Patrick Brennan

Returning to Downton in 1924 a new labour government heralds changes that are being felt throughout the land, as well as above and below stairs. Plans for a war memorial unexpectedly pit Carson against Robert and Mrs Hughes. While unwanted female attention spells trouble for Jimmy, Thomas gives Baxter an ultimatum. Branson’s burgeoning friendship causes Robert concern while Mary is ready to find love again. Cracks appear in Edith and Drewe’s special arrangement as she increasingly struggles to keep her emotions in check; this may have disastrous consequences for the whole household.

Preparations for Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes’ wedding are underway, but a misunderstanding threatens the peace. Edith reconnects with an old acquaintance, who comes to her aid in an hour of need. Spratt has something to hide but Denker is hot on the trail, and Daisy jumps to conclusions about a plan of Cora’s. Tensions mount over the hospital takeover, leading Isobel to offend a friend. The wedding day brings a surprise, with the arrival of some unexpected guests.

Mary’s meddling gets Mr Carson into trouble with Mrs Hughes as planning for their wedding gets underway, and Cora and Violet are pitted against each other over plans for the hospital takeover. Thomas’s job search continues with disheartening consequences, and an idea of Mary’s takes Anna to London and offers new hope. Edith faces challenges at the magazine but it’s a problem closer to home that reaches breaking point. What begins as a happy day out for the family and servants ends in panic and leaves Robert with a difficult decision to make.

A change of circumstance puts Bertie Pelham in the limelight, and Edith must decide whether to conceal her past at all costs, or confront the truth and risk losing everything. As both sisters seek their perfect match, hostilities escalate and it’s up to Mary to decide if she can ever make peace with Edith – or herself? Spratt proves to be a man of hidden talents and Mr Molesley embarks on a career in teaching, though his first lesson doesn’t quite go to plan. Mrs Patmore’s bed and breakfast garners unwanted attention – will the Crawleys come to her aid?

Opinions are divided above and below stairs when Tom and Mary open Downton Abbey to the public for a day, in aid of the hospital. Mr Dawes, the headmaster, has a proposition for Mr Molesley, and Baxter is thrown into turmoil when she receives an unexpected letter. Plans for the hospital takeover reach a divisive resolution, with battle lines drawn between Cora and Violet. Carson has an axe to grind with Thomas, but all is not as it appears. Mary surprises Henry with a visit to London, while Bertie comes to Downton to see Edith. Can the sisters overcome the shadows of their pasts and find happiness?