Set in May 1914. Lady Sybil's interest in politics and women's rights is kindled by the upcoming by-election and is the cause of major disagreement between her and Lord Grantham. Meanwhile, presumably as a result of Lady Edith's letter, rumours about Lady Mary and the "handsome Turk" intensify, reaching the ears of Carson and the Dowager herself. Edith finds an admirer in Sir Anthony Strallan. Miss O'Brien and Thomas continue to plot against Bates, leading to a surprising revelation from the latter. Sybil is injured when a political meeting gets out of hand but is rescued by Matthew who happens to be passing by. Matthew asks Lady Mary to marry him, who realizes she loves him but feels she cannot accept his proposal without telling him her scandalous secret.
