Downton Abbey Dames Are Equal Parts Sass and Class

American fans of the British TV series Downton Abbey are still recovering from the tragic season three finale [1], but it's time to pull ourselves together as the show returns to the States Jan. 5 on PBS at 9 p.m. EST.

Last season [2] there had been many emotional ups, like Matthew and Mary's long-awaited big day [3], and downs, including multiple untimely deaths. But the complex characters and sharp-tongued dialogue — especially when it comes out of Lady Violet's mouth [4] — continue to make the series stand out. The women of Downton, both upstairs and down, have plenty of wise and witty words to say on life, love, and being a woman. To celebrate the premiere, check out some of our favorites from season three now.

Source: PBS [5]

Mrs. Patmore

"You know, the trouble with you lot is that you're all in love with the wrong people."

Source: PBS [6]

Lady Violet

"Robert, people like us are never unhappily married."

Source: PBS [7]

Lady Edith

"You’ve obviously read too many novels about young women admired for their feistiness."

Source: PBS [8]

Isobel Crawley

"With good friends like you, I enjoy my life as it is, and I wouldn’t want to risk things by changing it."

Source: PBS [9]

Lady Mary

"Darling, this isn’t 1850. No one expects me to hide indoors until the baby is born."

Source: PBS [10]

Lady Violet

"No one can accuse me of being modern, but even I can see it’s no crime to be young."

Source: PBS [11]

Mrs. Patmore

"No man’s wanted to squire me since the Golden Jubilee. Even then, he expected me to buy the drinks."

Source: PBS [12]

Ethel

"These days a working lady must have a skill."

Source: PBS [13]

Lady Violet

"I am a woman of many parts."

Source: PBS [14]

Anna Bates

"What I see is a good man, m'lady. And they're not like buses. There won't be another one 'round in 10 minutes time."

Source: PBS [15]

Daisy Mason and Mrs. Patmore

Daisy: "You've still kept me here with a dishonest representation."
Mrs. Patmore: "Oh dear, have you swallowed a dictionary?"

Source: PBS [16]

Edith Crawley

"Love and position in one handsome package, who could ask for more?"

Source: PBS [17]

Lady Violet

"Forgive? Perhaps. Forget? Never."

Source: PBS [18]

Martha Levinson

"Some animals adapt to new surroundings. It seems a better choice than extinction."

Source: PBS [19]

Mary Crawley

Matthew: "I doubt I'll get used to taking you to bed with your father watching."
Mary: "He's so relieved we're getting married, he wouldn't mind if you carried me up naked."
Matthew: "Careful, I might try it."

Source: PBS [20]

Mary Crawley

"Now stop talking and kiss me before I get cross."

Source: PBS [21]

Mary Crawley

Matthew: "You looking forward to the wedding?"
Mary: "What do you think?"
Matthew: "I'm looking forward to all sorts of things."
Mary: "Don't make me blush."

Source: PBS [22]

Martha Levinson

"Come war and peace, Downton still stands and the Crawleys are still in it."

Source: PBS [23]

Martha Levinson and Cora Crawley

Cora: "You don't have to give money after every conversation."
Martha: "No, isn't that what the English expect of rich Americans?"

Source: PBS [24]

Mrs. Patmore

"Anyone who has use of their limbs can make a salmon mousse."

Source: PBS [25]

Lady Violet

"We don't always get our just deserts."

Source: PBS [26]

Sybil Branson

"I know mine was a wild runaway marriage, darling. And yours is the one that everyone wanted. What's so thrilling is that this is every bit as romantic."

Source: PBS [27]

Miss O'Brien

Mr. Carson: "Alfred has embarrassed the family. He forced Mr. Matthew to appear downstairs improperly dressed."
Miss O'Brien: "Oh! You make it sound quite exciting."

Source: PBS [28]

Lady Violet and Martha Levinson

Martha: "Oh dear, I'm afraid the war has made old women of us both."
Violet: "Oh, I wouldn't say that, but then I always keep out of the sun."

Source: PBS [29]

Cora Crawley

"Don't worry about me; I'm an American. 'Have gun, will travel.'"

Source: PBS [30]

Lady Violet

"An aristocrat with no servants is as much use to the county as a glass hammer."

Source: PBS [31]

Edith Crawley

"Something happening in this house is actually about me."

Source: PBS [32]

Mary Crawley

"Do you? Because if you try to find one more excuse, I'll have to beat you about the head."

Source: PBS [33]

Lady Violet

Isobel: "No, no, I prefer it. I've ridden in the front seat many times."
Violet: "Well, aren't you the wild thing."

Source: PBS [34]

Cora Crawley and Edith Crawley

Cora: "You are being tested. And you know what they say, my darling. Being tested only makes you stronger."
Edith: "I don't think it's working with me."

Source: PBS [35]

Anna Bates and Edith Crawley

Anna: "What would you like me to get you?"
Edith: "A different life."

Source: PBS [36]

Lady Violet and Sybil Branson

Lady Violet: "Sybil, vulgarity is no substitute is no for wit."
Sybil: "Well, you started it."

Source: PBS [37]

Edith Crawley

"No, I'm a useful spinster, good at helping out. And spinsters get up for breakfast."

Source: PBS [38]

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