Violet Crawley quotes from Downton Abbey

What do you mean "you knew"?!

Lady Mary Crawley

I hoped it would blow over! I didn't want to break up the family when Sybil might still wake up!

And all this time you been driving me about, bowing and scrapping, and seducing my daughter behind my back?!

Tom Branson

I don't bow and scrape! And I've not seduced anyone! Give your daughter some credit for knowing her own mind!

How dare you speak like that to me! You will leave at once!

Lady Sybil Crawley

Oh, Papa.

This is a folly! A ridiculous, juvenile madness!

Sybil, what do you have in mind?

Mama, this is hardly--

No. She must have something in mind. Otherwise she would not have summoned him here tonight.

What on earth's the matter?

Sir Richard Carlisle

I'm leaving in the morning, Lady Grantham. I doubt we'll meet again.

Do you promise?

Matthew Crawley

Sorry about the vase.

Oh, don't be. It was wedding present from a frightful aunt. I have hated it for half a century.

Are you coming up to welcome the Queen of Sheba?

Isobel Crawley

I suppose so.

[grumbles to Robert] Just how long is she here for?

[sighs] Who knows?

No guest should be admitted with no departure date settled.

I cannot understand why so much money was put into one company.

Lady Mary Crawley

I couldn't agree more.

Now we're to be turned out of Downton. Even Lloyd George can't want that.

Lady Mary Crawley

I'm not sure he's a good example.

Lady Edith Crawley

Isn't it exciting?

At my age one must ration one's excitement. [notices Cora fussing about] I told her everything would come right but she wouldn't believe me.

Lady Edith Crawley

I still can't. Something happening in this house is actually about me.

I wish you'd let me sit in the front.

Isobel Crawley

I prefer it, I've ridden in the front seat many times.

Aren't you a wild thing!

There's never been a safer method of travel.

Nor a faster one.

Edith's the speed fiend, she likes to go at a terrific lick.

Do you think you'll be able to keep up with her?

I'll try.

[looks at Eryholme] We won't need more than eight servants, tops. So it'll be very economical.

What about me? Where am I to go?

We still own most of the village.

Oh. Perhaps I could open a shop?

I really think you should go to bed. No bride wants to look tired on her wedding. That means she's anxious or been up to no good.

Lady Edith Crawley

I won't sleep a wink.

Tonight or tomorrow?

Sybil, vulgarity is no substitute for wit.

[smirks at her grandmother] You started it. [she and Edith giggle]

Lady Mary Crawley

You can come up. It's a girl.

Tom Branson

And they're both...

Lady Mary Crawley

They're fine.

Thank God and Hallelujah.

Why...why did she say that?

Because there is some truth in it.

My dear, when tragedies strike, we try to find someone to blame. And in the absence of a suitable candidate, we usually blame ourselves. You are not to blame; no one is to blame. Our darling Sybil has died, during childbirth, like too many women before her. And all we can do now is cherish her memory and her child.

Nevertheless there is truth in it.

[in surprise] Oh.

You didn't expect to find me here.

Isobel Crawley

No.

I thought the only person who could tell us with any accuracy the Bryants' response to Ethel's working nearby were the Bryants themselves.

Lady Grantham wrote to me explaining your wish.

Well, it was only that Mrs. Watson had answered the advertisement...

I know the circumstances. Just as I know that you would like to see how Charlie's getting on. As it happens, I've been uncomfortable about keeping a mother from her son. And though I wouldn't want to confuse him until he's much older, if then--

You wouldn't have to confuse him! I've got it all worked out! I'm his old nanny who was employed by you when he was born.

Isobel Crawley

But what about when he talks of you to Mr. Bryant?

You will please leave Mr. Bryant to me. Now Ethel, you must write to Mrs. Watson today and get it settled.

And I'll be able to see Charlie.

Isobel Crawley

It won't be easy.

It'll be easier than not seeing him. Very much easier.

We knew things we awkward between them. but now that I'm here, I don't think Susan handles it very well.

But it's so complicated with a young daughter who's so full of new ideas. She thinks you're fighting her when all the time you're just frightened and...I'm sorry.

We all miss her. Every single day.

Mary, you've gone through you a hideous time, but now you must remember your son. He needs you very much.

Lady Mary Crawley

I know. The thing is I don't think I'm going to be a very good mother.

Why not?

Lady Mary Crawley

Because, somehow, with Matthew's death all the softness he found in me seems to have dried up and drained away. Maybe it was ever there in his imagination.