Back to the beginning — as Lady Mary is riding, she becomes distracted by an onlooker who she initially saw outside the estate and winds up taking a tumble. When she finally makes her way back to the house, the woman identifies herself. The former hotel chamber maid says she has evidence of Lady Mary’s sexy night with Tony Gillingham. For those of you that need a refresher: Mary and Tony shared a passionate night, which must not’ve been all that exciting because, shortly after, Lady Mary decided she just wasn’t that into him. Tony went on to marry someone else, but a major scandal wouldn’t be good for either of them. In fact, later on when Mary confides in Anna about the debacle she exclaims: I’ll be finished! Back to the woman — Lady Mary tells her this isn’t the first time she was blackmailed and sends her away. A little slut-shaming isn’t enough to make her hand over some cash.
This woman just won’t quit it! She manages to sneak into Mary’s bedroom — and before Anna even helped her get dressed. While Mary continues to send her away, she manages to bend Lord Grantham’s ear, where she reveals all about his daughter. Although she was after 1,000£, she leaves with only 50£ and a signed confession — well, that took care of that. Although he looks disappointed in his daughter, he also seems to respect and trust her decisions. This isn’t her first rodeo, after all.
When we first see Anna she’s in hysterics because she thought she was pregnant and finds out that, unfortunately, it isn’t the case — and apparently this wasn’t the first time it happened. Anna and Mr. Bates are finally off the hook for the murder of her rapist — and Lord Grantham breaks out the Veuve Clicquot for a celebration in the servants hall.
The Dowager Countess confides in her maid about the threat of downsizing — and she can’t run up to the big house fast enough to spread the news. The servants are beyond paranoid and can’t help but wonder who’s on the chopping block.
The Dowager and cousin Isobel are about to rip their gloves off and go at it across the candelabras over how to manage the hospital — and no resolution is reached on this front.
Finally, Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson are getting ready to set a date — and Mrs. Hughes confides in Mrs. Patmore about the ‘terms’ of their marriage — AKA she’s embarrassed to consummate the marriage. Much to our delight, an awkward series of conversations between Mrs. Patmore and Mr. Carson play out. Could Mr. Carson be any cuter? He makes it clear that she has nothing to be embarrassed about — and he plans on doing all of the things husbands and wives do together, (even in the bedroom). We can’t wait to see them celebrate with a wedding!
We’re so happy our favorite family is back — and can’t wait to watch the final season play out! Can you? Check back next week and if you can’t wait, you can WATCH season six HERE!
What did you think of the premiere?
Katrina Mitzeliotis