Episode Three

S2 E3: It is 1917 and Downton has been turned into a convalescent home for wounded officers. There is a lot to do, and O'Brien suggests that they need someone to look after the day-to-day management of the home. She subtly mentions Thomas and so Cora, ignorant of his past crimes, arranges for him to return. Matthew returns on leave, and offers to bring General Sir Herbert Strutt to inspect the home. Meanwhile, Violet is sure that Mary is still in love with Matthew, so she tries to come up with a way to break his engagement to Lavinia. She uncovers a dark secret in Lavinia's past and tells Mary, but how will Mary use the information? Anna thinks that she sees Bates in the village and begs him to return to Downton. William proposes to Daisy, who reluctantly accepts. Branson fails his medical and is discharged from service. He comes up with an unusual way to protest against the war during the General's visit, but can the other staff stop his plan? Working at Downton may be too much for Lang.