Lady Edith’s disappearance is front and centre this episode.
Rosamund and the Dowager Countess decide they must tell Cora, but Mrs. Drew beats them to it and Cora gives them a piece of her mind, telling the DC “how can you imagine I’ll ever trust you again?”
Cora’s intelligence, strength, and resolve shine as she tells Rosamund and the Dowager Countess that they will find Lady Edith and ask her what she wants. When they track her down at the publishing company she’s inherited from Michael Gregson (was Atticus Aldridge really the first person to suggest that they look there?), Cora proposes a plan for Lady Edith to adopt Marigold from the Drews.
All they need is to get the family’s approval. That should be easy, but not so with this lot. Lady Mary is busy dishing out snarky one-liners to her sister while Lord Grantham is more interested in the ill health of Isis. They eventually focus on Lady Edith long enough to acquiesce. While discussing the adoption later, the Dowager Countess finally puts Lady Mary in her place, remarking, “My dear, a lack of compassion can be as vulgar as an excess of tears.” It’s about time.
Charles Blake manages to propel Lord Gillingham into the willing arms of Mabel Fox by staging a passionate kiss with Lady Mary. Just in time for Blake to leave on a lengthy trade delegation to Poland. And hopefully in time for Lady Mary and Tom Branson to get together and prevent him from taking Sybbie and moving to — shudder — America.
Below stairs, the real estate frenzy continues, with Anna and Mr. Bates considering selling his mother’s house in London and buying a place close to Downton. Daisy is discouraged about her prospects for advancement through education due to the difficulties of the Labour government, so Mrs. Patmore cooks up a trip to Mr. Mason’s farm for Daisy and Mr. Molesley. Mr. Barrow raises our hope for his redemption by suggesting that Ms. Baxter tag along, pointing out that she deserves a treat. Well done, Mr. Barrow.
The Spratt/Denker skirmish continues, with Spratt pronouncing that Denker takes after the dachshund — quite untrainable. In a touching confession, the Dowager comments to Lady Mary that she’s gotten used to Isobel’s companionship and friendship. She’ll miss having someone to talk things over with when Isobel becomes Lady Merton.
Following the antics of Miss Bunting earlier in the season, Mr. Fellowes dishes out another deliciously volatile dinner scene. Lord and Lady Grantham host a dinner to introduce Isobel to Lord Merton’s two detestable sons. Remember back when Larry spiked Tom Branson’s drink in a fit of jealous pique over Lady Sybil and Lord Merton called him out, throwing his napkin on the dinner table while Matthew helped the impaired Branson make his exit?
Evidencing the triumph of hope over experience, they invite the same cad to dinner again: with the same result. Larry is condescending and nasty to Isobel and Branson, and Branson gets a turn at jumping out of his chair and shouting. The whole incident leaves Isobel unsettled and rethinking her decision. The Dowager Countess may not lose her sidekick after all.
On a happier note, Atticus Aldridge (surely Downton’s most smiley character ever?) is not the least bit put off by his prospective in-laws, as he proposes and Lady Rose accepts.
The episode ends with a touching display of affection for the dying Isis, who is put to bed between Lord and Lady Grantham, so she can make her journey “between two people who love her and each other very much on either side.” Not a dry eye in the house!
Aired at 9pm on Sunday 2 November 2014 on ITV.
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