summary: Mr. Bates forces Mrs. Hughes to divulge to him the truth about the cuts and bruises Anna sustained on the last night of the house party.  Lord Grantham persuades Lady Mary into rescinding the foreclosure of the Yew Tree Farm.  Alfred takes the exam at the prestigious Ritz Escoffier cooking school.

Downton Abbey Episode 5 Season 4 Recap: Anna Bates now resides at the main house of Downton Abbey.  Mr. Bates makes it a point to be the first one to greet her in the morning despite his wife’s insistence that there is no need for it.  He argues that there is every need for he remains befuddled as to how his perfect life with his loving wife unraveled in the space of one evening.Continue reading...

Anna maintains her impertinence towards Mr. Bates alarming Mrs. Hughes who pities the unwitting husband.  Mrs. Hughes speaks to Anna about her behavior and urges her to reconsider her decision to keep the secret to her husband.  Regrettably, Anna remains resolute in her choice believing that Mr. Bates will do the unthinkable if he found out the truth.  Unbeknownst to the two women, Mr. Bates overheard their conversation.  Unable to persuade Anna to tell her the truth, Mr. Bates confronts Mrs. Hughes instead.  He tells her that not knowing the truth will cause him to leave Downton and his wife.  He believes that Anna has fallen out of love with him so much so that the sight of him tortures her.  It is only noble to free her of such torment.  He threatens to hand in his resignation and will depart before Anna’s return from Ripon that day.  Mrs. Hughes assures Mr. Bates that Anna loves him greatly.  Moreover, his abandonment will devastate her surely.  It is for this reason that Mrs. Hughes will go against Anna’s wish to keep her secret from anyone especially Mr. Bates.  Mrs. Hughes tells Mr. Bates of Anna’s rape that occurred on the last night of the house party.  Mr. Bates immediately suspects, Mr. Green, Lord Gillingham’s valet as the rapist, but Mrs. Hughes disputes his suspicion.  Mrs. Hughes swears that Mr. Green was not Anna’s attacker after Mr. Bates demanded her to do so.  Nonetheless, he avows of finding Anna’s attacker.  Later, Mr. Bates speaks to Anna of his discovery.  He tries to verify Mrs. Hughes’ story most especially the identity of the rapist, but Anna confirms that it is a stranger, one whose identity they have no way of knowing.  He learns of Anna’s reason for withholding from him the violation done to her.  She feels unworthy of her husband.  Mr. Bates, on the other hand, finds her higher and holier for the suffering she endured.  In fact, he loves her more now than ever.  Anna informs Mrs. Hughes that she has decided to return to the cottage for she and Mr. Bates have decided to try to forget her ordeal.  Mrs. Hughes expresses her delight about the news to Mr. Bates only to learn that he does not intend to forget the violation done to his wife.  He informs Mrs. Hughes quite portentously of his pursuit to discover the identity of the attacker.

Lady Cora has a new lady’s maid, Miss Baxter, the candidate Mr. Barrow recommended for the position.  The woman appears to be pleasant and diametric to Mr. Barrow, which makes Mr. Bates wonder about her affiliation with the devious under butler.  Lady Cora is pleased with Miss Baxter thus far for the new lady’s maid is not only affable, but considerate as well.  The only one who has reservations with her is Mrs. Patmore, but her qualms are directed to the maid’s electric sewing machine that she had set up in the servants’ hall.  As it turns out, Mr. Barrow has been helping Miss Baxter win over Lady Cora for personal gain.  Moreover, he warns her about making enemies of her colleagues and notes that it was a mistake Miss O’Brien made that led to her ostracism.  With Mr. Barrow’s help, Miss Baxter wins the approval of Mrs. Patmore after she fixes her torn apron in time for Lady Cora’s visit of the kitchen.  Miss Baxter finds herself indebted to Mr. Barrow for procuring for her the job at Downton, but she is now only learning the reason for his generosity.  Mr. Barrow would like her to spy for him, believing that the information she gathers from the masters will be to his benefit.  Miss Baxter wonders why he has not sought the help of Anna if he does not see her as an enemy.  She learns that Mr. Barrow has tried, but Anna just proved to be incorruptible.

Newspapers announce the engagement of Lord Gillingham and Mabel Lane Fox.  Although she was forewarned, Lady Mary could not help but feel a tinge of disappointment upon hearing the news.  She tries her best not to reveal her true feelings about Lord Gillingham’s engagement.  Lady Mary finds distraction from the disheartening news when another man from her past pays an unexpected visit, Evelyn Napier.  Mr. Napier is doing government research in Yorkshire.  The department he is working for is assessing the damage of the war years on the landed estates undergoing difficulties with the goal of determining the likelihood of their survival.  Although he could not divulge the names of the estates that are in serious trouble, Mr. Napier conveys that Downton Abbey is not in danger.  Lady Mary, however, would like to get his opinion on the management of Downton.  She and Lady Cora invite Mr. Napier and his boss, Charles Blake, to reside at Downton while they are in Yorkshire.

