Downton Abbey Season 4 Episode 6

More tears for Alfred

Daisy is elated that Alfred is staying at Downton and gives him first pick of the hot toast instead of Carson. But a letter comes and Alfred is accepted to the Ritz training program after another candidate can’t accept. Daisy is crushed. Alfred makes a moving speech to the family, saying he was well treated at Downton. Daisy hides in the kitchen when Alfred leaves but he seeks her out and lets her down easy. Their parting is bittersweet.

Molesley ready to be a footman

Everyone wants Carson to bring in Molesley to replace Alfred, but Carson doesn’t think Molesley is sufficiently grateful enough to be offered the job. Molesley sees Alfred leave the train station and arrives at Downton, wondering about the job. Carson plays hard ball. Molesley visits Mrs Hughes and Mrs Patmore who come up with a plan. They get Molesley to serve the servants during the big dinner to demonstrate he’s not too proud to be of service. Carson relents and Molesley is hired.

Evelyn Napier and Mr Blake come to stay at Downton. They’re writing a government report on why estates like Downton are going wrong. Mary thinks their visit could be useful. However, Blake and Napier are not in the business of saving the aristocracy and when Mary finds out, Mr Blake gets a chilly reception. There is no love lost between Mr. Blake and Mary as the band plays on, but one has to wonder where all this friction will lead.

Where there's smoke there's fire?

Anna and Bates plan a special date night to try and leave the shadows behind. They run into Cora at the restaurant and she offers them a ride home. Cora is onto Anna’s troubles and confides in Mary. Maid Baxter overhears and you just know she’ll be reporting straight to Thomas.

Anna and Bates want out of the shadows.

There’s still no word from Michael in Munich; he’s simply disappeared. Edith gets a letter confirming her pregnancy. Robert catches her crying. The Munich police are looking for Michael Gregson but Edith fears the worst.

Edith gets a bit of unwelcome news...

Downton Abbey is getting into the business of pigs. And Cora’s family is in some kind of financial and political trouble.

Detective Isobel in the drawing room with a letter opener

Another trinket goes missing from Countess Violet’s house. The gardener appears guilty again. Violet fires him and he shows up at Isobel’s house. Isobel is furious. Violet later finds the trinket, but refuses to acknowledge she’s in the wrong. Isobel sneak’s into Violet’s house while she’s gone and finds the original missing letter opener stuck in a chair. Isobel and Dr Clarkson pay Violet a visit, saying it’s clear the gardener didn’t steal the knife. It turns out the gardener has already been reinstated and apologized to by Countess Violet. Isobel is speechless, for once.

Ivy and Jimmy go on a date and share a kiss afterward. Jimmy tries it on but Ivy’s having none of it. Jimmy thinks she owes him. Ivy is affronted and disgusted, but doesn’t get much sympathy with the ladies downstairs after she realizes Alfred really was the better choice.

Jimmy wants more than a kiss.

Rose plans Robert’s surprise birthday dinner, letting Mrs Hughes in on the secret: she’s hired Jack Ross’ big city London band. Thomas knows there’s a secret afoot and pushes Mrs. Baxter to find out what it is. After Baxter overhears Cora and Mary talking about Anna’s troubles, whatever they may be, she doesn’t want to tell Thomas. Baxter respects Cora and doesn’t like betraying her confidences. We don’t know what Thomas has over Baxter’s head, but he’s as evil as ever.

Jack Ross is a huge success at Downton Abbey. Carson is shocked when the black bandleader arrives downstairs. He asks him about Africa, awkward!  Lady Edith is also a bit prickly, so Countess Violet warns her against being provincial. After Lord Grantham’s big birthday dinner is over, Mary catches Lady Rose and Ross sharing an intimate moment downstairs.

Caught in the act of kissing...

Quotes from Downton Abbey Season 4 Episode 6

Quote of the week, Lady Edith is put in her place.

Bates: Your husband is a brooder. And brooders brood.

Countess Violet: I have a feeling most things would fit into this particular pocket.

Isobel: I’m not your lady, oh nevermind.

Countess Violet: I wonder you don’t just set fire to the Abbey and dance around it. Paint it with woad and howling.

It's like a game of Clue..

Isobel: How you hate to be wrong.
Countess Violet: I wouldn’t know, I’m not familiar with the sensation.

Carson: You’re nervous because you’re intelligent Alfred. Only stupid people are foolhardy.

Lord Grantham: Much more and we shall burst into tears.

Mrs. Patmore: I like that Rudolph Valentino. He makes me shiver all over.
Carson: What a very disturbing thought.

Anna: I want to make some new memories, good memories. So it’s not as if all our happiness was before.

Carson: You feel you are meant for better things and I won’t contradict you.

Mr. Blake: Mr Lloyd George is more concerned with feeding the population than rescuing the aristocracy.

Gratuitous Isis shot of the week

Lady Mary: I’m not unhappy. I’m just not quite ready to be happy.

Countess Violet: It is her fuel. I mean some people run on greed, lust, even love. She runs on indignation.

Lady Edith: Who is this singer and how did he get here? Isn’t is rather odd?
Lord Grantham: No I think it’s fun.

Countess Violet: My dear, we country dwellers must beware of being provincial. Try and let your time in London rub off on you a little more.

Evelyn Napier: Is this your first experience of Jazz Lady Grantham?
Countess Violet: Oh is that what it is.