Mr Carson: That is the plan. [Carson leaves. Stay. Matthew: Don't make trouble, Mother. When I'm with her, I'm reminded of the virtues of the English. Alfred: Will I? Violet: It might have been. They've got a new footman, where's the kitchen maid? Robert looks at Matthew in surprise as he's about to sit down, and Carson and Isobel's jaws drop. Robert: With the greatest enthusiasm. The gentlemen stand as Cora and Mary exit with him.] Enough for us to lose Downton. Mary: Except save Papa from living out the rest of his days in humiliation and grief. Mary: Oh, nothing. Matthew: And she's right. Who could ask for more? Mary faces Cora.] Anna steps forward and unties the robe over Mary's wedding gown.]
Plan: A: Oscar-winning actress Shirley MacLaine; Q: Who plays Cora's mother Martha? A: Downton; Q: Where is Matthew and Mary's wedding? A: their big day; Q: What is Matthew and Mary's wedding? A: Mr Carson; Q: Who runs the rule over Alfred? A: new footman Alfred; Q: Who does Mr Carson run the rule over? A: Robert; Q: Who receives news that could leave him facing the greatest crisis of his life? A: chaos; Q: What will the news that Robert receives plunge the rest of the household into? Summary: Oscar-winning actress Shirley MacLaine joins the cast of the period drama as Cora's mother Martha, who makes a grand entrance when she arrives at Downton for Matthew and Mary's wedding. However, with the couple struggling to stay united as their big day looms, will Martha's Atlantic crossing have been for nothing? Meanwhile, Mr Carson runs the rule over new footman Alfred, and Robert receives news that could leave him facing the greatest crisis of his life - and plunge the rest of the household into chaos.