- The Crawleys excitedly await as the new addition to the family is soon to come. Meanwhile, Anna attempts to uncover evidence for Bates's innocence. But then, when tragedy strikes, will things ever be the same again?
- After her letter is published, Edith receives an offer from the Sketch to write a weekly column. Matthew thinks it's wonderful but Lord Grantham and the Dowager Countess are not impressed. Anna thinks she has found evidence that will exonerate John. Getting that before the courts may not be easily accomplished. Isobel decides to practice what she preaches and offers Ethel a job - leading her cook to quit. Sybil is soon to have her baby and Lord Grantham, no longer trusting the local Doctor Clarkson's skills, decides to call in the eminent doctor Sir Philip Tapsell.—garykmcd
- May 1920. Altough the earl believed the serious press shares his disapproval of female opinion makers, Edith is asked to write a regular newspaper column, most of the family expresses doubts. Thomas enthusiastically mentors valet Jimmy, who starts to feel a bit uncomfortable with his 'familiarity'. Sybil going into labor, Lord Grantham hires famous obstetrician Sir Philip Tapsel, who waves Dr Clarkson's urging to hospitalize Sybil on account of eclampsia symptoms, Sybil delivers Tom's healthy daughter. Matthew believes Robert mismanages the estate and finds an ally in family solicitor George Murray, who was asked to confer with Anna on the probably hostile witness who could prove Bates's innocence, but Mary stops the 'inappropriate timing'. That night, Sybil dies. Cora blames Robert for the death from eclampsia, Cora blames Robert for dismissing Clarkson. Isobel hires Ethel as maid, so her disgusted cook quits.—KGF Vissers
- Sybil is in the early stages of labor, and her father has hired fashionable obstetrician Sir Philip Tapsell to take charge of the delivery. Cora is mildly annoyed, as she wished family physician Dr. Clarkson to attend Sybil, but is mollified when Robert agrees that both doctors may be involved.
With Sybil resting upstairs, the family converses at the dinner table. Edith has accepted an opportunity to write a weekly column for a newspaper, though her father and grandmother disapprove. Dr. Clarkson and Sir Philip Tapsell arrive, and Matthew speaks to Sir Philip in private regarding his spinal injury and its possible relation to his and Mary's childlessness. Tapsell assures him that conception's greatest foe is anxiety, and that Matthew will do well to not worry about it.
Tom, the father-to-be, is in a constant state of stress as his wife's labor progresses. The two doctors soon become at odds when Clarkson voices his concern about Sybil's disorientation, small fetus and swollen ankles, suggesting that they may be signs of life-threatening eclampsia. Tapsell arrogantly dismisses all of Clarkson's observations as nonsense, although Clarkson had treated Sybil since childhood and possesses a much deeper knowledge of her health and body than Tapsell. Sybil's labor intensifies, and Clarkson desperately explains that she must be rushed to the hospital for a Cesarean section if there is to be a hope of avoiding the seizures that eclampsia patients endure after natural birth. Tapsell again refuses, arguing that such an operation in a public hospital would expose both Sybil and her child to a litany of infections, and professes his confidence that they will survive the home delivery under his supervision. Robert supports his decision, reasoning that Tapsell's guarantee weighs heavier than Clarkson's doubt. The family begins to panic as they wait downstairs for news of Sybil.
At last, Mary relays the happy news: Sybil has given birth to a healthy daughter, and is doing fine. An elated and relieved Tom rushes upstairs to see his wife and child. Sybil is conscious but very tired, and Tapsell suggests the whole household get some rest. The serving staff, all of whom stayed awake until the birth was over, are delighted with the news and retire to bed as well. The baby girl is taken by a nurse for the night.
A few hours later, Robert and Cora are awoken by Mary, who frantically explains that something is wrong with Sybil. The family and the doctors rush to the new mother's room and find her breathing heavily, writhing, and complaining of intense pain in her head. Dr. Clarkson confirms that Sybil is indeed suffering from eclampsia, and that once the spasms have set in, there is nothing to be done. Tom begs the doctors to help Sybil as he and Cora attempt to get her to breathe. Clarkson looks on with grave sadness, and Tapsell blusters that the human body is unpredictable. Robert, Cora, Tom, Mary, Edith and Matthew watch in helpless horror as Sybil stops breathing and her face drains of color. She dies in the arms of her husband and mother. Though Tom and Cora weep uncontrollably, Robert is too dazed for tears, and mutters that his healthy, 24-year-old daughter cannot possibly have met such an end.
The household is in shock. Carson wakes the serving staff and informs them of the tragedy. All are heartbroken, especially Thomas Barrow, who served with Sybil in the hospital during the war and remembered her kindness, and Carson himself, who had known Sybil all her life. Cora sits alone with Sybil's corpse, speaking to her lovingly, and promising to look after both Tom and the baby.
The following morning, morticians arrive to remove Sybil's body. Tom is inconsolable, and Cora is deeply resentful of Robert for supporting Tapsell's advice over Clarkson's, holding him partially responsible for their youngest daughter's death and banishing him from the marital bed. Mary and Edith, despite past disagreements, bond momentarily over their shared love for their sister who always saw the best in both of them.
Mr. Murray arrives to consult with Anna about Mr. Bates' case. Anna had spoken to the late Vera Bates' neighbor and friend, Mrs. Bartlett, who despises Mr. Bates and wants to see him hanged, and had provided false evidence to be used against him. Murray also speaks with Matthew about the economy of Downton. Murray visits Bates in prison and assures him that he will get the truth out of Mrs. Bartlett. Bates is also deeply saddened by the news of Sybil's untimely death.
In the Downton kitchen, Daisy still nurses an unrequited romantic interest in Alfred. Handsome new footman Jimmy confides in Miss O'Brien that he is uncomfortable with Thomas's intense friendliness toward him. O'Brien, on Thomas's side for the moment, warns Jimmy not to complain to anyone about it if he wants to keep his job.
Isobel, meanwhile, continues offering help to down-on-her-luck ex-housemaid Ethel Parks. Isobel's cook, Mrs. Bird, was offended by Ethel's presence in the house (Ethel had fallen to prostitution shortly before) and quit her position. Hopeful Isobel suggests that Ethel take Mrs. Bird's place, but is disappointed when Ethel's dismal cooking ability is revealed. Ethel resolves to improve her skills, and is grateful for Isobel's kindness. After hearing of Sybil's death, and still recovering from her agonizing decision to relinquish her young illegitimate son to be raised by his wealthy grandparents, Ethel empathizes with Robert and Cora over the pain of losing a child.
The Crawleys find a wet-nurse for Sybil's baby. Cora, still furious at her husband, says she intends to apologize to Dr. Clarkson for not taking his advice during the delivery. The Dowager Countess comforts a guilt-ridden Robert, assuring him that there can be no blame in such situations, and that all they can do is cherish Sybil's memory and her child. Tom, while still deeply grieving, spends much of his time in the nursery, bonding with his new daughter.
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