ROSE: You were kind to cheer me up yesterday. I did feel terribly blue.
ANNA: That’s all right.
ROSE: You must let me know if I can return the favour.
ANNA: As a matter of fact, there is something you could help me with…48
47 EXT. ON THE HILL. DAY.
A proud stag lifts his head and sniffs the air. On the hill above, Nield has set the rifle in place and gently indicates with his finger for Robert to crawl forward and take up the weapon. Robert moves forward, carefully keeping his head down, and Shrimpie follows.
ROBERT: Shall I take it from here?
But the chance is gone.
NIELD: We can bring you to a better place. We don’t rush things at Duneagle.
SHRIMPIE: Well, that’s true, God knows.
48 INT. MRS HUGHES’S SITTING ROOM. DOWNTON. DAY.
Mrs Hughes is watching as Mrs Patmore holds up a pink shirt.
MRS PATMORE: You don’t think it’s too girlish?
MRS HUGHES: And what’s the matter with being girlish once in a while? Heaven knows, we don’t have much opportunity.
MRS PATMORE: I’d wear a coat over it, you know, so it wouldn’t jump out at you.
MRS HUGHES: I hope he’s worth it.
Mrs Patmore takes a letter from her apron pocket.
MRS PATMORE: Read that.
MRS HUGHES: ‘I hope you will allow me the honour of squiring you through the day.’
MRS PATMORE: No man’s wanted to squire me since the Golden Jubilee. Even then he expected me to buy the drinks.
MRS HUGHES: Suppose he wants something more?
MRS PATMORE: I beg your pardon!
MRS HUGHES: There is only one reason why a man his age courts a respectable woman. He finds himself in need of a wife.
This does make Mrs Patmore pause.
49 EXT. CASTLE BRIDGE. DAY.
Bates and Anna are unpacking a modest picnic.
BATES: Is there anything to drink?
ANNA: There certainly is.
She takes out a bottle and two glasses, and starts to pour.
BATES: Beer? That’s very racy of you.
ANNA: I am racy.
BATES: What shall we drink to?
ANNA: The future and your Scottish blood.
She almost giggles. He looks at her.
BATES: What are you up to?
ANNA: Nothing.
He takes the picnic basket and holds it out of her reach.
BATES: What are you up to?
ANNA: Nothing!
She laughs, he hands the basket back and they kiss.49
50 INT. SERVANTS’ HALL. DUNEAGLE CASTLE. DAY.
Some of the staff are here, eating their lunch.
WILKINS: We should all have taken a picnic out, on a day like this.
O’BRIEN: It’s a lot of bother, though, isn’t it? I’d rather just have a walk.
MCCREE: Have you asked Miss Grantham yet?
O’BRIEN: Asked me what?
MCCREE: Go on.
WILKINS: There’s really no need.
O’BRIEN: What is it you want to ask?
MCCREE: Her ladyship — our ladyship, that is — was very taken with Lady Grantham’s hair last night. She asked if you’d show Miss Wilkins how to do it.
WILKINS: I know how to do it. I just didn’t know she liked that style. I’d have thought it was too old-fashioned.
O’BRIEN: Old-fashioned?
WILKINS: Well, shall we say ‘traditional’?
O’BRIEN: You’d better not say old-fashioned.50
MOLESLEY: It’s rather flattering to think we’re causing a stir with our up-to-the-minute ways. If you need any tips from me, you have only to ask.
MCCREE: We won’t want anything from you, Mr Molesley. Mr Bolt can manage very well without any help from you.
51 EXT. ON THE HILL. DAY.
A pony, laden with a stag, leads the way. Nield carries the rifle. Some way behind, Robert is following with Shrimpie.51
SHRIMPIE: Well, you managed that very well. When the time comes for me to go, I’ll ask them to send for you.
Once again, there is a bitter undertone. Robert looks at him.
ROBERT: Is everything all right, Shrimpie? Ah, of course, impertinent to ask.
SHRIMPIE: No, it’s not all right. But what’s the point in talking about it when there’s nothing to be done?
Shrimpie has stopped and hands Robert his hipflask.
ROBERT: I’m not so sure these days. The Marlboroughs have got a divorce, and you still see them around.52
SHRIMPIE: But Sunny Marlborough has no official post. He hasn’t been in office since the end of the war.
