Downton Abbey: A House Divided
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - LIBRARY - DAY
A gramophone plays classical music in the background. VIOLET, Dowager Countess of Grantham, is sitting in a corner of the library, reading a book. LADY MARY enters the room, dressed immaculately.
LADY MARY
(annoyed)
Mother, have you heard? Cousin Richard has just inherited the neighboring house.
VIOLET
(sarcastically)
Oh, good heavens! The last thing we need is another family feud. The Granthams, the Crawleys, and now this? When will these battles end, Mary?
LADY MARY
(sighs)
I don't know, but what I do know is that we have to extend the hand of friendship to our new neighbor, regardless of our history.
VIOLET
I suppose you're right. War divides, but peace unites.
A moment of contemplative silence between them.
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - KITCHEN - DAY
MRS. PATMORE and DAISY are busy preparing food for dinner. The atmosphere is tense. Thomas exchanges whispers with Mr. Carson.
THOMAS
(in a hushed voice)
I heard Richard has plans to change the way things are run around here.
MR. CARSON
(stern)
We must not listen to idle gossip, Thomas. The Crawleys and Mr. Richard will sit and resolve their issues like proper adults.
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - DRAWING ROOM - NIGHT
The entire family (Lord Grantham, Lady Cora, Lady Mary, Edith, Sybil, Violet) is assembled, awaiting the arrival of the newly inherited neighbor, COUSIN RICHARD.
The doorbell rings, and Mr. Carson invites Cousin Richard in.
COUSIN RICHARD
(smiling)
Good evening, dear family! It is an honor and a privilege to be among you once again.
LADY CORA
(pleasantly)
Welcome, Cousin Richard. We are delighted to have you here.
They all sit down, and the dinner conversation begins.
LORD GRANTHAM
So, Richard, tell us more about your plans for the estate.
COUSIN RICHARD
Oh, Robert, I have grand ideas in mind. I must say, though, it's high time we all joined forces and pooled our resources, wouldn't you agree?
Violet and Lady Mary exchange worried glances.
TO BE CONTINUED
Downton Abbey: A Timely Reunion
EXT. DOWNTON ABBEY - DAY
A beautiful summer morning at Downton Abbey. The sun shines gently on the dew-drenched gardens.
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - SERVANTS' HALL - DAY
The staff is busily preparing for the family's breakfast. MRS. HUGHES and MRS. PATMORE are chatting.
MRS. PATMORE:
Did you get a letter from Mr. Carson?
MRS. HUGHES:
Yes, he's on his way back from London. Seems he's got a son he never knew about. Lady Mary's asked him to bring the boy here for a visit.
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - DINING ROOM - DAY
The family is gathering for breakfast. LADY MARY, LADY EDITH, and the DOWAGER COUNTESS sit around the table, with LORD GRANTHAM and CORA nearby.
LADY MARY:
Father, how long will Mr. Carson be with us, and why is he bringing his newfound family?
LORD GRANTHAM:
Mr. Carson is a loyal servant of this house, and we owe it to him to offer our support during this unusual time. Besides, Lady Mary, it is always good to show kindness.
CORA:
I think it's wonderful, Robert. Giving the boy a chance to reunite with his father is the right thing to do.
DOWAGER COUNTESS:
(Muttering) The boy wouldn't have been a problem if people knew their place.
EXT. DOWNTON ABBEY - FRONT GROUNDS - DAY
A carriage arrives, MR. CARSON steps out with a YOUNG BOY by his side. The staff, lined up, welcomes him back.
MRS. HUGHES:
Mr. Carson, we're thrilled to have you back. And you must be Oliver. Welcome to Downton Abbey.
OLIVER:
(Shyly) Thank you, ma'am.
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - DRAWING ROOM - DAY
The family gathers as Mr. Carson introduces Oliver to them.
MR. CARSON:
This is my son, Oliver. (To Oliver) This is Lord Grantham, Lady Grantham, Lady Mary, Lady Edith, and the Dowager Countess.
OLIVER:
It's an honor to meet you all.
LADY EDITH:
It's lovely to meet you too, Oliver. I hope you enjoy your time here at Downton Abbey.
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - LIBRARY - DAY
LORD GRANTHAM sits with MR. CARSON, discussing his unexpected news.
MR. CARSON:
I know it must seem strange, my lord, my having a son I knew nothing about.
LORD GRANTHAM:
Carson, we've been through a lot together. Whatever you need, we're here for you.
MR. CARSON:
Thank you, my lord. I appreciate your understanding.
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - SERVANTS' HALL - DAY
Oliver watches the staff bustling about, unsure of where he fits in. Daisy approaches him.
DAISY:
Do you like it here at Downton?
OLIVER:
I don't know yet. Everything's so...different. I don't know if I belong here.
