Tim Drewe guesses the parentage of Marigold, Mary receives another proposal from Tony, Violet plays matchmaker, Thomas continues to press Baxter for information with blackmail, and a flash fire threatens the mansion.

The Countess confesses her past with Prince Kuragin, Lord Merton proposes to Isobel, Rose's parents are divorcing, Lord Grantham becomes jealous of Simon, and Lady Mary tells Gillingham she won't marry him.

Tom ends his relationship with Sarah, Rose meets a young man of Russian descent, Rosamund's visit to Marigold has consequences, Mrs. Patmore asks advice for her inheritance, and Simon Bricker expresses his love for Cora.

Violet's new maid doesn't seem to be working out, Kuragin reveals he still loves Violet, Anna realizes Bates' innocence, and Thomas reveals a secret to Baxter.

Atticus brings his parents, Edith and her daughter are brought home by Cora, Tom decides to take his daughter to America, Baxter volunteers to testify for Bates, and Isis is dying.

Kuragin tells Violet he wants to live with her, someone tries to break up the Atticus Rose wedding, Daisy wants to live in London, and Anna is accused of Green's murder.

Autumn of 1924. It's grouse shooting season and Rose's father-in-law invites the Crawley family to a shooting party in Northumberland.