Michael Gregson quotes from Downton Abbey

Michael Gregson

Of course it's a lot to ask but what else can I do? I'm prevented from divorcing a woman who doesn't even know who I am. Does the law expect me to have no life until I die? Would Lord Grantham?

Lady Edith Crawley

I'm sorry if this is inconvenient.

Michael Gregson

It's unexpected, not inconvenient.

Lady Edith Crawley

I suppose I'd better just say it.

Michael Gregson

Please do.

Lady Edith Crawley

I had the impression On my last visit, that you were flirting, giving signs that you found me attractive. If I'm wrong, then I apologize.

Michael Gregson

You're not wrong.

Lady Edith Crawley

But since then I have discovered that you are, in fact, married.

Michael Gregson

Yes.

Lady Edith Crawley

I'm afraid I find the idea of a married man flirting with me wholly repugnant. So you see, I must hand in my resignation at once.

Michael Gregson

No. It's true, I am married, but I hope you'll allow me to explain.

Lady Edith Crawley

Explain what? I am familiar with the institution of marriage.

Michael Gregson

Yes, but not with this one. My wife is in an asylum and she has been for some years. Lizzie was a wonderful person, and I loved her very much. Took me a long time to accept that the woman I knew was gone and wouldn't be coming back.

Lady Edith Crawley

Then why haven't you got a divorce?

Michael Gregson

I can't. A lunatic is not deemed responsible. She's neither the guilty nor the innocent party. It means that I'm tied for the rest of my life to a...a madwoman who doesn't even know me.

You think you're so holy, don't you? You're just a cheat. Like me.

Michael Gregson

I have won against a card sharp. There is pleasure in that.