ROBERT: While you must have Susan next to you under the tropical sun?
SHRIMPIE: She’ll do it well. She’s born to grace a ballroom and she could teach diplomacy to experts.
ROBERT: But?
SHRIMPIE: We don’t like each other.
He has said enough. He walks on briskly.
52 INT. SERVANTS’ HALL. DOWNTON. DAY.
Several servants are in here. Mrs Hughes is pinning pieces of a tissue pattern over some cloth, ready to be cut out.
DAISY: Is it for the outing tomorrow?
MRS HUGHES: I’m not that quick with a needle.
But the room has fallen silent. Branson has entered.
MRS HUGHES (CONT’D): How can I help, Mr Branson?
The others stand but Edna does not, which Mrs Hughes sees.
BRANSON: I was thinking… It’s just…
MRS HUGHES: Yes?
BRANSON: I thought I’d come down for supper tonight. Catch up with your news.
This is a surprise to all of them.
MRS HUGHES: If you’d like to, of course you’d be very welcome. We don’t eat late while the family’s away so dinner will be at about eight o’clock.
BRANSON: I’ll see you then.
He smiles a little nervously and goes. Mrs Hughes looks at Edna.
DAISY: Well.
THOMAS: Fains I tell Mr Carson.
ALFRED: You’re looking very pleased with yourself, Edna.
But Edna just smiles.
53 EXT. A LOCH IN THE GLEN. DAY.
Two traps stand by and another two ponies wait, with huge baskets on either side, while footmen in their livery are setting up a picnic under a pavilion.
Robert, Shrimpie and Nield walk down the hill towards a simple shelter with a table at its centre, laid with a cloth and all the glass and china necessary. It seems very out of place.53
Susan, Violet, Cora, Mary, Edith and Rose are there.
EDITH: How tiny the glens make one feel.
VIOLET: That is the thing about nature. There’s so much of it.
CORA: Must be lovely to be queen of such a kingdom.
SUSAN: You’re right. We’re very lucky in this.
She looks up. Shrimpie and Robert are walking towards them.
SUSAN (CONT’D): Goodness. We weren’t expecting male company for our feasting.
SHRIMPIE: I’m sorry to disappoint you.
This is unfair to Susan, who had only spoken the truth.
EDITH: How did you get on?
SHRIMPIE: Very well. Not too long a trail and death by a single shot at the end of it. Nield is cock-a-hoop.
MARY: Well done, Papa. Your reward will be to join the ladies’ lunch.
ROBERT: An added bonus. I hope it’s venison [pronounced venson].54
ROSE: Quite right. We ought to eat what we kill.
SUSAN: Rose, stop talking nonsense and tell McCree to lay two more places.
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
54 EXT. THE GLEN. EVE.
Matthew and Gregson walk together at dusk. Two ponies are behind them, with two ghillies, but no dead stag. Gregson carries his sketching block and a shoulder bag.
MATTHEW: Ten hours crawling through heather and nothing to show for it. Perhaps it’s a parable of life.
GREGSON: It reminds me of the trench
es, rather. Hours of inching through mud with no discernible purpose.
MATTHEW: Why don’t you come fly fishing tomorrow? We might see a bit more activity. You could bring your evening clothes and change at Duneagle.
GREGSON: It’s rather an imposition.
MATTHEW: But that’s what you’re here for, isn’t it? To get to know us all… Besides, you didn’t bring your tails all the way to Scotland to dine in a country pub.
GREGSON: No. I suppose not.
55 INT. BEDROOM PASSAGE. DUNEAGLE CASTLE. NIGHT.
O’Brien comes out of a door. Wilkins is waiting.
WILKINS: Have you got a minute? Because if you haven’t, it’s perfectly fine.
O’BRIEN: A minute for what?
WILKINS: Her ladyship would like a word.
O’BRIEN: Why? What does she want with me?
WILKINS: Well, what do you think? She wants to make a fuss, like she always does.
All this is whispered. She reaches a door and opens it.
56 INT. SUSAN’S BEDROOM. DUNEAGLE. NIGHT.
Susan is sitting before her glass. She greets O’Brien.
SUSAN: This is so kind of you…
O’BRIEN: O’Brien, m’lady.
SUSAN: O’Brien. It’s just that Wilkins here isn’t quite able to understand what I’m getting at when I’m describing the shape of Lady Grantham’s hair.
