Ep 7. Series 2, Episode 7

The episode starts off with the servants of Downton Abbey preparing for a trip to London. They are all excited about the prospect of experiencing the hustle and bustle of the big city, except for Mrs. Patmore who is worried about the quality of the food she will be able to cook without the comforts of her own kitchen.

Meanwhile, the aristocratic Crawley family is also preparing for a trip, but to a much more exotic location - Egypt. Lady Mary, Matthew, Lady Grantham, and Lord Grantham are all set to embark on a tour of the country's famous ancient ruins. The only problem is that Lady Grantham is feeling under the weather, and there are worries that she may not be well enough to go on the trip.

Elsewhere, the servants arrive in London and are shocked by the level of poverty they witness. They visit a hospital for sick and injured soldiers, and it is a sobering experience for them all. Daisy, in particular, is moved by the plight of one young soldier who has been badly injured in battle.

Back at Downton Abbey, Bates is facing a difficult decision. He has received an offer of a new job, but it would mean leaving Anna behind. Anna, for her part, is conflicted about what to do. She wants Bates to take the job if it will make him happy, but she is also worried about the future of their relationship.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Lady Grantham's health is deteriorating rapidly. The family's physician is called in, and he recommends that Lady Grantham stays at Downton Abbey rather than travel to Egypt. Lady Mary is devastated by the news, but she decides to stay behind with her mother rather than go on the trip without her.

In London, Thomas and O'Brien are up to their usual tricks. They have concocted a plan to steal wine from a local restaurant and sell it on the black market. Things do not go according to plan, and they end up getting caught. Fortunately, the owner of the restaurant is sympathetic to their plight and lets them off with a warning.

Back at Downton Abbey, the servants are dealing with their own problems. Mrs. Patmore is struggling to cook for the family without her usual kitchen, and Daisy is having trouble coming to terms with the horrors of war that she witnessed in London.

As the episode comes to a close, Lady Grantham's condition worsens, and it becomes clear that she may not survive. The family rallies around her, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. Matthew and Lady Mary put their own troubles aside to support the family, and Bates makes a difficult decision about his future.

Overall, Series 2, Episode 7 of Downton Abbey is a dramatic and emotional episode that explores the themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The characters are put to the test in a variety of ways, and their reactions to the challenges they face show us what they are truly made of.