Downton Abbey, Series 3 Scripts (Official)

by Julian Fellowes

  ACT ONE1

  1 EXT. DOWNTON VILLAGE CRICKET PITCH. DAY.

  Molesley is with his father, old Bill Molesley, inspecting the cricket pitch, which is being rolled.2

  BILL MOLESLEY: I think it’s held up well, all things considered.

  MOLESLEY: Especially after all that rain.

  BILL MOLESLEY: How’s the house team coming on? Because we’re taking this very seriously in the village.

  MOLESLEY: Nobody takes it more seriously than his lordship, Dad. Whatever he likes to pretend.

  2 INT. CARSON’S PANTRY. DOWNTON. EVE.

  Thomas is with Carson.

  CARSON: Mr Bates has had his rest now, and wants to get back to work. Mr Barrow, isn’t it better to take your punishment and move on?

  THOMAS: You mean because…

  CARSON: Let’s not go through it all again. I have left things unresolved for too long. It’s time to draw a line under this whole unfortunate episode.

  THOMAS: So I go out the window.

  CARSON: I cannot hide that I find your situation revolting but, whether or not you believe me, I am not entirely unsympathetic. You have been twisted by nature into something foul, and even I can see that you did not ask for it.

  Thomas accepts this without comment.

  CARSON (CONT’D): I think it better that you resign quietly, citing the excuse that Mr Bates has returned. I will write a perfectly acceptable reference and you’ll find that there’s nothing about it that’s hard to explain.

  THOMAS: I see. What about tonight?

  CARSON: Well, it’s nearly time to change, so you should dress him tonight and let Mr Bates take over tomorrow.

  Thomas nods and walks to the door. Then he turns.

  THOMAS: I am not foul, Mr Carson. I am not the same as you, but I am not foul.

  CARSON: Yes, well. We’ve spoken enough on this subject. Now, if you will excuse me, I’ll ring the gong.3

  He walks out, past Miss O’Brien who may have been listening.

  CARSON (CONT’D): Come along, Miss O’Brien. Time to stop eavesdropping and do some work.

  O’BRIEN: I don’t know what you —

  But Carson has gone about his business.

  3 INT. LIBRARY. DOWNTON. EVE.

  Robert, Cora, Mary and Edith sit around. Edith is reading some pieces of paper covered in writing.

  CORA: How are you getting on with the cricket team?

  ROBERT: We should be all right. We’ve still got Thomas, thank God.

  EDITH: Won’t he be leaving soon?

  ROBERT: Not before the match if I’ve got anything to do with it. And we’ve two footmen again and two sons-in-law, so with Carson, the valets and the hall boys, we’re almost there.

  EDITH: One of the gardeners told Anna their team is in terrific shape.

  ROBERT: It’s so unfair that the outside staff play for the village.

  EDITH: Why don’t you support the house and the village? You own both.

  ROBERT: But I’m captain of the house team.

  CORA: If I were you, I’d be captain of the village. They always win.

  ROBERT: Not always. Usually, but not always… Mary? You look as if you’re in a trance. What were you doing in London? It’s worn you out.

  MARY: Maybe. I’ll try and rest tomorrow.

  She glances at her mother. The gong sounds in the house.

  4 INT. SERVANTS’ HALL. DOWNTON. EVE.

  O’Brien is with Jimmy, who glances at the clock.

  JIMMY: Crikey. I’d better go.

  O’BRIEN: Before you do, a little bird tells me Mr Carson has made up his mind to deal with Thomas after all.

  JIMMY: Well, it’s about time.

  O’BRIEN: I only meant, if you want to register your anger at how Thomas treated you, now is the hour.

  JIMMY: I’m not sure. I’m still disgusted by the whole thing, obviously —

  O’BRIEN: Obviously. But if you don’t speak out, people might think you weren’t disgusted at all… Now, you must excuse me. I ought to be upstairs.

  She hurries off, leaving Jimmy to think it over.

  5 INT. BEDROOM PASSAGE. DOWNTON. EVE.

  Matthew, in black tie, finds Anna waiting outside a door.

  MATTHEW: Anna? What are you doing out here?

  ANNA: Her ladyship’s with Lady Mary, sir. I’m afraid she’s going to be late.

  MATTHEW: Let me see what’s happening.

  He opens the door and goes in.

  6 INT. MARY’S BEDROOM. DOWNTON. EVE.

  Cora is seated by the dressing table, holding Mary’s hand.