WILKINS: I understand, m’lady, it’s just —
SUSAN: Could you help her? You’ll know exactly what I mean.
O’BRIEN: Er, well… It’s a question of body, m’lady. You need more volume to begin, before you sculpt it, so to speak.
SUSAN: I knew you’d have the answer.
O’BRIEN: If I could…55
SUSAN: Oh, please, please, please. Wilkins, pay close attention to what she’s doing.
WILKINS: Yes, your ladyship.
But she looks daggers at the visiting maid.
57 INT. DRAWING ROOM. DUNEAGLE CASTLE. NIGHT.
It is before dinner. Everyone is there around the fire. Shrimpie is with Robert and Violet.
ROBERT: Bombay? That sounds rather modest for a marquess.56
VIOLET: Well, no. Not if it’s a step towards the Viceroy’s crown.
SHRIMPIE: I don’t know about that. All I do know is that it’s going to be very hot.
VIOLET: And all the costumes of imperial rule are always so peculiarly unsuited to the climate. Will you take Rose?
SHRIMPIE: I don’t think we should but… Susan won’t discuss it.
VIOLET: Unless you want her married to a third-rate colonial official with no money and bad teeth, Susan had better think again.
Mary, Edith and Matthew are together.
MATTHEW: Just as he stood, a gust of wind comes into the corrie from behind us. A hind got our scent and they were away.57
MARY: Really, darling, it’s boring enough to hear about when you succeed.
EDITH: What did you think of Michael?
MATTHEW: Well, he seems like a nice chap. We’re going fishing tomorrow.
EDITH: He’s had such a lot to put up with.
MARY: Oh, God, not one of your hard-luck cases, is he?
EDITH: Why must you sound so heartless?
Rose is sitting with Cora.
ROSE: Actually, I think India would be fascinating, but I know that Mummy and I will drive each other mad.
Behind them, Susan has heard this. She continues to listen.
CORA: You mustn’t be too hard on your mother. You know it’s natural for her to be concerned.
ROSE: Concerned? Is that what she is?
CORA: I’m sure she loves you very much.
SUSAN: What’s this?
She has made her presence known.
CORA: Rose was just saying how nice your hair looks tonight.
MCCREE: Dinner is served, your ladyship.
58 INT. CARSON’S PANTRY. DOWNTON. NIGHT.
Mrs Hughes is faced by an irate Carson.
CARSON: He’s what?
MRS HUGHES: It’s only meant to be friendly.
There is a knock at the door.
BRANSON: Good evening, Mr Carson. I don’t expect you to approve.
He is standing in the passage. Carson does not answer, so Mrs Hughes speaks up.
MRS HUGHES: As long as you don’t tell tales upstairs.
BRANSON: That goes for me, too.
MRS HUGHES: Good. Well, now, come along in.58
Branson starts down the passage, but Mrs Hughes turns back to Carson.
MRS HUGHES (CONT’D): I hope you won’t show an example of rudeness to the younger staff.
Carson’s face is a picture of resignation as he follows.
59 INT. HALLWAY. CRAWLEY HOUSE. NIGHT.
Isobel is with Doctor Clarkson.
CLARKSON: I was hoping to catch you.
ISOBEL: What about a glass of something?
CLARKSON: No, I won’t stay, but I’ve had an idea. I saw Mrs Hughes in the village today and she told me the servants have got up a party for the Thirsk fair. And, erm, I was wondering if you’d like to go.
ISOBEL: What? With the servants?
CLARKSON: No, of course not, but I could drive us over for an hour or two… I’m told they do it well.
ISOBEL: Why not? It might be fun.
CLARKSON: Good. I’ll come for you at five.59
60 INT. SERVANTS’ HALL. DOWNTON. NIGHT.
Branson is in their midst as they eat. The girls are talking about what they will wear to the fair.
BRANSON: I’ll keep an eye on the place.
EDNA: Oh, don’t say you’re not coming! I thought you could drive us in the wagonette.
MRS HUGHES: There is no need for impertinence, Edna, thank you.
BRANSON: You’re all right. I’m happy to drive them. But who’ll stay here?
CARSON: I will.
ALFRED: You don’t want to come to the fair?
CARSON: I would sooner chew broken glass.
But his look at Mrs Hughes reminds us of the real reason.
