Cora Crawley quotes from Downton Abbey

I'm very sorry about poor Patrick, of course. He was a nice boy.

We were all so fond of him...

But I never cared for James. He was too like his mother, and a nastier woman never drew breath.

Are we to be friends, then?

We are allies, my dear, which can be a good deal more effective.

It's a cottage hospital, of course, but quite well equipped.

Isobel Crawley

Who pays for it?

Oh, good, let's talk about money.

My father gave the building and an endowment to run it. In a way, he set up his own memorial.

Isobel Crawley

But how splendid!

And Mr. Lloyd George's new insurance measures will help.

Please don't speak that man's name; we are about to eat.

Where's he staying?

Lady Mary Crawley

He says he's found a pub that caters for hunting.

We can improve on that, he must come here! He can send the horses up early if he wants.

Lady Mary Crawley

He'll know why you're asking him.

I can't think what you mean. His mother's a friend of mine; she'd be pleased at the idea.

Lady Mary Crawley

Not very pleased. She's dead.

All the more reason then.

It's not of my doing. It's all Mary's own work. But I think we should encourage it.

Branscombe's a dull dog, but I don't suppose that matters.

Did you know his wife had died?

He only ever talks about racing.

Is the family an old one?

Older than yours, I imagine.

Old enough.

And there's plenty of money.

Really?

Mama, you've already looked him up in the stud books and inquired about the fortune, don't pretend otherwise. Are you afraid someone will think you're American if you speak openly?

I doubt it'll come to that.

Lady Mary Crawley

How many times am I to be ordered to marry the man sitting next to me at dinner?

As many times as it takes.

But it's Sybil's first season.

Robert, believe me. Sybil is not your problem now. We got to support Mary this year. It's time Mary was settled. High time.

Poor old Edith; we never seem to talk about her.

I'm afraid Edith will be the one to care for us in our old age.

What a ghastly prospect.

How dare you! How dare you obey in this way!

Robert can we do this in the morning? Sybil needs rest.

Are you so knowledgeable about the great world that my instructions are to be set as nothing!

Lady Sybil Crawley

Papa, I'm sorry I disobeyed you! But I'm interested! I'm political! I have opinions!

Of course I blame Branson!

Lady Mary Crawley

I don't think that's fair.

We had none it! None of it until he set foot in our house! I suppose I should thank God he hasn't burned the place down over our heads!

Lady Sybil Crawley

Branson didn't know anything about it until we arrived there!

He leaves tonight!

Lady Sybil Crawley

If you punish Branson, I'll never speak to you again- Never!

Lady Mary Crawley

I really don't think this is Branson's fault, truly, Papa.

Lady Sybil Crawley

Blame me.

I do blame you!

Isobel Crawley

The thing is, I've had a letter from Matthew. Of course, he doesn't tell me what he's actually doing.

No, he wouldn't. But I'm glad he's alright. I miss him.

Isobel Crawley

Well that's the point. You must know he's been down here a few times since the war started.

We had heard.

Downton is hardly a metropolis.

Is he still determined to go back to Manchester when it's all over?

Isobel Crawley

He doesn't talk much about life after the war. None of them do. I suppose they don't want to tempt fate. Until now, that is. He writes that he is engaged to be married to a Miss Lavinia Swire.

Well I--I suppose we all knew it would happen someday.

The trouble is, Mary's back from London today as well. She gets in at five o'clock.

Isobel Crawley

Matthew's driving down in Lavinia's car. They won't meet on the train.

Oh, that's a relief. [Everyone looks confused] I hate Greek drama, you know where everything happens off stage.

[about Lavinia] So that's Mary's replacement. Well, I suppose looks aren't everything.

I think she seems rather sweet. I'm afraid meeting us all together must be very intimidating.

I do hope so.

I wanted you to know I sent a note down to Clarkson, which should do the trick.

What did you say?

Only that I gathered you'd asked a favour, and given that the estate shoulders the hospital costs, it did seem a little unfair if we weren't allowed a few perks.

Quite right. Thank you, darling.

I gather your footman Thomas has returned to the village.

Crikey. Where did you see him?

At the hospital. Seems he's working there.

I wonder how he wangled that.

Well, Clarkson's seen him. It's definitely not a heart attack, but he does need rest.

He's working much too hard. For a start he's just got to let the maids serve in the dining room.

Quite right. There is a war. Even Carson has to make sacrifices.

I look at her and all I can see is a tired woman with a tiresome husband, not a bride on the brink of heaven. I wish I could understand why she goes on with it. Do you think there's some element I might have overlooked?

Yes.

Cora, if there is something and you know what it is, tell me, please.

Perhaps it's time.

I was hoping you would say I was wrong.

You're not wrong. But if I do tell you, try not to fly off the handle. And try not to be too hurt.

Now you must tell me because nothing could be worse than my imaginings.

Very well. Do you recall a Turkish diplomat who stayed here before the war?

I think I can be relied on to remember any guest who was found dead in his bed the next morning.

Well, that's the thing.

Come war and peace, Downton still stands and the Crawleys are still in it. Cora.

Mother, how lovely to see you.

As long as it is. Robert, aren't you going to kiss me?

With the greatest enthusiasm.

Lady Mary Crawley

Who will groan first when they see it, Granny or Papa?

Matthew Crawley

[chuckles] I should think they'll howl at the moon in unison!

What in God's name is this? Well I never! [marvels at the AC]

Where did this come from?

Matthew Crawley

I ordered it in London, picked it up on the way back. It's an AC.

Well, at least it's English.