  CORA: You couldn’t be in better hands than Doctor Ryder’s. Truly.

  MARY: I hope to God you’re right.

  MATTHEW: Anna’s worried you’re getting late.

  They hadn’t seen him and they look round.

  MARY: Heavens, you made me jump.

  CORA: I must go. O’Brien will scold me.

  She stands and leaves, letting Anna come in.

  MATTHEW: What were you talking about?

  MARY: Nothing… Women’s stuff. Your ears must have been burning earlier. Papa was discussing the cricket match.

  MATTHEW: The village thrashed us last year. I suppose I’ll have to play?

  MARY: You suppose right. It’s because of last year he’s absolutely desperate to win this time.

  MATTHEW: Bates must count himself lucky to be out of it.

  ANNA: I think he’d like to walk normally, sir, even if playing cricket was the price he had to pay.

  MATTHEW: Of course he would. I’m so sorry. How stupid of me.

  But Anna is laughing. She has caught him out.

  ANNA: That’s quite all right, sir. I was only joking.

  7 INT. KITCHENS/PASSAGE. DOWNTON. EVE.

  Molesley, carrying some shirts, is chatting while he follows Mrs Patmore, who gets to the kitchen and joins Daisy and Ivy in their work.

  MOLESLEY: Oh, there’s absolutely no question that some people have a feel for it. I think cricket’s like anything else. When you learn it as a child, there’s an understanding that is hard to come by later. And with a father like mine, I was brought up with cricket in my blood.4

  MRS PATMORE: I see. And why did you never think of playing for the county?

  MOLESLEY: I don’t seek public recognition, Mrs Patmore. I’m not one of those who likes to trumpet his glory abroad.

  MRS PATMORE: No. Of course not.

  DAISY: Why have you never played in the match before?

  MOLESLEY: How could I? I didn’t work at the house until this year, and I could hardly play on the village team.

  MRS PATMORE: Oh. Hardly.

  IVY: We’ll have to start a fan club, won’t we?

  MOLESLEY: That’s kind, Ivy, but I just want to do my best for the house. That’s all the reward I seek.

  MRS PATMORE: Oh, your modesty is an example to us all, Mr Molesley.

  He leaves, and they all laugh.

  8 INT. DRAWING ROOM. DOWNTON. EVE.

  Edith is still reading her papers as the others drift in.

  MARY: What is that you’re so glued to?

  EDITH: This week’s column. I’ve got to send it off tomorrow.

  MATTHEW: What’s it about?

  EDITH: The poor soldiers. How many are reduced to begging on the streets. And some officers are working as dance partners in nightclubs.

  MATTHEW: After the trenches even the Embassy Club must seem an improvement.

  EDITH: You shouldn’t make fun of them.

  MARY: She’s forgetting that you were in the trenches and she wasn’t.5

  Violet is with Isobel and Cora.

  VIOLET: She must be eighteen by now.

  CORA: Little Rose, eighteen. How scary.

  ISOBEL: It’s quite a responsibility.

  VIOLET: Well, I couldn’t say no. Her mother is my niece and my godchild, and she asked it as a special favour. Apparently, she hates London and they can’t get to Scotland until July — poor Shrimpie, his work keeps him n
ailed to his desk.

  ISOBEL: She hates London, so she’s coming to a great-aunt in Yorkshire to have a good time. How original.6

  Across the room, Robert is talking to Branson.

  ROBERT: Well, don’t be silly. Of course you will.

  BRANSON: No, I won’t. I’d like to help, but I’ve never played a game of cricket in my life. Oddly, the game was never part of my childhood.

  ROBERT: Didn’t you play last year?

  BRANSON: No. Nor the year before that. The fact is, I’ve never played cricket.

  ROBERT: But couldn’t you try?

  CORA: Robert. Stop being such a bully. Let’s just have a nice dinner.7

  9 INT. KITCHEN PASSAGE. DOWNTON. NIGHT.

  Jimmy is loading his tray. He walks out past O’Brien.

  O’BRIEN: I’m afraid I’ve heard Mr Carson’s going to let him off.

  JIMMY: What can I do about it?

  O’BRIEN: Say you won’t tolerate it. That unless he gives him a bad reference you’re going to tell the police.8

  JIMMY: I couldn’t do that… Could I?

  O’BRIEN: Why not? And won’t you have to? If you don’t want folk to think there’s something funny about you.

