Plot

What begins as a happy day out for the family and servants ends in panic and leaves Robert with a difficult decision to make.

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.—don @ minifie-1

Thomas fears his job so insecure, he starts applying, with Carson's cynical permission, only to find the advertised new post of 'assistant butler' would mean being footman, driver and more under an even meaner butler, while Andy keeps politely turning down help from 'uncle Thomas'. Violet and Isobel muster equal support against/ for merging the cottage hospital into the county one, still without government support. Mary bulldozers Cora's remark Mrs. Hughes might not want to wed on Donwton, but Carson promises to convey the message to his lordship they prefer a town venue but backs down. Cora insists to have Anna checked up by her London gynecologist, who recommends a likely therapy for her type of miscarriage. Edith feels ignored and discriminated by her editor and misses for that an opportunity to accompany the children to the regional farm animal show, where Tim Drewe realizes his wife Marge took Marigold 'home' claiming the girls is neglected, so he accepts Robert's offer to help move the couple away from Downton.—KGF Vissers

The Crawleys receive letters from America. Tom's sale room is ready to open. Rose and Atticus love New York and are taking a house in the Hamptons for the summer. Mary deduces from a hint given in Rose's letter that she may be pregnant.

Carson and Mrs. Hughes have fixed a date for their wedding but cannot agree on a venue for the reception. He wants it held at the Abbey but Mrs. Hughes is in favor of using the schoolhouse. Robert suggests they decorate the servants hall, but Mary thinks they can do better than that. She offers the use of the great hall or any room Carson chooses. He is appreciative and thinks the matter is settled.

Edith is still having problems with her editor and plans another trip to London. Mary is entering the Downton pigs in the upcoming Malton fat stock show. While the children are present, she mentions going to see the pig man, Mr. Drewe, on the following day. George asks to come along and Mary offers to take both children. Edith panics at the thought of Marigold being around Mrs. Drewe. But she cannot go with them since she will be in London. Cora offers to go, which relieves Edith. During the visit to Yew Tree Farm, Mrs. Drewe is overjoyed to see Marigold. Cora is uneasy and says they must return home for lunch. Later, she and Robert discuss the situation. It is obvious that Mrs. Drewe is still deeply attached to Marigold and perhaps it would be best if the family moved away. Robert talks to Mr. Drewe, who promises to control his wife. There have been Drewes at Yew Tree Farm for a century and he doesn't want to leave. Reluctantly, Robert says the family can stay.

Daisy continues to feel badly that her outburst at the auction ruined any chance Mr. Mason had of being kept on at Mallerton. She wonders if Cora could be of help. Baxter passes this on to Cora, who doesn't see what she can do but agrees to see Daisy.

Bates finds Anna in tears again and tells her that she never has to cry alone. He suggests they look into adoption but Anna says no. She refers to Bates as "tribal" and says he will only be satisfied with a child of his own. He does not disagree.

Mrs. Patmore tells Cora how unhappy Mrs. Hughes is and she promises to sort it out. In front of Mary and Carson, she asks Mrs. Hughes what sort of reception she would like. Mrs. Hughes replies that their wedding day is about them, Elsie Hughes and Charles Carson and the reception should reflect that. She wants a full meal at the schoolhouse, with music afterwards. Mary remarks that no one has a sit-down wedding breakfast anymore. Mrs. Hughes disagrees and Cora tells Mary to stop bullying them.

Barrow is bitter because Andy continues to avoid him. He says all he wants from Andy is friendship. The prospect of losing his job worries him, especially when Carson assigns tasks he should be doing to Andy and Moseley. An interview for an assistant butler looks promising, but Barrow learns he would also be required to serve as chauffeur, footman, and valet when needed.

Violet is geared up for a fight about the proposed hospital merger. Dr. Clarkson is on her side, which angers Isobel. She accuses Dr. Clarkson of not wanting to give up his position as head doctor of the cottage hospital. Cora appears to be in favor of the merger, which infuriates Violet.

Moseley meets with the village schoolmaster about Daisy, believing she is ready to take an examination.

Anna tells Mary about her miscarriages and says she must accept that she cannot have children. Mary reminds her that she herself was unable to get pregnant at first. Then she saw a Dr. Ryder of Harley Street, had a minor operation, and George was the result. She offers to make an appointment for Anna to see if anything can be done. Anna is wary of the cost but Mary wants to pay. She feels indebted to Anna for help in the past. Anna finally agrees but decides not to tell Mr. Bates until later.

After examining Anna, Dr. Ryder has good news. Her problem is a weak cervix. By placing a staple at the opening when Anna is three months pregnant, she should be able to carry the baby to term. When it is time, Dr. Ryder will come to Downton and do the procedure.

Daisy meets with Cora, who hints that she might have a plan for Mr. Mason but nothing is definite. Daisy reads more into it than Cora intended. Moseley reminds her that they are servants and Cora is not responsible for solving Mr. Mason's problem. Daisy, however, hears what she wants to hear and firmly believes that Cora will follow through.

Lord Merton tells Isobel that he has been chosen to head a fund drive for the Royal York hospital. Cora is invited to tour the facility.

The Crawleys and most of the servants attend the Malton fat stock show. Barrow dismisses it as a "muddy little affair" but goes anyway. When Mr. and Mrs. Drewe arrive, she immediately spots Marigold. Mr. Drewe reminds her that she knew Marigold would be there. Robert speaks to Mrs. Drewe and asks about her children. She replies that her sister is keeping them for the day. Mary wins first place for her pigs. While the ribbons are being awarded, a smiling Marigold is seen walking toward someone. Moments later Edith realizes Marigold is missing. A search is begun and everyone assures Edith that the child has only wandered off. But the Drewes' car is gone and Mr. Drewe realizes what has happened. He assures Edith that his wife would never harm Marigold. Mindful of Mary's presence, Edith tells the others that Mrs. Drewe took Marigold to Yew Tree Farm to keep her safe from the crowds. Mr. Drewe, Robert, Cora, and Edith go to retrieve the child. Mary is left wondering how she and George will get home.

At Yew Tree Farm, Mr. Drewe asks to go in alone. His wife, with a sleeping Marigold in her arms, is sitting on a sofa. She explains that she only wanted to hold the child for a while and that no one was keeping an eye on her at the show. She accuses the Crawleys of neglecting her. Mr. Drewe says they must give her back and takes Marigold, still sleeping, to the car. Then he tells Robert that they will look for another tenancy. Robert expresses regret that it has come to this and expresses his gratitude to the Drewes for taking care of her. As the car drives away, Mr. and Mrs. Drewe are shown standing at the window.