Downton Abbey

I have been thinking about why I believe that Mary will spill the beans about Marigold (if she can confirm her suspicions). Mary has never really suffered any meaningful consequences for her actions. She may be mildly chastised, but is quickly forgiven and returned to her lofty position. Because of this, I believe she won't hesitate to expose Edith. If she does, I hope someone, finally, deals her harsh words and the censure she has thus far avoided. That may be the only way she realizes how hurtful she can be to others,.

Hmmm, clearly I have too much time on my hands this morning 😜

Wow, Mominator, thanks for the post. That's a great picture. Exbrnxgrl, clearly I have too much time also. (Actually, I'm working on my computer, so it's way too easy to flip over here and procrastinate.)

I think you may be right about Mary. Though she did suffer when Edith outed her to the Turkish embassy in season 1. But yes, the Marigold issue has been simmering beneath the surface for a while. It has to be resolved, and doing so will bring into the open all of the hostility between Mary and Edith. The series needs to resolve this in some way before the end, though. My prediction is that Mary will do something to bring the story about Marigold into the public eye, in a way that will hurt Edith. There will be a big row. This will confirm Edith's decision to basically live in London. (With Marigold? Or not?)

As for Bertie, I think he's cute, but he seems kind of passive. Since Edith is turning into a take-charge girl, does that mean they're compatible? Or will she get annoyed? And there just is a shortage of men for their generation, thanks to the war, right?

I think Mary is going to end up with Henry. Gillingham is married to what's her name--Mabel Lane Fox? No, I really think Mary has moved on from him. But I think Mary is going to need a bit of attitude adjustment. On the other hand, she's obviously besotted. And he's in line for a title.

Some of these potential pairings will be suggested rather than brought into the light, in the end. But what about Thomas Barrow? That's a character whose resolution I can't guess at right now.

The Carsons: I think there's going to be some discussion about his expectations in the marriage. Not the, er, great mysteries but the day to day issues. Because she is not a pushover, and those comments about heated plates are getting on her nerves!

In nearly 20 years of marriage, DH has NEVER seen me involved with a soap. Or a TV show, for that matter. Of course, he has never seen me watch reruns of that soap while getting chemotherapy, either! He's coping. Enjoy your weekend!

I learn so much from my favorite soap. Firstly, that anything can happen!

Mominator, I thought it was Evelyn Napier whom Henry said is still pining for Mary. Guess we'll find out this week.

Exbnxgrl, that's what I was wondering, if Edith's relationship (if there is one) with Bertie would be affected if word gets out about Marigold.

rainnyc: you may be right about Evelyn Napier. I'm afraid to look up anything because of spoilers.

So did Lord Gillingham marry Mabel Lane Fox yet (as of Season 6 Episode 5)?

Did I label the picture above correctly as Gillingham?

Who helped with the dehydrated pigs?

I think I may be confusing Blake and Gillingham, maybe Napier as well.

I think Mary has had too many suitors.

rainnyc and exbrnxgrl: if Mary spills the beans about Marigiold and hurts Edith's relationship with Bertie, I'm going to jump through the screen and hit Mary with some footballs. You ladies with me?

I am so curious about the ending that if I could binge watch the last few episodes I would do so right now!

Mominator: You got the name and picture right above; it's Gillingham. But the suitor with whom Mary had the pig episode was Blake. And thanks for posting all these pictures!

You're right: Gillingham did break off his initial engagement to Mabel, and then he and Mary had their "sketching trip." But then afterwards, she changed her mind. Blake actually manipulated things to bring Mabel back into the picture--this was all during season 5--remember the point-to-point horse race? And Blake kissed Mary outside a movie theater so Gillingham and Mabel would see them and Gillingham would give up on Mary. Gillingham and Mabel became engaged again and showed up together during one of the Atticus-Rose wedding events, which led to Mary's being consoled by Carson again.

Somewhere in there, Blake decided he and Mary weren't for each other and went off on a prolonged trip to Poland. Leaving the field open for Henry.

Evelyn has been single since 1912. Given the general shortage of men after the war, I don't know what his problem is!

The only reason I remember this stuff is because I was watching reruns on Amazon Prime during weekly Taxol last summer. I was desperate to escape reality!

Mominator, I liked Blake too. He's the one I would have married of that crowd, but he's in Poland! I thought Gillingham was sexy--apparently Mary did, too--but Blake was smarter and more interesting.

Anyway, we'll see what happens in episode 6.

jaytee,

Yes, why, oh why are they such enemies? Ladies, pick your brains and see if you recall why this might be so. I really do think Mary will spill the beans about Marigold's origins, but what Bertie's reaction will be remains to be seen. Not being familiar with British peerage, I googled it and a Marquess does, indeed, outrank an Earl. I think Mary would find that totally objectionable. She would never let Edith outrank her.

Marquess (British, marquis is French) is a hereditary peerage and Bertie is next in line. It is pronounced markwisswhich doesn't sound right to my ear, but who am I to argue with British tradition? I guess Mary and Edith simply suffer from long term sibling rivalry.

Yes,I think val-et is odd too. It is so outside my realm of thought to understand how one's rank could determine so many things in life. Marry or reject someone based on their title? Wow, I know it was once true (may be still is, for some) but I simply can't even imagine that being a consideration.

Mominator, my dad lives in NJ. My parents used to spend a lot of time at the shore every summer. My late mother loved Spring Lake.

Edith must 'fess up before Mary spills the beans. Not sure if Bertie would mind about Marigold, but he might feel uncomfortable about Edith not trusting him. I really want a happy ending for Edith

I think Edith realizes that she's getting close to the time when she needs to tell Bertie more. After he made his move last week, Bertie said, "Of course, I've haven't got much to offer." Edith replies, "You have a great deal to offer, and I'm not sure I'm worth it."

I don't know how the rules of the aristocracy go, but if there's a problem, Bertie could pretend along with the family that Marigold is Edith's ward. And then he could decide if he wants to adopt her as well.

exbrnxgrl, I just realized that you mentioned your late mother. I'm sorry she's passed. (((hugs)))

Exbrnxgrl, what a beautiful collection! Thanks for sharing.

I remember that at some point Sibyl told Edith she was much nicer than she'd been before the war. Maybe having a purpose got Edith thinking that there was more to life than just hanging out being the less beautiful Crawley sister. I love the way Edith has been so engaged this season. It's as if having the magazine has brought her to life in a new way.

Can't wait for Episode 6. Watching tomorrow night!

Tom and Mary know one another too well. Especially: he knows her dark side, and there is no way that he'd get entangled.

Plan to just not look at any messages on this thread starting tonight until we've watched it tomorrow. I'll enjoy catching up on the discussion you've been having!