At breakfast, Edith has just read her post and delightedly announces that the editor of The Sketch saw her letter and wants her to write a weekly column on topics of her choosing relating to "the modern woman" and since I like Edith, I won't insult her by comparing her to Carrie Bradshaw. At least Edith won't be pretending that the column is enough to pay for her shoes. Matthew, approving as usual, asks if she'll write under her own name, but Lord Grantham sniffs that she won't have the option -- the editor is obviously only interested in her name and title. Edith deflates, as well you'd expect, and when Matthew starts to defend her, she tells him not to bother. "I'm always a failure in this family." She stomps out, to varying reactions from the men in the room.

Mrs. Byrd has apparently given her notice over the Ethel news and Isobel says she's sorry to hear it. Mrs. Byrd says in turn that she's sorry to say it, but she can't work alongside a woman "who has chosen that way of life." I think this decision is purely based on social and moral considerations rather than religious ones; still, I feel the need to point out that Isobel is behaving more according to the Golden Rule and the story of the Good Samaritan than anyone else around here. She offers Mrs. Byrd a month's wages, and I think Mrs. Byrd is rather taken aback that Isobel will let her go rather than refusing Ethel employment. Again, Isobel's strength of character and conviction is what makes her so admirable. Mrs. Byrd says she'll go back to Manchester and stay with her sister, who tells her there's plenty of work for a cook there and Isobel wishes her the best of luck. She leaves and Mrs. Byrd looks pretty stunned, but how long have you been working for the woman now?