Human nature's a funny business, isn't it?
Now why didn't the poets come to you, Mr. Carson? They'd have saved themselves a lot of time and trouble.
All S1
S1 E15Unfinished Business
EEthel
[in surprise] Oh.
BMrs. Bryant
You didn't expect to find me here.
No.
VCViolet Crawley, the Dowager Countess
I thought the only person who could tell us with any accuracy the Bryants' response to Ethel's working nearby were the Bryants themselves.
BMrs. Bryant
Lady Grantham wrote to me explaining your wish.
EEthel
Well, it was only that Mrs. Watson had answered the advertisement...
BMrs. Bryant
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--
EEthel
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.
But what about when he talks of you to Mr. Bryant?
BMrs. Bryant
You will please leave Mr. Bryant to me. Now Ethel, you must write to Mrs. Watson today and get it settled.
EEthel
And I'll be able to see Charlie.
It won't be easy.
EEthel
It'll be easier than not seeing him. Very much easier.
I'm sorry if this is inconvenient.
It's unexpected, not inconvenient.
I suppose I'd better just say it.
Please do.
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.
You're not wrong.
But since then I have discovered that you are, in fact, married.
Yes.
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.
No. It's true, I am married, but I hope you'll allow me to explain.
Explain what? I am familiar with the institution of marriage.
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.
Then why haven't you got a divorce?
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.
I thought I was helping him get out of our lives for good. Now he ranks higher than I do. I've been a damn fool.
By the way, what was that phrase he gave you to say to Miss O'Brien? You can tell me now, surely.
If you keep it under your hat. It was, "Her Ladyship's soap."
What?
I can't make any sense of it either, but that's what he said. "Her Ladyship's soap." And it worked.
CCCora Crawley, Lady Grantham
You're very good to play.
Don't know why I made such a fuss about it. Can I ask you something?
CCCora Crawley, Lady Grantham
Of course.
If I were to say I'd live with you while Sybbie's little, that we wouldn't move out until she's older, would you mind?
CCCora Crawley, Lady Grantham
I should be delighted. And I know it's what Sybil would want.
I think you're right.
[About Susan and Rose]
VCViolet Crawley, the Dowager Countess
We knew things we awkward between them. but now that I'm here, I don't think Susan handles it very well.
CCCora Crawley, Lady Grantham
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.
VCViolet Crawley, the Dowager Countess
We all miss her. Every single day.
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?
Say hello to your son and heir.
Hello my dearest little chap. I wonder if he knows how much joy he brings with him? My darling, how are you? Truly?
Tired and pretty relieved. But just think: We've done our duty. Downton is safe. Papa must be dancing a jig.
I'm dancing a jig. I feel like I've swallowed a box of fireworks.
Where are the others?
Back at the house. Panting to see you, to see you both. But I've sent Mother to keep them at bay. I wanted the chance to be alone with my family.
You sound rather foreign. Shouldn't you been saying things like "You'll be up and about in no time"?
I'll remind that next time I scratch the car.
Do. I give you full permission.
[to Anna] They'll be here in a minute. And tell Mr. Matthew he must wait his turn. He's seen the baby and they haven't.
NWNanny West
I'm taking Master George out for some air, milady. I wondered if you like to come with us
I don't think so. Poor little orphan.
[Nanny West walks away holding little George, now six months old]
He's not an orphan. He's got his mother, orphans haven't.
He isn't poor either, come to that.
How was Lady Mary this morning?
The same, though I suppose she must come out of it eventually.
For Master George's sake if for no other reason.
You ought to see more of George.
Poor George. What a burden he is born into. A baby rich as Croesus and a mother almost passed over.
That's the law.
It seems so strange. Matthew has always so meticulous.
He thought that death was many years away and so it should have been. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me do it.
I'm grateful. But, you see, when your only child dies, then you're not a mother anymore. You're not anything really.
You're a grandmother. And I know you're going to be a wonderful one.
VCViolet Crawley, the Dowager Countess
Mary, you've gone through you a hideous time, but now you must remember your son. He needs you very much.
I know. The thing is I don't think I'm going to be a very good mother.
VCViolet Crawley, the Dowager Countess
Why not?
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.
NWNanny West
Your ladyship! I didn't see you there.
CCCora Crawley, Lady Grantham
Obviously not.
NWNanny West
I was just--I was just having a game with Miss Sybbie.
CCCora Crawley, Lady Grantham
I want you to pack tonight and leave first thing in the morning.
NWNanny West
But your ladyship--
CCCora Crawley, Lady Grantham
Please put Master George back into his crib. You are not to touch the children again.
Oh, I thought it was Nanny West ringing.
CCCora Crawley, Lady Grantham
No. Mrs. Hughes, Nanny West is leaving. Can you find her a bed for the night and ask one of the maids to sleep with the children?
NWNanny West
But, your ladyship, I was only joking!
CCCora Crawley, Lady Grantham
Please, Miss West, I prefer not to discuss it. Except to say that your values have no place in a civilized home. Now Mrs. Hughes, I will wait here while Nanny West packs. You will fetch a maid and prepare a room. You understand me? Miss West is not to be left alone with the children, not for one minute.
Does this mean you've decided to return to the land of the living? Because if so, I'm glad.
It means that I know that I've spent too long in the land of the dead.
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