During the Great War, after William is brought back to Downton mortally wounded, the Dowager Countess summons him to wed William and Daisy before William dies.
However, it becomes clear that Barrow knows a secret about her, which he uses to his advantage to make her spy on the servants and family, something Baxter is very uncomfortable with.
Though he tries, Edith tells him she doesn't care that he is married, and agrees to be his secret mistress in the future.
Horrified by Major Bryant's refusal to acknowledge Charlie and his father's bullying, Ethel refuses the offer.