Downstairs, Alfred offers that he found the family very down on Branson, but Thomas replies that that's only because Alfred doesn't know anything, and Carson agrees, biting out that Branson was certainly at least as down on them as they were on him. Mrs. Hughes, however, thinks that it must be hard for him to sit up there with people he used to drive, a sentiment that the man himself -- having just appeared in the doorway -- confirms. Carson immediately jumps to his feet and everyone follows despite that obviously being the last thing Branson wants; he asks them to sit back down, but Carson ignores that in favor of stiffly asking if there's something they can do for him. Branson, with none of his earlier fire, says that he just came down to say hello and Mrs. Hughes tells him that's nice, earning her a withering look from Carson. Anna, of course, expresses her hope that he and Sybil are well, and Branson thanks her and says they've been following Bates' story. "Mary keeps us informed." Even I flinched at his failure to refer to her as "Lady Mary," so it's no surprise that Carson looks like he's chewing the insides of his cheeks; with British teeth, that's no joke. Branson tries not to overstay his "welcome," but Mrs. Hughes thanks him for coming, earning her a grateful smile from Branson -- swoon -- and another reproving look from Carson, who can't wait to go off about the "Mary" thing as soon as he's safely out of earshot...