  MRS PATMORE: It’s a good job that’s supposed to be eaten cold.

  She is standing behind them. Jimmy runs off. Mrs Patmore turns to find Bates watching. She shakes her head.

  10 INT. HALL. DOWNTON. NIGHT.

  Violet and Isobel are leaving. Robert and Cora are seeing them out.

  ROBERT: Are you sure about Rose? Wouldn’t it be better if she stayed here?

  VIOLET: Oh, no. I’m quite looking forward to it.

  ISOBEL: I couldn’t manage an eighteen-year-old. Not these days. I wouldn’t know what she was talking about.

  VIOLET: My husband was a great traveller, so I have spent many happy evenings without understanding a word.

  CORA: I dare say there’s a trick to it.

  VIOLET: The thing is to keep smiling, and never look as if you disapprove.9

  11 INT. ROBERT’S DRESSING ROOM. DOWNTON. NIGHT.

  Robert is in his gown, while Thomas clears some clothes away and Bates stands there.

  ROBERT: So, Bates, I’ll see you on duty tomorrow. Goodnight, Barrow. You do know I wish you every good fortune?

  THOMAS: I believe so. Thank you, m’lord.

  Robert goes, leaving the others alone.

  THOMAS (CONT’D): To the victor the spoils.

  BATES: What will you do?

  THOMAS: Oh, what’s it to you?

  BATES: You’re right. It’s nothing to me.10

  12 INT. MARY’S BEDROOM. DOWNTON. NIGHT.

  Mary is in bed. Matthew paces the room, in his gown.

  MATTHEW: If we can buy out Simpson and Tucker, quite a chunk of the estate will be back in hand. We’ll be operating a real business. That’s why I think the cricket may have come at rather a good time.

  MARY: Why? Because you think if you get a few runs and catch someone out, Papa will accept all this gladly?

  MATTHEW: I think the cricket match will show him it doesn’t mean we can’t keep up the old traditions as well.

  MARY: And am I to help persuade him?

  MATTHEW: Of course. You’re on my team now.11

  He gets on the bed and leans in to kiss her.

  MARY: You can kiss me, but that’s it.

  MATTHEW: Why? Haven’t you missed me?

  MARY: Desperately. But London seems to have tired me out.12

  13 INT. CARSON’S PANTRY. DOWNTON. NIGHT.

  Jimmy knocks at the door. Carson looks up enquiringly.

  CARSON: Come.

  JIMMY: Mr Carson, is it true Mr Barrow’s leaving?

  CARSON: Yes, and for what it’s worth, I think he was genuinely mistaken over the… incident and he’s sorry now. Which, of course, is no excuse.

  JIMMY: I want to be sure you’ll give him a bad reference.13

  If the curtains had spoken this couldn’t be much odder.

  CARSON: I’m sorry?

  JIMMY: I can’t let a man like that go to work in innocent people’s houses.

  CARSON: I will write the character I think he deserves.

  JIMMY: Can I read it?

  CARSON: Certainly not.

  JIMMY: Because I’ve been thinking, I ought to report him to the police.

  CARSON: What?

  JIMMY: It’s my duty. I know today thinking is much more liberal but —

  CARSON: Now, just a minute. I’ve never been called a liberal in my life and I don’t intend to start now! But I do not believe in scandal. Mr Barrow will go, and when he does I would like him to go quietly. For the sake of the house, the family and, for that matter, you.

  JIMMY: I’m sorry, Mr Carson, but I can’t stay quiet if my conscience prompts me differently. I won’t turn a blind eye to sin.

  He walks out, leaving a troubled Carson.

  END OF ACT ONE

  ACT TWO

  14 EXT. DOWNTON VILLAGE/CRAWLEY HOUSE. DAY.

  A car drives up to Crawley House. Violet gets out with a glamorous-looking young woman.

  15 INT. DRAWING ROOM. CRAWLEY HOUSE. DAY.

  Isobel is with Violet and her companion, Rose MacClare.14

  ISOBEL: Well, this is nice. I’ve asked Ethel to bring us some coffee.

  ROSE: Oh, I’m not supposed to drink coffee. My mother doesn’t approve.

  ISOBEL: Would you like something else?

  ROSE: Absolutely not. After all, she won’t find out unless you tell her.

  They smile, but Violet is not entirely at ease with this.

  ISOBEL: How is Lady Flintshire?

  ROSE: Incredibly busy. Daddy works harder than a slave, and so she has to manage everything else by herself.

