Murray has apparently laid out the situation for Bates and I think I've been at pains to note how little I care about this subplot, but it doesn't actually seem necessary for Murray to be visiting Bates; maybe he has to get a definite statement from him as to when he left Vera, but given the urgency of the errand to Mrs. Bartlett, you'd think he'd take care of that first. Bates says a few forgettable words about Sybil and then Murray leaves him. From across the room, Craig and his henchguard observe and the henchguard crows that Murray will get a shock when he contacts "Mrs. Audrey Bartlett." Does he mean literally? I wouldn't put it past her!

The Dowager Countess, in mourning black, arrives at Downton and sadly clasps Carson's hand as she notes that the two of them have seen some troubles, but nothing worse than this (and given that she lost her husband, that's saying something). He replies that nothing could be worse than this, and then -- when she starts to walk in -- she has to take a moment to collect herself, looking as frail and old as we've ever seen her. But, like they all are, she soldiers on...

...into the sitting room, wherein she finds the family (Isobel is there too). As she greets everyone, Lord Grantham informs her that a nurse for the baby has already arrived. She's happy to hear it, but then asks where "Tom" is and Edith sadly replies that he's upstairs; she's offered to bring him something, but he's refused. Cora, looking like the words physically hurt, says he wants his wife back, but he can't have her. She then stands and says she must write to Dr. Clarkson and when Lord Grantham says there's no need, she says she wants to apologize for their behavior. Stunned, Mary asks why, but -- sounding wilder by the second -- Cora tells her: "Because if we'd listened to him, Sybil might still be alive. But Sir Philip and your father knew better and now she's dead." With that broadside delivered, she steps out, leaving the Dowager Countess to ask why Cora would say that. Lord Grantham admits that there's truth in it and while the Dowager Countess emotionally tries to tell her son that there's no blame in a tragedy like this and all they should do now is cherish Sybil's memory and her child, Lord Grantham isn't inclined to let himself off the hook so easily...