1925. The acid-tongued exchanges between Violet and Isobel over the hospital get sharper; Cora sides with Isobel. Mary chides Robert for offering Carson the servants' hall for his and Mrs Hughes' wedding reception, and offers the upstairs instead; Mrs Hughes insists on a separate venue, which leads to friction between the couple. Thomas looks for another job, believing everyone wants him gone. Edith argues vehemently with Mr Skinner, the magazine's publisher, who dislikes all her ideas. Mary takes Anna to a Harley Street doctor, who proposes surgery during her next pregnancy to prevent another miscarriage.
Mary arranges for the pigs to be entered in the local livestock show, but unwisely takes Marigold with her when she goes to inspect them on the farm. Seeing Marigold upsets Mrs Drewe, and during the show, she kidnaps Marigold; her husband persuades her to return the girl, then decides it would be best if they moved away. Robert is distressed, because of their long and loyal service, but reluctantly agrees.
