Downton Abbey Script Book Season 1 (43 page)

MARY: I heard someone mention it in the village. I forget who.

WILLIAM: I'd a letter and she never said.

MARY: I'm sure it's nothing. But I know it would cheer her to see you.

WILLIAM: Well, if it wouldn't be a bother.

MARY: It won't. I'll arrange it as soon as I get back.

WILLIAM: Thank you very much, m'lady.

MARY: She ought to spend some time with the people she loves.

Before William can respond to this novel idea, Mary walks the horse away.

Cora writes at a little bonheur du jour when Thomas enters.

THOMAS: The Dowager Countess.

Cora stands as Thomas shows Violet in. He closes the door.

VIOLET: Good afternoon, my dear.

CORA: Good afternoon.

VIOLET: There's no need to be so prim. I come in peace. Shall I sit here?

She plumps down on to an armchair.

VIOLET (CONT'D): Now, I've been thinking. I confess I do not know if I'd have had the strength, mentally or physically, to carry a corpse the length of this house.

She pauses, gazing at her daughter-in-law.

VIOLET (CONT'D): But I
hope
I would have done.

Cora is astonished.

VIOLET (CONT'D): You were quite right. When something bad happens, there is no point in wishing it had
not
happened. The only option is to minimise the damage.
*

CORA: Or try to. But if the Flintshires have got hold of it—

VIOLET: I've written to Susan. I said it was a story made up by Mr Pamuk's enemies to discredit him. Even if she doesn't believe me, she won't tell in case it reflects badly on her. The Ambassador's dangerous, but how many people really go to the Turkish Embassy?

CORA: It only takes one.

VIOLET: Well, well. There's nothing to be done about that. We can't have him assassinated.

She hesitates.

VIOLET (CONT'D): I suppose.

CORA: Robert still doesn't suspect.

VIOLET: Oh, I should hope not. No, our only way forward is to get Mary settled as soon as possible.

CORA: I have news on that score. Matthew has proposed.

VIOLET: My, my. And has she said yes?

CORA: She hasn't said anything yet. Except that she's going to have to tell him about Pamuk.

VIOLET: For heaven's sake, why?

CORA: She thinks to keep it secret would be dishonourable.

VIOLET: She reads too many novels. One way or another, everyone goes down the aisle with half the story hidden.

CORA: But won't he—?

Violet flutters her hands dismissively.

VIOLET: There are a million ways round that! After all, she knew enough for there to be no baby.

Cora is rather miffed by this.

CORA: Or he did.

VIOLET: The question is, will she accept Matthew?

CORA: I'm not sure.

VIOLET: Well, if she doesn't, we'll take her abroad. In these moments, you can normally find an Italian who isn't too picky. We'll give her to the start of the grouse.

CORA: Very well. If she turns Matthew down, we'll take her to Rome in the autumn.
*

VIOLET: It's official. On the 12th August 1914, we'll review the situation.

Cora has been quite moved by this encounter.

CORA: Thank you for not turning against her. I know you have rules, and when people break them, you find it hard to forgive. I understand that and I respect it.

VIOLET: In this case, Mary has the trump card.

CORA: What?

VIOLET: Mary is family.

Even Cora knows that Violet is an ally worth having.

 

 

Mrs Hughes sweeps in. Gwen is placing some flowers, and other maids are finishing off the room. In all of these early scenes, there is a sense of hurry and fluster.

MRS HUGHES: Come on, come on! You should be done here! They'll be back from the station any second now!

The young women hurry with the final details.

Mrs Hughes and Carson descend together into more bustle.

MRS HUGHES: How was London?

CARSON: Much as usual. Dirty, noisy and quite enjoyable.
*

MRS HUGHES: There was no need for you to come back a day early. I'm perfectly capable of getting the house ready.

CARSON: Of course you are. But I like to have the heavy luggage back and unpacked, before they get here.

MRS HUGHES: I suppose … Steady, William. This isn't a race.

William slows down as they walk past the buzzing kitchen.

MRS HUGHES (CONT'D): Poor lad.

CARSON: But did he see her? I was worried when I took him to King's Cross.

MRS HUGHES: Yes. He had time to say goodbye.

CARSON: How is he now?

MRS HUGHES: Well, you've only got one mother, haven't you?

Gwen runs up.

GWEN: They're here, Mrs Hughes.

The rustle and scrimmage increase.

