July 1925. Isobel is puzzled to receive an invitation to a wedding between a young lady, Amelia Cruikshank, and Lord Merton's son, Larry. In the past, Larry had insulted Isobel by calling her a middle-class gold-digger when she became engaged to Lord Merton, causing Isobel to end the engagement. A suspicious Violet confronts Amelia, and accuses her of wanting Isobel to marry Lord Merton only to care for him in his old age. The family watch Henry drive in a motor car race, but his friend, Charlie, is killed in a crash. With the entire family in shock, Mary takes a call from Henry, who implores her to give her an answer to his advances; she says no, as he is not the right type for her.
Daisy and Molesley sit their exams; the latter does so well that the headmaster offers him a teaching job at the school. He also offers to tutor Andy, when his illiteracy is revealed. Mrs Hughes pretends to have injured her hand, so is unable to cook, and gets Mr Carson to do everything; unable to perform household tasks well, he gains a new respect for his wife's efforts. Mrs Patmore's B&B opens with its first guests. Bertie proposes to Edith, who asks for time to consider. Upon returning to Downton, the family is surprised to learn Violet is leaving for a month to the south of France, in an effort to clear the air following the hospital conflict. She makes one goodwill gesture before leaving, a new dog for Robert.
