Downstairs Mrs Hughes makes a strange request of Mrs Patmore regarding her forthcoming nuptials whilst Anna, hoping for a child with John, realizes a problem of her own though she does get potentially-good news from the police. However, talk of necessary economic measures at the abbey has the staff fearing for their jobs, especially when a neighbouring estate has to be sold. Upstairs a blackmailer threatens to expose Mary's fling with Gillingham whilst Edith has a more pleasant dilemma in whether or not to move to London to run the publishing house. Elsewhere Violet and Isobel lock horns over the future of the local hospital. Written by don @ minifie-1

With Tom now in America Mary is farm manager and has an awkward innocent encounter when Mrs Drewe sees Marigold, Edith's daughter, leading to a panic at an agricultural show. Edith herself, in conflict with her editor over her new ideas, is briefly joined in London by Mary, seeking help for Anna's health problem whilst the battle for the future of the hospital continues, with Cora supporting Isobel's progressive view, much to Violet's annoyance. Daisy tries to find work for her father-in-law, recently evicted, whilst Barrow also considers pastures new and Mrs Hughes is not happy at the prospect of her wedding venue. Written by don @ minifie-1

In London Edith meets old acquaintance Bertie Pelham, who proves to be an invaluable help when her editor quits and she needs to publish her magazine by a deadline. At Downton the battle for the hospital's future continues with Isobel and Cora apparently getting Dr Clarkson on side whilst Barrow continues to look for new employment and Violet's maid Denker holds a secret over butler Spratt. Mrs Hughes sticks to her guns regarding the location for her and Carson's wedding, which goes ahead superbly with an unexpected and welcome guest turning up to wish the couple well. Written by don @ minifie-1

Ladies' maid Phyllis Baxter gets a visit from the police, which brings her closer to the supportive Mr Molesley whilst there is good news for Anna, though when disaster appears to hit her the returning Tom Branson and Mary join forces to help her. Thinking that the Crawleys are about to break their word to give Mr. Mason Yew Tree Farm, Daisy is ready to confront them though does not yet know how the situation will turn out Violet - unsuccessfully - attempts to coerce her friend Lady Shackleton into supporting her in the ongoing hospital feud but Her Ladyship does introduce Mary to her nephew Henry, a dashing racing car driver. Elsewhere Edith's plan to appoint a female editor reintroduces former housemaid Gwen, now married and successful, to the abbey, though Barrow's scheme to humiliate her only rebounds on him. And he also has cause for displeasure when the newlyweds return. Written by don @ minifie-1

In London Edith has a date with Bertie as well as appointing an editrix but Mary discovers her sister's secret, at the same time assuring Tom that Henry Talbot is merely a friend. Barrow finds out young footman Andy's weakness whilst a court case brings Baxter and Molesley closer together and Denker has cause to be grateful to Spratt. Violet invites health minister Neville Chamberlain to dinner in her plan to defeat Isobel and Cora and their supporters over the hospital but the event is overshadowed by a family emergency. Written by don @ minifie-1

Opinion is divided upstairs and downstairs when Mary and Tom throw open the abbey to the public in aid of hospital funds, though the outcome of the ongoing battle for the hospital's future brings mixed blessings for Cora. The open day itself is a success despite the family's inexperience as tour guides and an entrance from an angry Violet. Romance appears to blossom for Mary and Henry and possibly even Mrs Patmore and Mr Mason, whilst Molesley is given an unexpected opportunity by local schoolmaster Dawes and the erstwhile Mrs Hughes finds her new husband annoyingly critical of her domestic duties. Written by don @ minifie-1

Despite opposing her over the hospital, a concerned Violet sets out to protect Isobel against Lord Reith's relatives before setting sail for the French Riviera. The Crawley family meanwhile travels to Brooklands racing circuit, where Edith introduces her editrix Laura to Tom, to watch Mary's now-boyfriend Henry race. Unfortunately an accident puts a blight on the relationship, though there is a better prospect for Edith. At Downton Andy is offered help by Mr Dawes for his situation whilst there is excellent news for Molesley. Written by don @ minifie-1

Mrs Patmore opens a guest house which immediately hits a snag. Barrow hits rock bottom but Molesley and Spratt succeed in new careers. Edith is keen to accept Bertie's marriage proposal but apprehensive about revealing her secret, providing a dilemma when, due to Mary, the truth is out. Henry Talbot reappears, thanks to Tom, but gets a cool reception from Mary so Tom brings in Violet to offer her granddaughter advice which will affect her future as well as that of Downton Abbey itself. Written by don @ minifie-1

Aware of her secret, Bertie proposes to Edith. However, his morality-obsessed mother threatens to stand in their way, after Edith has confessed to her. Henry forsakes motor racing for a new venture with Tom. Molesley and Spratt also embark upon new careers and Barrow finds another position - with a curmudgeon - while Carson's health begins to fail. Isobel responds to some bad news from Lord Merton and Violet encourages her to thwart the plans of his greedy family. New Year's Eve 1926 sees, downstairs, romance flourishes. Written by don @ minifie-1