July 1914. The car has arrived with suitcases. Bates, O'Brien, Thomas and Anna, in hats and coats, supervise as a groom and the hall boys carry things round the back. Robert, Cora, Edith and Sybil, still in their travelling clothes, are with Carson and Mrs Hughes. William stands at the entrance to Downton.

ROBERT: Hello William. It's good to have you back.

ROBERT: What a relief to be home.

CORA: Don't listen when his lordship pretends not to enjoy the Season.

ROBERT: When in Rome …

MRS HUGHES: Will Lady Mary be back soon?

ROBERT: She's just staying on with my sister for a week or two.

MRS HUGHES: So Grantham House is closed?
*

CORA: It will be by the end of this week. Dear Mrs Hughes, I hope you've had some time to yourself while we've been away.

MRS HUGHES: I've tackled a few jobs that get forgotten when the house is full.

ROBERT: Any local news?

MRS HUGHES: The main topic here is the murder of the Austrian Archduke.
*

CARSON: Here and everywhere else.

ROBERT: I'm afraid we haven't heard the last of that … And how is William?

CARSON: Bearing up.

ROBERT: Poor chap. He has our sympathies.

Bates, O'Brien and Anna now emerge from the servants' staircase. They have changed out of their own overcoats and hats, and start to help the family with theirs.

ROBERT: I think I'll wash the train off before dinner.

BATES: Very good, m'lord. I can unpack while you're bathing.

ROBERT: I'll see you up there.

Robert goes to the main staircase, Bates to the servants'.

CORA: Oh, Mrs Hughes, have you had any thoughts about the garden party for the hospital? We've scarcely a month, from soup to nuts.

MRS HUGHES: I've started on it, but there are things we need to talk about.
*

CORA: Oh, dear. That sounds like trouble. I'll take my hat off.

SYBIL: Anna? Can I have a bath, too?

O'Brien and Anna set off, carrying coats and scarves.

CORA: Sybil?

The girl turns on the stairs.

CORA (CONT'D): You were a great success in London, darling. Well done.

EDITH: You never say that to me.

CORA: Don't I, dear? You were very helpful. Thank you.

Carson is with Mrs Hughes.

MRS HUGHES: I hate to spoil her homecoming but what are we going to do about Mrs Patmore? She's worse than when you left. Much worse.

He raises his eyebrows in acknowledgement of this.

MRS HUGHES (CONT'D): Oh, and I meant to ask: Is there a decision? About Mr Bates leaving?

CARSON: Oh, not yet. His lordship wants the facts, and Bates won't give them.

He goes to the door, then he pauses.

CARSON (CONT'D): So, what are you going to say to her ladyship about Mrs Patmore?

MRS HUGHES: I don't want the poor woman sacked, but things cannot go on as they are.

Lady Rosamund Painswick is walking with her niece. She lacks her brother's warmth. To say the least.
*

ROSAMUND: There's nothing like an English summer, is there?

MARY: Except an English winter.

ROSAMUND: I'm sorry you haven't received more invitations. But then, after four Seasons, one is less a debutante than a survivor. My dear, is there anything you're not telling me?

MARY: No.

ROSAMUND: Only one hears stories …

MARY: There's nothing, Aunt Rosamund.

ROSAMUND: So, have you decided whether or not to marry Cousin Matthew?

Mary looks slightly surprised. Rosamund smiles.

ROSAMUND (CONT'D): Oh, there's no secret that Cora can keep for more than a month.

MARY: You'd be surprised! I've told him I'll give him my answer the day I get back.

ROSAMUND: Well, it would be very
tidy
. At least we can say that.

The servants are at tea. Bates and Anna are there. And O'Brien, who reads a letter, then catches Thomas's eye.

O'BRIEN: Fancy a smoke?

THOMAS: Don't mind if I do.

They slip out. William snorts.

WILLIAM: There they go. Guy Fawkes and his assistant.

GWEN: Which is which?

Which makes everyone laugh. Anna hands William a black armband she's been sewing. She turns back to Bates.

ANNA: Surely if his lordship hasn't done anything until now, it means he doesn't want to take it any further.

Before Bates can answer, Carson enters.

WILLIAM: Anna's made me an armband, Mr Carson. For my mother. Can I wear it?

CARSON: I dare say. Not when we're entertaining, but otherwise.
*

Robert walks in from taking the dog out, to see Clarkson coming downstairs, with his bag.

ROBERT: Hello, Doctor. I didn't know you were here.