'Downton Abbey' Season Three, Episode One Recap

Sybil won’t come to Mary's wedding; as she and Branson can’t afford it. Everyone gossips at the wedding rehearsal.

Lady Grantham wants Branson at the wedding, so they can prove to everyone that he is normal, and if he is normal… he will bore gossips.

Isobel decides she will send them the money to come to the wedding, but Cora reminds her Robert has forbidden it.

Mary finds her father hanging up the phone angrily, and asks him what the problem was, but he won’t say much.

O’Brien has had a letter from her sister, asking for a job for her nephew, but Carson blows off the idea. She just goes to Cora with the idea, and Cora runs it past Robert, who seems distracted.

Anna goes to the prison, bringing with her a book from Vera that was found when she was cleaning. She wants Bates to jot down who everyone is in the book, and they’ll see if it’s any useful information. He has no news, except that he has a new cellmate.

O’Brien’s nephew Alfred comes in, and though Carson thinks he is too tall, Carson sends him to get settled in, with great pessimism.

Matthew and Mary walk. Matthew wants to get to know about her, without everyone there staring at them. He wants to leave Downton, even though they will have to live there after the wedding, but Mary is reluctant.

Robert gets a car in the city. He goes to see an official, who has serious news regarding his rail road investments. They’re not doing well, despite surety they would succeed. The company is going bankrupt. All the money is gone… the “lion’s share of Cora’s fortune.” Gone.

Robert insists he will not give in. He refuses to be the failure of Downton Abbey. However the man reminds him there won’t be enough money to run Downton Abbey anymore.

While walking, Edith runs into Sir Anthony. They chat in his car.

Matthew and Molesley talk as Matthew dresses, and Molesley is upset to hear Matthew won’t be taking him with him as his valet.

James dresses Robert, and tells him the new footman has arrived, which seems to shock Robert. He asks Cora later if she knew about him, and she reminds him they had talked about it. He tells her no one else can be taken on. He asks what the cost of the wedding is adding up to.

Daisy is annoyed in the kitchen. She has been promised promotion, and gotten nothing. Thomas suggests she go on strike.

Over dinner, Matthew suggests they begin to live in a simpler way, though Carson is requesting a second footman.

Matthew tells Mary that Lavinia’s lawyer wishes to see him. Lavinia's father has died. Mary suggests he has left something for Matthew. He leaves Mary, reluctantly.

Sybil arrives, happy to see her family. She asks Robert if he sent the money, but he isn’t sure what she’s talking about. Branson is welcomed a little awkwardly. Carson gives him a quiet nod.

The lawyer for Lavinia’s father has left, and Matthew tells his mother that Reggie Swire made him the third heir to his fortune… and the first is dead, the second missing. So it’s looking like a large amount of money will be coming his way.

Thomas and Carson fight over who will dress Branson, and finally the new boy, Alfred, is in charge.

Over dinner Lady Grantham criticizes him for not having tails to wear for dinner. Sybil reminds them they live a different kind of lifestyle now.

Bronson stirs everyone up with talk of chasing English out of Ireland, so Cora changes the subject to gardens.

As Carson tells everyone about it in the servant’s quarters, Branson comes down to see them to say hello to everyone, but isn’t received well.

The rich people are having a similar conversation, telling Sybil what she must do to improve her husband’s servant-like ways. Mary goes to talk to Matthew, but he won’t tell her about the will.

Down in the kitchen, Daisy gives Mrs. Patmore lip about her position, when a new footman is hired.

Sybil confessed to Mary that Branson hates the feeling of patronization at Downton, but that she loves him and is very happy. Mary tells them that the Grey’s are coming… including Larry, who used to be keen on Sybil.

Sybil goes upstairs to bed. She suggests to Branson he not talk about Ireland all the time.

Mary has squeezed the truth out of Matthew. If they don’t find the missing Mr. Pulbrooke… they’ll decide what to do. Matthew says he can’t keep it, obviously.

Robert tells Cora his troubles… and that almost all of her fortune has been lost. He begins to cry. She comforts him, despite his worry for her. She tells him that they can focus on the wedding, and enjoy it… if it is to be their last then they should appreciate it.

Matthew runs into Bronson at the pub. Bronson says he knows they don’t want them there, but Matthew tells them they must stick together.

Bates gives Anna the book back with notes on it. She is sure that she must have told someone about her plan to kill herself.

Anna dresses Edith, who is changing her hair a bit in hopes of catching Sir Anthony’s approval.

O’Brien finds Thomas and asks him to help Alfred help him learn the ways of being a valet. He brushes it off, thinking Alfred won’t be able to step in as Matthew’s valet like she hopes.

Larry Grey gets to chat up Branson, who he is curious about. Branson is cold to him, and Grey baits him with comments about his suit.

Isobel is happy to see Sir Anthony, who denies needing any help. Edith invites him to come to the wedding, and he notices her hair. However he is distracted by something Larry seems to be doing behind him.