Dr. Clarkson seeks the help of Mrs. Crawley to aid the cause of the son of a villager looking for work.  Dr. Clarkson believes that Mrs. Crawley will be able to persuade one of the Crawleys to employ the young man, but Mrs. Crawley sees herself an outsider especially with the passing of her son, Matthew.  Although she appreciates the kindness Lord and Lady Grantham had shown her, she maintains the belief that she is not truly part of the family.  Nevertheless, Mrs. Crawley speaks to Lady Violet about taking on young Pegg as a gardener.  With some persuasion, Lady Violet agrees to hire young Pegg as one of her gardeners.  However, she begins to suspect him of theft after she finds him in her study watering the plants and notices that the paper knife given to the late Lord Grantham by the King of Sweden had gone missing.  She speaks to Mrs. Crawley and Dr. Clarkson of her suspicion, but they ask her not to inform the head gardener of her distrust until they have done their investigation.

Lord Grantham attends the funeral of the father of Mr. Drewe, the tenant of the Yew Tree Farm, and learns that Mr. Drewe desires to take on the tenancy his father left.  Unfortunately, Lady Mary and Tom Branson already foreclosed the lease of the farm the Drewe family has tilled since the reign of George the Third due to the family’s failure to pay rent.  The Crawleys are to farm the land themselves.  Mr. Drewe pleads Lord Grantham to allow him to keep the tenancy and repay the debt his father kept from him.  Lord Grantham agrees to see him to discuss the matter, but becomes disappointed at the offer Mr. Drewe presented.  The man would like the foreclosure rescinded that he may take on the lease despite his inability to pay the arrears in full.  Mr. Drewe’s only argument is the century long partnership he and his family have with the Crawleys.  This, however, is enough cause for Lord Grantham to allow Mr. Drewe to take on the tenancy.  Aware that Lady Mary will reject the offer with an outstanding debt, Lord Grantham offers to lend the difference in the arrears that Mr. Drewe may pay his father’s debt in full.  Lord Grantham informs his family of the meeting he had with Mr. Drewe.  Lady Mary initially did not receive it well for it seemed as though her father already made the decision without asking for her approval and she did not find it legal given that the foreclosure papers have been served.  Her family, however, including Tom agrees with Lord Grantham who had insisted that Mr. Drewe would pay the arrears.  Moreover, he notes the moral right the Drewe family has on the land given their history and partnership with the Crawleys.  Lady Mary is surprised that Tom is in agreement with Lord Grantham forgetting his socialist ideals that make him decide in favor of the farmers.  Adding to her surprise is her father’s demand that she inform Mr. Drewe of their acceptance of his offer.  She does so and Mr. Drewe is very grateful for rescinding the foreclosure of his tenancy.  Lady Mary gives the credit to Lord Grantham and learns that his father had not only persuaded them to allow Mr. Drewe to keep his tenancy he had also lent him the last fifty pounds of the debt the Drewes owed.  Lady Mary thinks more highly of her father after learning of his good deed that he tried to hide from them.  Talk of his political beliefs reminded Tom of the last night of the house party where he felt like an intruder among his late wife’s family and friends.  He speaks to the Crawleys of moving to America where he has family.  Tom would like a fresh start for his daughter.  He is afraid of Sybbie being known as the daughter of an uppity chauffeur.  Although the Crawleys did not dismiss his plan, they ask him to reconsider for they do not want to lose him.

With Mr. Carson’s permission, the kitchen staffs assist Alfred in his training for the exam at the Ritz Escoffier.  Notwithstanding her conflicted desire to help the footman and her dislike to see him leave Downton Abbey, Daisy accepts the job of mentor.  Soon, Alfred receives a letter from the Ritz Escoffier informing him that his application has been accepted.  He is to be in London for the exam the day after tomorrow.  All but Jimmy are happy for him and the masters of the house commend the Bouchees de Fromage he prepared for dinner with Daisy’s supervision.  Alfred makes his way to London for the exam.  The exam at the Ritz Escoffier commences and Alfred finds himself unable to answer the questions from the Sous Chef of the Ritz, Arsene Avignon.  He, however, did well in the practical exam.  The sous chef wonders why Alfred had not chosen to make a living in the kitchen and had instead chosen to become a footman.  He learns that Alfred did so in order to fulfill his mother’s wish.  Although he is not unhappy working for the Earl of Grantham as a footman, he believes that he can improve his life with a culinary training.  Mr. Carson learns that the footman truly has a chance of being accepted at the respected cooking school.  In danger of losing a footman, he decides to offer the job to Mr. Molesley.  Much to Mr. Carson’s surprise and annoyance, Mr. Molesley asks for time to consider the offer, because he could not bear to accept a permanent position that is inferior to his qualifications.  He returns the following day to inform Mr. Carson that he has decided to accept the job after much deliberation only to learn that the position is no longer open, because Alfred will not be leaving Downton Abbey.  Alfred had just recently received a letter informing him that he did not make it to the top four although he was near.  Daisy sympathizes for the disappointing news Alfred received, but is delighted to learn that the footman will be staying at Downton.

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