TEXT: [OPENING TITLES] April, 1917 [SCENE_BREAK] [EXT. DOWNTON - MORNING] [SCENE_BREAK] [A man rides a bicycle toward the abbey. A new valet, Henry Lang, prepares Robert's clothes. William works downstairs.] Servant: A letter for you, William. [SCENE_BREAK] [INT. LIBRARY - MORNING] [SCENE_BREAK] [Mrs Hughes brings some flowers into the library and sees Mr Carson feeding the fireplace.] Mrs Hughes: Why on earth are you doing that? Mr Carson: Someone's got to. Mrs Hughes: Yes, indeed, they do. And that someone is William or one of the maids. You're making work for yourself, Mr Carson, and I've no sympathy with that. Mr Carson: I'm not asking for sympathy. [SCENE_BREAK] [INT. LORD GRANTHAM'S DRESSING ROOM - MORNING] Mr Lang: I don't think y-you should be in-- Robert, Earl of Grantham: What? Oh, for heaven's sake, man! If something's wrong, put it right! [Lang fixes Robert's uniform.] Robert, Earl of Grantham: I'm sorry Lang, I don't mean to snap. Mr Lang: Nothing to worry about, my lord. Robert, Earl of Grantham: (sigh) You've been in the trenches, I have not. I've no right to criticise. Mr Lang: I'm not a soldier now. Robert, Earl of Grantham: You've been invalided out. That is perfectly honourable. Mr Lang: Is it? I know people look at me and wonder why I'm not in uniform. Robert, Earl of Grantham: Then you refer them to me and I'll give them a piece of my mind. Hmm? [They nod to each other.] [SCENE_BREAK] [INT. KITCHENS - MORNING] [SCENE_BREAK] [Mrs Patmore reads a letter at a table, distressed. Daisy enters.
SUMMARY:
April 1917. Lord Grantham informs Mrs Patmore that her nephew was shot for cowardice. Thomas goes to work under Dr Clarkson at the village hospital along with Lady Sybil. Downton becomes a convalescent home. Matthew is unhappy about returning to England for a recruitment drive. Lavinia is confronted by Sir Richard Carlisle, an old and unwelcome acquaintance. Lady Edith volunteers to drive a tractor and help with the work as her bit to help in the war effort. She does this for Mr Drake, a Downton tenant farmer. She and Mr Drake kiss, and are seen by Mrs Drake, who quietly puts an end to Edith's job.