Branson is getting loud at dinner, yelling about Irish politics. Mary notes Larry getting smiley. Sybil tries to hush her husband. Sir Anthony notes that he say Larry put something in his drink. Bronson begins to look ill, and Sybil moves to take him upstairs.

Larry makes a comment about the grubby chaufer, and everyone stands in anger. Mr. Grey quiets his son. Matthew asks Branson to be his best man… he reminds him if they’re both taking on the Crawley girls, they must stick together.

At the end of the evening, Edith thanks Sir Anthony for saving Branson, and kisses him on the cheek.

Over a nightcap, Cora asks when Robert will tell the girls about their financial ruin. He believes he should tell Mary soon, so she knows she can’t stay at Downton.

In jail, Bates’ new cell mate tells him his plan won’t work, as he pours over letters. They exchange harsh words, and Bates threatens him.

Robert goes into the dressing room as Mary models her going away outfit, which he notes looks expensive. He clears the room. He tells her that he has news.

At Isobel’s, Lady Grantham and Isabelle exchange their usual sharp conversation. Branson comes in to apologize for his behavior. They called him in to see if they can fit one of Matthew’s old coats to him, but he refuses it. He sees them as costumes of oppression.

Lady Grantham forces him into the coat anyway.

Cora’s mother (Shirley Mclain!), Martha Levinson, arrives. She greets all of her granddaughters—discussing birth options for the baby with Sybil, Edith’s being single, and Mary’s wedding.

Her maid goes down to discuss arrangements with the staff—goat’s milk, and boiled water, etc.

She has a chat with everyone, being condescending to Matthew about his relation and why he will inherit her husband’s fortune.

Mary asks Matthew if there has been any news about the search for the missing heir. He shows her a telegram that says there is convincing proof he is dead. If he died before the first heir, the money should go to Matthew, who thinks he has no right to it.

Mary tells him Robert has lost enough money to lose Downton. She tells him they can save Downton, but he tells her he can’t profit from Livinia’s death, but she argues that he is siding against them with that choice.

“It means that you’re not on our side, Matthew. It means that deep down you’re not on our side.”

Anna asks Bates about his new cell mate, who he admits he doesn’t like. Bates small talks about the wedding. He encourages her to go out and go to France with the couple, despite her planning to come back and be with him. He wants her to live for his sake.

Cora’s mother, Levinson, talks to Lady Grantham. They argue tradition vs. change.

Over dinner they try and discover who sent Sybil the money. And Lady Grantham reveals it was her… she wanted Sybil and her husband there for Mary’s wedding. Lady Grantham tells him their family sticks together, but Mary storms off at that. She confides in Anna what is happening. Anna only sees that Matthew is being a good man.

Down in the kitchen, Daisy just sulks, refusing to help. She finally asks why Mrs. Patmore isn’t responding to her protest… and takes a towel to help with dishes.

Branson goes to talk to Matthew, reminding him he and Mary are meant to be together. He wouldn’t be happy with anyone else.

 Matthew goes to see Mary, even though it’s the night before the wedding and he can’t, by tradition see her. They talk through the door.

He tells her they will fight about many things, and that what Branson said made him realize they have to be together. He asks for a kiss—but they must both keep their eyes shut for luck. He comes in, and they kiss…. But Mary opens her eyes anyway.

Robert thanks Branson for what he did.

Mary is preparing for her wedding… her hair getting done, and her sisters, mother, and Anna fussing over her. Even Edith is in good spirits… sort of. Cora wishes her daughter luck, and they leave. Anna takes off the robe covering the wedding dress, and outside, everyone heads to the church.

In the kitchen, the wedding feast is looking lovely. Mrs. Patmore lets Daisy get her coat to go see Mary off.

Mary makes her grand walk down the stairs, veil trailing. Robert and Carson stand with mouths agape.

“Will I do, Carson?” she asks with a smile.

“Very nicely, my lady.”

Robert makes sure she is happy… and she reassures him she is. And so is he.

At the wedding, as everyone comes in, Edith brings Sir Anthony to sit with her. Matthew and Branson thank Molesley for all he has done. Cora reassures Edith she will be next, and the grannies rib on each other.

Mary arrives, the townspeople waving flags as her carriage brings her up to the church.

Branson wishes Matthew good luck as Robert brings her down the aisle. Finally he turns to see his bride, and they smile at one another.

“You came. To be honest I wasn’t completely sure you would,” he whispers as she stands beside him.

The married couple tool down the road in a nice new car, back from their honeymoon.

Downstairs, Alfred is fixing Matthew’s shirt, which annoys Thomas. O’Brien snaps at him when he offers Alfred advice.

During dinner, they wonder when Levinson will leave, and Isobel tells them she has a new position. Mary makes a rude comment about Sir Anthony, and Lady Grantham and Robert whisper that perhaps he needs to put an end to the attachment.

Isobel discusses her new work, which is helping prostitutes recover.

Robert and Matthew discuss the will. Matthew insists taking the money will make him a criminal.

Mrs. Hughes buttons up her shirt in front of Mrs. Patmore, who insists they need to get her to the doctor and have her checked out.

