Downton Abbey Season 2 Episode 7

Violet: No doubt you will regard this as rather unorthodox, my pushing into a man's bedroom, uninvited.

Matthew: Well, um...

Violet: It's just I don't want us to be disturbed. (she sits down) I'm sure you know how pleased I am that you will recover after all.

Matthew: Thank you.

Violet: Just as I am delighted that you can once more look forward to a...to a happy married life.

Matthew: I'm very lucky.

Violet: Now, this may come as a surprise but I feel I must say it all the same.

Matthew: Please do.

Violet: Mary is still in love with you.

Matthew: What?

Violet: I was watching her the other night when you spoke of your wedding. She looked like Juliet on awakening in the tomb.

Matthew: Mary and I have always had...

Violet: Of course, I suspected long ago that the flame hadn't quite gone out, but then there was no chance of your recovery and it seemed best to let her try for happiness where she could.

Matthew: I quite agree, and Sir Richard is...

Violet: No, now let's not muddy the pool by discussing Sir Richard. The point is you loved her once. Are you sure you can't love her again?

Matthew: Cousin Violet, please don't think I mind your speaking to me in this way. I quite admire it. But consider this: Lavinia came back, against my orders, determined to look after me for the rest of my life, which meant that she would wash me and feed me and do things that only the most dedicated nurse would undertake, and all with no hope of children or any improvement.

Violet: Yes, yes, it's all very admirable. And I give her full credit.

Matthew: And giving her that credit, do you think it would be right for me to throw her over because I can walk? To dismiss her because I no longer have need of her services?
Violet: Spoken like a man of honor, and we will not fall out over this.
Matthew: But you don't agree.
Violet: I would just say one thing. Marriage is a long business. There's no getting out of it for our kind of people. Now, you may live 40, 50 years with one of these two women. Just make sure you have selected the right one.

Branson: You're very late. Won't they worry?

Sybil: They're all so excited, they won't care where I am.

Branson: I'm pleased. I like Mr. Matthew.

Sybil: He announced at dinner that he wants to get married at Downton. Somehow, it made me feel more than ever that the war is really over and it's time to move forward.

Branson: Do you mean you've made your decision?

Sybil: Yes. My answer is...that I'm ready to travel and you are my ticket to get away from this house, away from this life.

Branson: Me?

Sybil: No, Uncle Tom Cobley.(they both laugh)

Branson: I'm sorry. But I've waited so long for those words, I can't believe I'm hearing them. You won't mind burning your bridges?

Sybil: Mind? Fetch me the matches! (Branson leans forward but stops) Yes, you can kiss me, but that is all until everything is settled.

Branson: For now, God knows it's enough that I can kiss you. (They kiss)

Robert: Is it true? Is it true what Lavinia says? (Matthew nods and with Lavinia's help stands up out of his chair)

Mary: I can't believe it!

Cora: It's so wonderful.

Sybil: It is, but don't tire yourself out. Sit down now and we'll send for Dr. Clarkson.

Robert: She's right. Edith, go with Branson. Get Clarkson, but fetch Mama and Cousin Isobel was well. I don't care what they're doing, tell them to come now! (walks up to Matthew) My dear chap. I cannot begin to tell you what this means to me.

Matthew: It's pretty good news for me, too.(Robert laughs)

Matthew: Nobody's down yet.

Lavinia: They won't be long.(pushing Matthew into the room) Oh, look. They've cleared the tea but forgotten to take that tray.

Matthew: Ring the bell.

Lavinia: I'll do it. They'll be busy getting dinner ready.

Matthew: It's too heavy for you.

Lavinia: No it's not (she trips over a footstool and drops tray)

Matthew: Look out! (Matthew jumps up out of chair and tries to stop Lavinia)

Lavinia: (Lavinia stands up from almost hitting her head) Heavens, that was a near thing. (she turns around and sees Matthew standing) My God.

Carson: I wrestled with it, m'lord, I don't mind admitting. And I wanted to be there to help Lady Mary, and...

Robert: And protect her from Sir Richard.
Carson: Well, I would quite put it like that, but yes, I suppose. Only...
Robert: Only you felt you couldn't work for a man who would offer a bribe?

Carson: That is correct, m'lord.

Robert: Are you quite sure you won't regret it? I know how fond you are of Lady Mary.

Carson: But I couldn't work for a man that I don't respect. And I certainly couldn't have left Downton for him.

Robert: I shall take that as a compliment. For myself and for my house.

Sybil: Doesn't it feel odd to have the rooms back?

Edith: And only us to sit in them. I suppose we'll get used to it.

Sybil: I don't want to get used to it.

Edith: What do you mean?

Sybil: I know what it is to work now. To have a full day, to be tired in a good way. I don't want to start dress fittings or paying calls or standing behind the guns.

Edith: But how does one escape all that?

Sybil: I think I've found a way to escape.

Edith: Nothing too drastic, I hope.

Sybil: It is drastic. There's no going back once I've done it, but that's what I want. No going back.

Edith: I don't want to go back, either.
Sybil: Then don't. You're far nice than you were before the war, you know. (Edith looks happy)