Ep 2. Season 4, Episode 2

At the start of Episode 2, Lord Grantham has a difficult time accepting the fact that the family's money is all gone. With the family in dire financial straits, he seeks advice from his solicitor Matthew, but things do not go as planned. On the other hand, his wife Lady Grantham takes a different approach altogether and invites her aunt for a visit to reduce their expenses by keeping the servants on toes with the fear of being watched by her.

In the downstairs' quarters, the staff is adjusting to the new food restrictions and a reduction in their wages. Daisy learns how to cook which is a significant change for her, and she eventually starts to enjoy it. Mrs. Patmore is feeling insecure about her place in the house, and with Daisy taking up a new position, she feels as though her contribution is reduced.

Elsewhere, Mary is still coming to terms with her husband's death, and she is finding it challenging moving on. She's not quite ready to jump into a new relationship, but she does entertain a potential suitor, Mr. Gillingham from Liverpool. Meanwhile, Edith is still struggling after giving up her baby, and is heartbroken that she cannot be a part of the child's life. However, she starts to take an interest in local politics and starts writing for a newspaper.

Isobel continues to be a source of comfort and support for Mary during these trying times, but the same cannot be said for Violet. Violet is still bitter over Isobel's estranged relationship with her son, and the two of them have a tussle regarding Matthew's fortune.

As Bates's legal woes continue to mount, Anna is determined to protect her husband at all costs. She reaches out to Mary to help clear Bates's name, and the two of them work together to find evidence to exonerate him. However, their actions lead to some serious repercussions.

Overall, Season 4 Episode 2 of Downton Abbey continues to explore the lives of both the upstairs and downstairs characters, as they navigate through difficult times. Full of drama, emotion, and heart, this episode is a must-watch for fans of the series.