Isobel walks down the street past a line of prostitutes, one who sinks into the shadows. She pauses, thinking… it’s Ethel.

Edith goes to speak to Sir Anthony. She asks why he shoves her away. He reminds her he is too old for her. She insists he is coming for dinner, and he won’t keep pushing her off.

Anna goes to see Bates again. She had a few answers, and two return address unknowns from the book. Anna insists she will find out information. She also tells him she bought a garter in France.

At the doctor’s, Mrs. Hughes gets examined. He tells her there are a few stages… first to drain fluid from the cyst, and to see how things progress, and they’ll send it for analysis. He is fairly certain it is not cancer.

Alfred has a stain on Matthew’s coat he can’t get out, and Thomas gives him a tip with unusual freeness.

Lady Grantham goes to talk to Mary, and says they need to make Levinson feel it is her duty to save Downton.

Matthew gives Mary the note from the lawyer. He is the heir. She wants him to change his mind about the money.

Lady Grantham goes to butter up Levinson, who seems onto her.

Alfred puts Matthew’s coat on, and Matthew notes that Alfred has burned off a spot. When Carson hears this, he calls him out for embarrassing everyone. He points out that Thomas gave him stuff to put on the jacket that burned it, but Thomas denies it. O’Brien believes Alfred.

Robert confronts Sir Anthony, who understands that the family wants him to stay away from Edith. However he notes that Edith keeps coming to see him, and he can’t exactly not admit her.

Robert talks to Thomas about Alfred, and Thomas says he doesn’t think he’s ready. He suggest Mr. Molesley join them.

Carson calls Mrs. Hughes out again, but she snaps at him. Mrs. Patmore goes to tell the truth, but she stops her. Carson takes Alfred off of duty with Matthew. O’Brien promises him they’ll make Thomas sorry.

Levinson’s maid notices Alfred upset in the hall, and kisses him. Daisy notices.

Over breakfast, Edith cries over a note, and asks her father why he did what he did before she rushes out.

Mary asks Cora about the money, but Cora thinks enough of her family’s fortune has been poured into Downton. She thinks they can just move to a smaller home, but Mary notes that the Countess of Grantham lives at Downton Abbey.

As Isobel helps out the prostitutes, Ethel comes in. She begins to leave, but Isobel stops her, recognizing her. She rushes out, saying she’s not ready to ask her.

The doctor comes in to see Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. Patmore to tell them that the test results were inconclusive. He has to send the fluid out again, and it will take a few months to get an answer. He suggests that she take it easy.

Robert finds Edith crying into her grandmother. They argue about Sir Anthony. She asks him to ask him to come back, and he gives in.

Anna goes to see Bates again. She found Mrs. Bartlett, who was a friend to Vera. Anna wants to go to talk to her. She admits that Downton is in trouble and they may have to sell.

Mr. Molesley arrives, running, to Matthew’s room. The coat never arrived, so Matthew has to change his tie. He is less affected by this than Molesley is.

Levinson’s maid sees O’Brien coming out of a room, and looks suspicious. Thomas runs in, demanding Alfred tell him where Robert’s evening shirts have all gone… O’Brien sends him off.

Robert is not pleased to have no shirts to wear.

Mary shows Lady Grantham her gorgeously set up table, sure it will convince Levinson to give them the money.

In the kitchen, dinner is failing. The oven is blocked, nothing can cook.

Everyone is shocked to see Matthew and Robert in black, not white tie at a dinner of twenty people. Cora comes in to tell them about the oven fiasco. Levinson tells them they’re going to have an indoor picnic… bring up finger food, and make it fun.

Downstairs, everyone tries to get food together. Carson pressures Mrs. Hughes again. As Alfred looks for meat to bring up, Levinson’s maid tells him she know who took the shirts. And she likes him. She tells him to kiss her again… and yet again Daisy bears witness.

The mobile meal seems to be going over well among the guests. Everyone takes a small plate and wanders. Levinson sings, and no one seems upset, except maybe Lady Grantham, who gets serenaded.

Sir Anthony admits to Edith that she has given him back his life… and she kisses him on the cheek. She asks if they should tell them all that night, but he says no. They’ll tell them in the morning.

Daisy asks Alfred why he likes the American maid. He says she makes him feel good about himself. He goes upstairs with the shirts to return them.

Levinson agrees to help Downton Abbey… everyone is relieved. She tells them they’ve misunderstood her. The money is tied down. She can help by entertaining them all, and adding to a dress allowance. She can’t touch the capital… and old houses are foundering anyway.

At the prison, Bates sees his cellmate exchanging money with a guard. Later the man warns Bates he saw nothing. The man threatens him, and Bates punches him, and tells him never to threaten him.

Downstairs, Thomas asks who put the shirts back, getting furious.

At the end of the evening, Levinson apologizes to Robert that she can’t help them.

Carson goes to see Mrs. Hughes, asking her if all is well. The evening was a strange success. He reminds her he is on her side, and to say if anything is wrong… even though he has been “a bit crabby.”

She passes on the compliment of the evening to Mrs. Patmore.

“What is there to tell? One day, I will die.”