TEXT: [A gunshot rings out. We close in on two soldiers lying in a battlefield covered in dirt. One is severely wounded, the other turns his head, revealing Matthew Crawley.] The Somme, 1916 [Matthew sees to his wounded comrade. Cut to soldiers running through the field, some carrying the wounded on stretchers, bombs exploding around them. Matthew carries the wounded soldier to relative safety in the trenches.] Matthew Crawley: Sergeant Stevens! Sergeant Stevens: Sir! Matthew Crawley: I want every wounded man taken down the line before it starts to get dark. We've bloody well lost enough of them for one day. [Matthew enters his bunker where he opens a message. His man servant carries in a pitcher and cloth.] Matthew Crawley: When did this arrive? Davis: (indistinct) sir. [The bunker continually shakes and pours dirt from the ceiling.] Matthew Crawley: Ah, good news. We'll be relieved today by the [Devons?]. The men can finally get some rest, and I've got a few days' leave coming to me. Davis: What'll you do with them, sir? Matthew Crawley: London first to remind myself what real food tastes like. Then north for a couple of days, I suppose. Naturally there's a girl I want to see when I'm there. Davis: So I should hope, sir. Strange, i'n't it? Think of our old lives just going on as before while we're here in this. Matthew Crawley: More than strange. When I think of my life at Downton, it seems like another world. [OPENING TITLES] [SCENE_BREAK] [INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - MORNING] [SCENE_BREAK] [A servant opens the windows in the library. Other servants bustle about the rooms preparing for a benefit. Anna leads the new house maid through the rooms.] Anna: We normally have everything done before the family wakes up, but it's all at six and sevens today. I'll go through it tomorrow when we
SUMMARY:
September 1916. Matthew is returning to Downton during his upcoming leave and informs the family he is engaged to Miss Lavinia Swire. Lady Mary announces that she has invited Sir Richard Carlisle, a ruthless, wealthy newspaper mogul to Downton. The servants prepare for a concert to help fund the local hospital. Bates tells Anna that he may finally be able to get a divorce and proposes. Vera Bates, Bates' estranged wife, arrives at Downton and demands that Bates return to her or she will expose Lady Mary's indiscretion with Pamuk. Bates gives his notice without explanation. Mrs Hughes tells the story to Mr. Carson, and he informs Lord Grantham. Sybil enrolls in nursing training. Branson reveals his feelings before Sybil leaves. Matthew arrives with Lavinia. He and Mary reconcile. Matthew meets Thomas in the trenches. Thomas intentionally gets wounded to be sent back to England.