'Downton Abbey' (Series Three) Quiz

Answer: Shirley MacLaine

Martha has arrived for the wedding of her granddaughter, Lady Mary, to Matthew Crawley. Her presence gives an opportunity for the 'new world' to sneer at the 'old world' for its unchanging nature. Of course, her main adversary is the Dowager Duchess, who sneers right back. One memorable exchange has Violet saying, 'I'm so looking forward to seeing your mother again.

When I'm with her, I'm reminded of the virtues of the English'. Matthew responds with, 'But isn't she American?', to which Violet replies, 'Exactly'.

Answer: Railways

Robert has, unwisely, invested all his (Cora's) money in the Canadian Railways, and lost everything. It seems that the estate will have to be sold, bringing an end to years of tradition. Fortunately, Matthew has discovered that he is the heir to his former fiancee's father's will, which offers a way out of the predicament.

However, Matthew is intent on refusing the bequest, as he believes it has been left to him under false pretences and that Mr Swire could not have been aware of his betrayal of Lavinia.

The situation causes a great deal of tension between Mary and Matthew, making it appear that the wedding may even be called off. Everything works out, though, when Daisy is revealed to have posted a letter from Lavinia on the morning of her death, telling her father the truth.

Answer: Alfred and Jimmy

Alfred is Miss O'Brien's nephew and causes her to quarrel with her former ally, Thomas, leading to disaster for Thomas later in the series. Jimmy is a handsome young man, who attracts both the new kitchen maid and Thomas, with O'Brien using this knowledge to cause trouble.

Answer: He jilts her at the altar

Edith has always been interested romantically in Sir Anthony, and makes a determined effort to ensnare him, despite Robert's disapproval. His age, and disability following an injury during the war, both count against him, and Robert 'warns him off'. Edith's efforts eventually pay off, and she walks down the aisle to find Sir Anthony waiting.

However, he changes his mind at the last minute and tells her that he cannot go ahead with the wedding before rushing from the church. He is a widower, but the 'already married' man does make an appearance when Edith's next prospective suitor is found to have a wife in a mental asylum.

Answer: Breast cancer

The only person entrusted with the truth is Mrs Patmore, although Mr Carson realises something is wrong and tricks Mrs Patmore into telling him what the problem is. At the time, a diagnosis of cancer would most likely have been a death sentence, but, luckily, it turns out that the lump is a cyst.

The incident gave Phyllis Logan, as Mrs Hughes, and Jim Carter, as Carson, an opportunity to show their acting skills as little was said, but much conveyed, by their interaction.

Answer: Sybil

Sybil and her former chauffeur husband, Tom Branson, returned to Downton as Tom had become involved in illegal activities in Ireland. Robert manages to prevent his arrest, on condition that Tom never returns to Ireland. Sybil is heavily pregnant, and Robert insists on bringing a specialist from London to help with the birth. Cora arranges for the local doctor, Dr Clarkson, to also be in attendance and it is Clarkson who identifies that Sybil is suffering from pre-eclampsia and should have a caesarean birth.

He is overruled, and the baby is delivered safely, but Sybil herself then dies, with all her family around her.

Answer: Ivy

Ivy's arrival causes some romantic entanglements below stairs. She has her eye on the newest footman, who is also the object of Thomas's affections. O'Brien's nephew, the other new footman, is attracted to Ivy, which upsets Daisy, who has her own hopes in that direction. Consequently, Daisy takes every opportunity she can to cause trouble for, and bully, Ivy.

The series also gives some hints that big changes may be in store for Daisy, as her father-in-law has suggested that she take over the tenancy of his farm. Holly and Petunia are figments of my imagination, and Rose is the name of Lady Violet's great niece, who appears in the final episode of the series.

Answer: Bates

O'Brien has encouraged Thomas to believe that his feelings for the new footman are reciprocated, leading Thomas to attempt to kiss him. His advances are spurned, causing uproar among the household staff. O'Brien continues her evil ways by persuading the 'injured' footman to insist on Thomas's dismissal and Carson has no choice but to comply to avoid the scandal which would otherwise fall on the house. Bates, who has been exonerated due to Anna's efforts, realises what is going on.

Although he and Thomas have never been friends, Bates extracts some information from Thomas which Bates uses to force O'Brien to change her tune. Lord Grantham makes it clear that he has always known about Thomas's proclivities, and Thomas is reprieved.

Answer: False

At various stages during the series, it is mentioned that Matthew is concerned that Mary has not become pregnant. He becomes convinced that this is a legacy of his earlier paralysis, and must be his 'fault'. It is then revealed that Mary has been consulting a specialist and has undergone an operation to sort out a problem with her. Mercifully, we are spared the details, but it seems that an heir to the estate may soon be a reality.

Answer: Cricket

Cricket is, of course, the traditional English sport, and putting the team together provides opportunities to redeem both Thomas and Tom. Thomas has been the star player for the estate, and Robert is keen to retain his services, to the extent of turning away the police who had come to arrest Thomas for his illegal homosexual activities. Tom had initially refused to consider playing, but Robert agrees to consider Matthew and Tom's proposals for modernisation of the working practices on the estate on condition that Tom plays.

The series ends with Robert and his two sons-in-law celebrating together on the sporting field.