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, 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 there had been many emotional ups, like Matthew and Mary's long-awaited big day, and downs, including multiple untimely deaths. But the complex characters and sharp-tongued dialogue — especially when it comes out of Lady Violet's mouth — 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.
Mrs. Patmore
"You know, the trouble with you lot is that you're all in love with the wrong people."
Lady Violet
"Robert, people like us are never unhappily married."
Lady Edith
"You’ve obviously read too many novels about young women admired for their feistiness."
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."
Lady Mary
"Darling, this isn’t 1850. No one expects me to hide indoors until the baby is born."
Lady Violet
"No one can accuse me of being modern, but even I can see it’s no crime to be young."
Mrs. Patmore
"No man’s wanted to squire me since the Golden Jubilee. Even then, he expected me to buy the drinks."
Ethel
"These days a working lady must have a skill."
Lady Violet
"I am a woman of many parts."
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."
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?"
Edith Crawley
"Love and position in one handsome package, who could ask for more?"
Lady Violet
"Forgive? Perhaps. Forget? Never."
Martha Levinson
"Some animals adapt to new surroundings. It seems a better choice than extinction."
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."
Mary Crawley
"Now stop talking and kiss me before I get cross."
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."
Martha Levinson
"Come war and peace, Downton still stands and the Crawleys are still in it."
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?"
Mrs. Patmore
"Anyone who has use of their limbs can make a salmon mousse."
Lady Violet
"We don't always get our just deserts."
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."
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."
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."
Cora Crawley
"Don't worry about me; I'm an American. 'Have gun, will travel.'"
Lady Violet
"An aristocrat with no servants is as much use to the county as a glass hammer."
Edith Crawley
"Something happening in this house is actually about me."
Mary Crawley
"Do you? Because if you try to find one more excuse, I'll have to beat you about the head."
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."
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."
Anna Bates and Edith Crawley
Anna: "What would you like me to get you?"
Edith: "A different life."
Lady Violet and Sybil Branson
Lady Violet: "Sybil, vulgarity is no substitute is no for wit."
Sybil: "Well, you started it."
Edith Crawley
"No, I'm a useful spinster, good at helping out. And spinsters get up for breakfast."