‘Downton Abbey’ Recap: Lady Mary & Lord Gillingham’s Relationship Heats Up

The fire may be out, but relationships at ‘Downton’ are still burning. Lady Mary and Lord Gillingham go on vacation while Lord Grantham picks a fight with everyone in the house! Click to read the full recap!

Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is definitely looking for love — or lust! On the Jan. 11, episode of Downton Abbey, Charles Blake (Julian Ovenden) visits Mary just as she is about to take the next step with Lord Gillingham (Anthony Foyle) while Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) makes her intentions to stay in Marigold’s life known — to the delight of Mrs. Drews.

‘Downton Abbey’ — Lady Mary & Lord Gillingham’s Relationship Continues

James aka Jimmy leaves Downton after the fire, but not before singing Thomas Barrow’s (Rob James-Collier) praises and calling him a “friend” — something our Mr. Barrow has probably never heard before!

Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle) can never catch a break. Although he has recovered from his disastrous makeover — where he darkened his hair and wasn’t allowed back upstairs until it was gone — seems to be the only one who is happy about Jimmy leaving. When he asks Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) if he is now “first footman” our beloved Carson gives a bit of classic sass and says that he is because he is, “the only footman.”

While the fire has been extinguished and Lady Edith’s room is being repaired, the flames between Lady Mary and Lady Edith are going just as strong as ever. While Lady Edith apologizes and says that she feels like an “idiot,” Mary is quick to snap back saying, “that’s because you behave like an idiot” — ouch!

Lady Edith Makes Her Intentions With Magnolia Known

Lady Edith continues to visit Mr. Drews and his wife, who she gave her daughter Marigold to — much to the dislike of the adopted mother who still believes that Lady Edith is hot for her husband — awkward! This time Mr. Drews suggests that Lady Edith should “take an interest in the child” and even be her godmother.

Lady Mary told a little white lie to her parents about her getaway with Lord Gillingham saying that she was going away with her friend, Lady Portsmith. When packing, Anna (Joanne Froggatt) tells her that they will need to pack things that Mary can handle taking on and off by herself before she cheekily says, “Well I’ll have his help.”

Take Our Poll

To shock Anna even further, Lady Mary tells her that she needs to make sure there are “no consequences” — referring to becoming pregnant — and asks Anna to please buy her protection.

Mr. Molesley Learns About Ms. Baxter’s Troubled Past

Although Ms. Baxter has revealed her troubled past to Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) and admitted that she stole her former Mistresses jewels, it has not stopped Thomas from bad mouthing her in front of the others, especially Mr. Molesley, who seems to have taken a liking to her.

Lord Gillingham still has to deal with another competitor before he is able to win over Lady Mary. Charles Blake wrote and of course Cora invited him to stay at Downton, even though Mary claimed at lunch that she was indifferent if he stayed or not, we aren’t buying it!

It’s no secret that Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) is always stuck in his ways, but if anyone can wear him down we are sure that it is the combined powers of Rose (Lily James) and Cora who desperately would like him to purchase a wireless for Downton.

When Charles and his friend Simon arrive at Downton, he has a very chilly interaction with Mary where he tells her that she could have at least told him that he, “wasn’t the lucky winner.” After Mary apologizes to him, Charles admits that the real reason he came to Downton was to wish her luck in person.

Awkward flirt alert! Charles’ friend Simon was there to see a painting at the house, but he seemed to be way more interested in Cora — he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Lord Grantham didn’t seem to notice however and came into the room that they were in to find his #1 fan, his dog Isis.

Lady Mary — Still Torn Between Charles Blake & Lord Gillingham

Before retiring for the night, Charles got the chance to speak with Mary again. This time he told her to be positive about her decision before making up her mind because he feels that she is more clever than Tony. While Mary defends Tony, there is definitely still a spark between her and Charles.

Robert definitely is having a moment. Not only is he afraid that Tom is planning to move away from the family and take away their eldest grandchild, but he tells Cora to tell Simon to stop “flirting” with Isis!

Rose and Cora got their way and a wireless was purchased for the house. However, it was not Rose’s nagging that finally got Robert to cave, she told him that the King would be speaking and that got him to give in.

Lady Mary finally got away and joined Tony for their “sketching trip” where they have adjoining rooms. Tony told her the plan was to grab a bite to eat and then “make love all night.” The two then embarrassed in a passionate kiss — looks like Mary has made up her mind after all.

What do YOU think, HollywoodLifers? Who do you think Lady Mary should end up with? Should Lady Edith have made her interest in Marigold so obvious? Let us know your thoughts below!

— Caitlin Beck

[twitter-follow screen_name=’beck_caitlin’]