A birthday party is planned for Robert, but Rose's surprise contribution to the event ruffles feathers above and below stairs. A new farming venture on the Downton estate comes with dramatic repercussions for Mary, and Edith receives more unwelcome news.

Rosamund comes up with a plan to help Edith out of her predicament, but will Violet see straight through it? Rose is frustrated when things don't go her way and Alfred realises too late he may have made a mistake. Anna is concerned by unexpected news just as she and Bates seem to be getting over the worst, Isobel finds herself the object of someone's attention and Mary asks Gillingham for a favour.