[EXT. STABLES - DAY]

　　[Mary walks in her riding clothes.]

　　LADY MARY

　　Does Carson know you're here?

　　WILLIAM

　　I heard you were going out, and I wanted to see how he was walking.

　　[William pets Diamond as he waits for her to take the reins.]

　　LADY MARY

　　Lynch is happy for me to ride him?

　　WILLIAM

　　Oh, yes. He's better. But I'll wait and see what he's like when you're up.

　　[Mary nods.]

　　LADY MARY

　　William, are you planning to go home soon?

　　WILLIAM

　　Well, it's a bit far for my half day, but I can maybe get the time to go in July, when the family's in London. That's if I don't go with you, of course.

　　LADY MARY

　　I think you should take a few days off and go now. I'll fix it. I'll speak to Father and to Carson. No one will mind.

　　WILLIAM

　　But why, milady?

　　LADY MARY

　　Your mother's not been well.

　　WILLIAM

　　Wha...how--how do you know?

　　LADY MARY

　　I heard someone mention it in the village. I forget who.

　　WILLIAM

　　I had a letter and she never said.

　　LADY MARY

　　Oh, I'm sure it's nothing, but I know it would cheer her to see you.

　　WILLIAM

　　Well... if it wouldn't be a bother.

　　LADY MARY

　　It won't. I'll arrange it as soon as I get back.

　　WILLIAM

　　Thank you very much, milady.

　　[Mary takes begins to walk the horse.]

　　LADY MARY

　　She ought to spend some time with the people she loves.

　　[INT. LADY GRANTHAM'S WRITING ROOM - DAY]

　　[Cora writes at her desk. Thomas enters.]

　　THOMAS

　　The Dowager Countess, milady.

　　[Violet enters and Cora stands, Thomas exits.]

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　Good afternoon, my dear.

　　CORA, COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　Good afternoon.

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　There's no need to be so prim. I come in peace. Shall I sit here?

　　[Violet seats herself and Cora stands next to a nearby chair.]

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　Now, I've been thinking. I confess I do not know if I would have had strength, mentally or physically, to carry a corpse the length of this house... but I hope I would have done.

　　[Cora smiles.]

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　You were quite right. When something bad happens, there's no point in wishing it had not happened. The only option is to minimize the damage.

　　CORA, COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　Or try to.

　　[Cora sits in the chair next to Violet.]

　　CORA, COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　But if the Flintshires have got hold of it...

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　I've written to Susan. I said it was a story made up by Mr Pamuk's enemies to discredit him. Even if she doesn't believe me, she won't tell in case it reflects badly on her. The ambassador is dangerous, but then, how many people really go to the Turkish embassy?

　　CORA, COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　It only takes one.

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　Well, I mean, it just can't be helped. We can't have him assassinated. I suppose.

　　CORA, COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　Robert still doesn't suspect.

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　Oh, I should hope not. No, our only way forward is to get Mary settled as soon as possible.

　　CORA, COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　I have news on that score.

　　[Violet looks surprised.]

　　CORA, COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　Matthew has proposed.

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM (gasp)

　　My, my. Has she said yes?

　　CORA, COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　She hasn't said anything yet, except that she's going to have to tell him about Pamuk.

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　For heaven's sake! Why?

　　CORA, COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　She thinks to keep it secret would be dishonourable.

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　She reads too many novels. I mean, one way or another, everyone goes down the aisle with half the story hidden. The question is, will she accept Matthew?

　　CORA, COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　I'm not sure.

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM (sigh)

　　Well, if she doesn't, we'll just have to take her abroad. In these moments, you can normally find an Italian who isn't too picky.

　　[Cora grins in amusement.]

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　We'll give her till the start of the grouse.

　　CORA, COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　Very well. If she turns Matthew down, we'll take her to Rome in the autumn.

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM (nods)

　　It's official.

　　[Violet stands and Cora does likewise.]

　　CORA, COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　Thank you for not turning against her. I know that you have rules, and when people break them you find it hard to forgive. I understand that and I respect it.

　　[Violet nods.]

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　In this case, Mary has the trump card.

　　CORA, COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　What?

　　VIOLET, DOWAGER COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM

　　Mary is family.

　　[Cora smiles as Violet leaves.]