Downton Abbey (TV Series)

Episode #2.5 (2011)

Maggie Smith: Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Quotes 

• Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham : [on telephone]  Yes. Yes. The Minister. Well, how many Marquesses of Flintshire are there? Is this an instrument of communication or torture? Hello? Shrimpie? It's Aunt Violet. Yes. Very well, very well. And Susan? Good. I won't beat about the bush, dear. Whom might we know on the board of Leeds General Infirmary?

• [William has only a few hours to live, after being gravely wounded in France. Lady Violet wants the local vicar to marry William and Daisy] 

  Reverend Travis : This boy is in extremis. How can we know that these are his true wishes? Maybe the kitchenmaid somehow hopes to catch at an advantage.

  Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham : What advantage would that be?

  Reverend Travis : Some widow's dole given by a grateful nation.

  Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham : Mr Travis, may I remind you? William Mason has served our family well. At the last he saved the life, if not the health, of my son's heir. Now he wishes, before he dies, to marry his sweetheart.

  Reverend Travis : Yes, but...

  Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham : You cannot imagine that we would allow you to prevent this happening in case his widow claimed her dole?

  Reverend Travis : No, but...

  Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham : I have had an interest in this boy. I tried, and failed, to save him from conscription, but I will certainly attend his wedding. Is that an argument in its favour?

  Reverend Travis : Of course, but...

  Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham : Finally I would point out, your living is in Lord Grantham's gift. Your house is on Lord Grantham's land and the very flowers in your church are from Lord Grantham's garden. I hope it is not vulgar in me to suggest that you find some way to overcome your scruples.

• Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham : [furious that Dr. Clarkson has denied a dying William entrance to Downton]  It always happens when you give these little people power, it goes to their heads like strong drink.

• Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham : You see, sometimes we must let the blow fall by degrees. Give him time to find the strength to face it.

• Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham : And has Lord Flintshire's order been acted on?

  Hospital Doctor : It has. There's an ambulance waiting although no-one quite knows how you managed it.

• Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham : Would it make any difference if he stayed here, or are you just making him as comfortable as can be?

  Hospital Doctor : That's it. There's nothing more we can do for him.