61 INT. MARY’S BEDROOM. DUNEAGLE CASTLE. NIGHT.
Anna is with Mary, who is dressed for bed.
ANNA: It was lovely, m’lady. But what about you? Did you enjoy your day?
MARY: I was stupid to go to the picnic. We were shaken about in that trap like dice in a cup.
ANNA: Stay in bed for the morning and take it easy at the ball.
MARY: Are you looking forward to it?
ANNA: I am rather. I’ve been planning a bit of a surprise for Mr Bates.
MARY: Why? What sort of surprise?
ANNA: No. It’s a surprise for you, too. Don’t forget what I said.
MARY: I won’t.
Matthew enters in his dressing gown as Anna leaves.
MATTHEW: What was that?
MARY: Just that I’ve promised to rest tomorrow, which is annoying because I’d rather come out with you and interrogate Mr Gregson. Is he going to propose?
MATTHEW: I think so. But he’s quite opaque.
MARY: A man of mystery? Edith could use some of that.
MATTHEW: You are horrid when you want to be.
MARY: I know. But you love me, don’t you?
MATTHEW: Madly.
He is in bed by now, and he pulls her into his arms and kisses her, before turning to his book.
62 INT. BALLROOM. DUNEAGLE CASTLE. DAY.60
Rose is with Anna. They are reeling, with Rose humming.
ANNA: So. Let me do it. One last time.
ROSE: You’ve got it now.
ANNA: The man on my left first.
She demonstrates the move.
ROSE: And then the man on your right… And then round in a figure of eight.
Rose’s clapping and singing becomes louder and more frantic before the two fall about laughing.
63 INT. DRAWING ROOM/HALL. DOWNTON. DAY.
Alfred is with Jimmy, collecting the silver.
ALFRED: You take it easy with Mr Barrow today. I don’t mean crawl
all over him, but don’t spoil things.
JIMMY: You’re a fine one to talk. Who rang the police in the first place? Oh, sod this. I’m bushed.
He puts the silver on a tray and sits down in a chair, putting his feet up on a stool.
ALFRED: Suppose someone comes in?
JIMMY: They’ll find a man sitting in an armchair. They’ll survive it.
Alfred gets his nerve up and sits, but more stiffly.
ALFRED: The funny thing with Mr Barrow is he won’t hear a bad word about you.
JIMMY: Why? What have I done?
ALFRED: I only meant he won’t let anyone speak against you.
MRS HUGHES: What on earth is going on here?61
Alfred jumps to his feet. Jimmy gets up more slowly.
ALFRED: We were just —
MRS HUGHES: You were just taking advantage of the cat’s absence. We’ll see what Mr Carson has to say.
BRANSON: Mrs Hughes?
MRS HUGHES: Mr Branson.
He is there. She walks with him out into the hall. Some maids, including Edna, are cleaning in different parts of the room.
BRANSON: What time are we leaving?
MRS HUGHES: About half past four, but Mr Stark can easily drive us.
BRANSON: Because I’m so high and mighty?
MRS HUGHES: You’re part of the family now. There’s nothing false in that.
BRANSON: I know.
MRS HUGHES: I hope you do. Because if someone is trying to make you feel awkward, they’re in the wrong, not you.
BRANSON: I’ll be there at half past four.
He goes. Mrs Hughes glances at Edna, who is smiling.
END OF ACT FOUR
ACT FIVE
64 EXT. THIRSK FAIR. DAY.
There are stalls and a merry-go-round and a brass band. Mrs Patmore is with Mrs Hughes.
MRS PATMORE: I said I’d meet him at his stall.
MRS HUGHES: What’s that?
She points at a package Mrs Patmore is carrying.
MRS PATMORE: Oh. He asked me to bring sandwiches.
ALFRED: Oh, can I come? I want to find out where the best food stalls are.
MRS HUGHES: Why don’t we all go?
They have stopped by a poster for a tug-of-war contest. The slogan is ‘Beat the Champions! Cash Prizes to Win!’
JIMMY: Here’s something for us. Alfred? Mr Branson? Let’s give it a go.
BRANSON: I don’t mind.
ALFRED: Well…
MRS HUGHES: Go on. I’ll find out where your spice stall is.
ALFRED: What about you?
Downton Abbey, Series 3 Scripts (Official) Page 51