The story begins in 1928, when Tom, Sybil’s widow, marries Lucy Smith, Lady Maud Bagshaws illegitimate daughter and heir. Crawley surprises the family by revealing that she inherited a villa in the South of France from the late Marquis de Montmirail, and she intends to leave it to her great-granddaughter, Sybbie. The Crawley family visits the villa, where Violet’s ownership is contested but ultimately upheld and Robert learns he might be half-brother to the marquis. Meanwhile, a company wants to film a movie at Downton. Lady Mary convinces Robert to let them pay for repairs. Lady Mary oversees the film’s transition to a “talkie.” Thomas Barrow leaves Guy Dexter, Edith goes back to her magazine job, and Daisy and Andy help match Mr. Mason with Mrs. Patmore. Violet dies, and the family continues with new beginnings, including Tom and Lucy’s return with their new baby.
“I didn’t want you to think my life had been a fraud, when it hasn’t. I was happy with Robert’s father, well, happy enough in that English way, when you never talk about anything, but you trust each other.”