DAISY:
Of course you do, Oliver. Everyone deserves a place where they feel at home.
As the day unfolds at Downton Abbey, the family and staff adjust to the unexpected new arrival, setting the stage for fresh challenges and intrigues.
TO BE CONTINUED
Downton Abbey: Shadows of the Past
EXT. DOWNTON ABBEY - DAY
A beautiful morning at Downton Abbey. Birds are singing, and the sun is shining brightly over the Crawley family estate.
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - KITCHEN - DAY
Mrs. Patmore, busy as ever, is giving instructions to Daisy.
MRS. PATMORE
Daisy, make sure the roast is well seasoned. We have guests coming tonight.
DAISY
Yes, Mrs. Patmore.
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - SERVANTS' HALL - DAY
The downstairs staff is hurriedly setting the table for tonight's dinner.
MR. CARSON
Anna, please ensure the silverware is properly aligned.
ANNA
Of course, Mr. Carson.
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - LIBRARY - DAY
Robert, Earl of Grantham, is having a serious conversation with Cora, Countess of Grantham.
CORAs
I received a letter this morning. Charles Vaughn is coming for dinner.
ROBERT
Charles Vaughn? We haven't seen him since before the war.
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - LADY MARY'S BEDROOM - DAY
Lady Mary and Lady Edith are talking while preparing for the day.
LADY EDITH
I wonder what brings Mr. Vaughn back to Downton after all these years.
LADY MARY
Why should it matter? He's just another guest.
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - GRAND HALL - DAY
A carriage arrives, and Charles Vaughn steps out. Anna and Mr. Bates greet him.
ANNA
Welcome back to Downton, Mr. Vaughn.
CHARLES
Thank you, Anna. It's a pleasure to be here.
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - DRAWING ROOM - DAY
The family and Charles sit and chat after his long journey. Lady Sybil notices tension between him and Lady Mary.
LADY SYBIL
Mary, is everything alright?
LADY MARY
Everything is just fine, Sybil.
Charles tries to make conversation with Lady Mary.
CHARLES
Mary, it's been too long. You haven't changed a bit.
Lady Mary looks away, uncomfortable.
LADY MARY
And you haven't changed at all, it seems.
INT. DOWNTON ABBEY - SERVANTS' HALL - DAY
The downstairs staff discuss Charles while working.
DAISY
Why do you think Mr. Vaughn came back?
THOMAS
Who knows? Perhaps he's looking for a wife.
Mr. Bates and Anna exchange a knowing glance.
MR. BATES
I hope not. That wouldn't be wise.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Downton Abbey: Secrets and Servants
EXT. DOWNTON ABBEY - DAY
Establishing shot of the grand estate Downton Abbey on a beautiful sunny day. Cut to INT. DOWNTON ABBEY DOWNSTAIRS - DAY
SERVANTS are bustling about their morning chores. THOMAS, the underbutler, enters the room.
THOMAS: Morning all. Is everything in order for the luncheon today?
MRS. PATMORE, the cook, responds while supervising the kitchen staff.
MRS. PATMORE: As ready as we'll ever be, but don't be surprised if Lord Grantham complains about the mystery meat again.
THOMAS (smirking): I'll be sure to pass on your regard to his lordship. Is Miss Crawley's dessert tray prepared?
DAISY, the kitchen maid, busies herself with the finishing touches on an elaborate dessert display.
DAISY: Yes, I'm just putting the final touches on it now.
THOMAS: Very good. Now, is Bates in his quarters? I have a matter I'd like to discuss with him.
ANNA, the head housemaid and wife of Bates, enters the scene.
ANNA: He'll be down shortly. He received a letter and needed some privacy.
THOMAS (suspicious): A letter, you say? Who would be writing to the valet of Downton Abbey?
ANNA (defensively): It's nothing of your concern, Thomas.
Cut to INT. DOWNTON ABBEY UPSTAIRS - DAY
LADY MARY CRAWLEY is arranging flowers with her sister, LADY EDITH. They are discussing the upcoming engagement of their cousin, Rose.
LADY MARY: Honestly, Edith, can you believe how quickly Rose has been swept off her feet by this Mr. Travis fellow?
LADY EDITH: I'm as surprised as you, Mary, but they do seem happy. Isn't that what really matters?
LADY MARY: Of course, but just last month she was smitten with that dashing duke. The girl's as flighty as the middle of March.
Cut to INT. BATES' QUARTERS - DAY
BATES is seen with a deeply concerned expression after reading a LETTER from an unknown sender.
ANNA (entering): John? What's the matter? Who sent that letter?
BATES (tense): It was from an old acquaintance of mine...from my time in prison. He believes he has discovered a new secret about my past - one that might threaten my life at Downton Abbey.
Anna looks horrified.
ANNA: John, what does it say?
BATES (holding up the letter): It says...TO BE CONTINUED