  ISOBEL: I doubt he works harder than a slave.

  VIOLET: Cousin Isobel is very literal. Now, I have something for you —

  She breaks off as the door opens and Ethel carries in a tray.

  ETHEL: Shall I pour, ma’am?

  ISOBEL: No, thank you. I’ll do it.

  The maid nods and leaves. When the door closes, Violet takes some letters from her bag.

  VIOLET: These are the first answers to the advertisement.

  ISOBEL: Cousin Violet is trying to find a new job for my cook.

  ROSE: That sounds rather inconvenient.

  ISOBEL: Cousin Violet has never let a matter of convenience stand in the way of a principle.

  VIOLET: As the kettle said to the pot.

  16 INT. CARSON’S PANTRY. DOWNTON. DAY.

  Carson is once again with Thomas.

  THOMAS: I’m to leave with no reference, after working here for ten years?

  CARSON: I’m afraid my hands are tied.

  THOMAS: I’ll never get another job now, Mr Carson… Does his lordship know about this?

  CARSON: No.

  THOMAS: Then I’m going to tell him.

  CARSON: And how would you do that, without telling him the rest of it?

  THOMAS: This wasn’t Jimmy’s idea. Somebody’s put him up to it. He wouldn’t be so unkind, not left to himself.

  CARSON: I’m almost touched that you will defend him under such circumstances. But, there it is.

  THOMAS: Well, can I stay here for a day or two? While I come up with some sort of plan?

  CARSON: Yes. I think I can allow that. But that’s the best I can do.

  THOMAS: Thank you, Mr Carson.15

  17 INT. THE BATESES’ COTTAGE. DOWNTON. EVE.

  This is a shabby and cramped living room. Bates and Anna stand alone in it, looking round.

  BATES: At least it doesn’t smell damp.

  ANNA: I think it’s nice. Or it will be. When it’s got a lick of paint.

  BATES: I can do that. I can.

  ANNA: You’re not climbing any ladders. But, yes, together we can make it really comfy.

  BATES: What do they call extreme optimism?

  ANNA: They call it ‘making the best of things’, and that
is what we’ll do.

  BATES: You being in this room is enough to make it nice. Come here.

  He takes her in his arms to kiss her. She responds and they fall back onto the ancient sofa, which collapses under their weight in a cloud of dust. They lie there, laughing.16

  18 INT. DINING ROOM. DOWNTON. NIGHT.

  The family, including Rose, are all present. Carson, Jimmy and Alfred are waiting at table.

  MARY: We should think of some things to do while you’re here.

  ROBERT: Edith, you should take Rose over to Whitby on Wednesday. When they have their market. She’d enjoy that.

  EDITH: I can’t. I’m going to London on Wednesday.

  ROSE: Oh. Well, could I come?

  VIOLET: Ooh. But you’ve only just got here. I thought you hated London.

  ROSE: Who told you that?

  VIOLET: Susan.

  ROSE: Oh. Darling Mummy.

  VIOLET: Should I correct her?

  ROSE: Oh, no. She’s right, really. But I’m planning a surprise for her, and I need to go to London to arrange it. You won’t give me away, will you?

  ROBERT: Won’t you stay with your parents?

  ROSE: Well, I can’t. That would spoil everything.17

  EDITH: You can stay with me. Aunt Rosamund won’t mind. And there’s plenty of room.

  CORA: I don’t even know why you’re going.

  EDITH: To see my editor. To discuss my article.

  ROBERT: Someone should invent a new kind of telegram, so you could send a whole document at once. Just like that.

  ISOBEL: And if a document, why not a person? Like H. G. Wells’s Time Machine. You’d just get in, press the button, and step out in Deauville.

  VIOLET: Would we be allowed to take a maid?

  19 INT. DRAWING ROOM. DOWNTON. NIGHT.

  They are all in there. Matthew walks over to Edith.

  MATTHEW: I think I might come up with you to London. I’ll ring the office in the morning. I can stay at my club.

  EDITH: Don’t do that. Aunt Rosamund would love to have you. And I suspect I’ll need help controlling Rose.

  MATTHEW: Why do you say that? She seems rather demure to me.

  EDITH: I’m not sure. Instinct.

  Violet is with Rose and Isobel.

  VIOLET: But when your mother finds out will she mind?

  ROSE: No. She’ll be delighted and so grateful to all of you for helping with my secret. Besides, with Edith as my chaperone, what harm can I come to?