Martha: So Matthew has given in to Mary's wishes and will save Downton. At least he was true to his own moral compass. It was only after hearing the contents of Lavina's letter and knowing that she had actually written it that he made the decision. In Episode 1 of Season 3, I was quite annoyed with the selfishness of Mary. She was of course concerned about losing her home; but her concern was motivated by the humiliation that the family was suffer as a result.
Jill: I was not surprised by Matthew's final decision about the money, like you, I was happy to see he was true to his moral compass. Mary has gotten her way, but at what price to her personal growth and self-awareness?
Jill: Although I applaud Matthew's decision based on his morals, I wonder if he was thinking of the impact on the servants of Downton Abbey in regards to having to sell and relocate the family to the smaller country house (to be called Downton Place) and displace the majority servants of Downton Abbey. Lord Grantham states that they could "get by with 8 servants" when they moved to the smaller house.
Martha: Well, in Matthew's defense, this is a new reality for him. I'm sure he has never had to make these decisions before. On the other hand, he may take the moral high ground in that he may believe that he is morally superior to the other Upstairs crowd.
Jill: Now that Matthew is co-owner of Downton Abbey, he will begin to experience first-hand what the Grantham legacy means.
Jill: Poor Edith. Left at the altar. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride. The family seems to be taking this on the chin and keeping a stiff upper lip. Edith, being the middle child, will hopefully weather this chapter in her life and move on. Keep calm and carrying on.
Martha: Somehow to me Edith appears to be that "outside" child who receives less emotional support than Mary or Sybil. She is not as pretty as Mary nor as feisty as Sybil; and as a result is treated differently by her family. I believe that she is neglected emotionally by the family.
Jill: The Dowager steps onto the altar and forces Sir Anthony's hand. Unmarried daughters are a financial burden who need support all their lives, so why was the marriage to a wealthy lord so discouraged? Is it possibly because Lord Anthony was Edith's choice and not Lord Grantham's or the Dowager's?
Jill: We have Thomas vs. O'Brien and we will have to keep an eye on those shenanigans. The biggest happening currently is Mrs. Hughes' illness. The butler is the head of all servants but Mr. Carson's concern seems much more personal than that of "Downstairs Boss". He sings a little happy tune upon learning that Mrs. Hughes does not have cancer. We will have to keep and eye on their personal relationship to see where it takes them.
Martha: Well, Anna's visit certainly did not provide the definitive answer that she was seeking. Mr. Bates does however, seem to a guardian angel. He was saved from who knows what awful consequences could have occurred if the contraband was found under his bunk. What is the motivation of this cellmate to cause Mr. Bates such grief?
Martha: In regards to Mrs. Hughes's illness, when Cora finds out, being the "benevolent mistress", tells Mrs. Hughes that she will be taken care of for the rest of her life.
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