I forbid it. To have strange men prodding and prying around the house. To say nothing of pocketing the spoons. It's out of the question.

Violet

You'll find there's never a dull moment in this house.

Violet

Don't feel sorry for me Mrs. Hughes I know what real love is and there are not many who can say that. I'm one of the lucky ones.

Anna

By God I envy them though. I envy their self-respect and their ability to sleep at night.

Lord Robert

War has a way of distinguishing between the things that matter and the things that don't.

Matthew

Mr. Bates left because had he not done so, his wife was planning to engulf this house in scandal.

Mr. Carson

Mr. Carson: Now, if I was a gentleman, I wouldn't want to know.
Mrs. Hughes: But you're not.
Mr. Carson: Fortunately.

Does this mean you'll be my girl? Daisy, because if it does I think I can tackle anything.

William

If she's threatening to ruin me, then let her. The only ruin I can think of is to be without you.

Anna

Sometimes, it feels as if all the men I have ever danced with are dead. I just feel so useless, wasting my life while they sacrifice theirs.

Sybil

Oh that's a relief. I hate Greek drama. When everything happens off stage.

Violet

Mr. Carson: Keeping up standards is the only way we can show the Germans we will not be beaten in the end.
Mrs. Hughes: Well, give me some warning the next time we're expecting Germans at Downton and I'll see what I can do!

Downton Abbey Season 2 Episode 1 Quotes

Anna, help me do battle with this monstrosity. It looks like a creature from the lost world.

Violet

But no, I'm not back in the Army. It appears they don't want me.

Lord Robert