Edith Crawley finally reclaims her daughter, Marigold, in Downton Abbey Season 5, Episode 9. This moment marks a pivotal turning point in Edith’s life and the overarching narrative of the season, bringing a long-awaited resolution to her secret and the emotional turmoil she endures.
The Homecoming: Marigold’s Return to Downton
Edith’s journey to reclaim Marigold is fraught with obstacles and emotional complexities. After giving birth to Marigold, Edith, unmarried, discreetly places her daughter with the Drewe family, local tenant farmers, to avoid the societal stigma of illegitimacy. However, Mrs. Drewe’s growing attachment to Marigold and her subsequent emotional instability lead to escalating tension and Edith’s desperate need to protect her child. Episode 9 sees Edith, now residing in London and becoming increasingly independent, finally confront Mrs. Drewe’s possessiveness. This confrontation culminates in Edith taking Marigold back, paving the way for a new chapter in their lives. While Marigold is initially introduced as a ward, the truth is slowly revealed to the rest of the family, adding layers of drama to their already complicated relationships. The return is a bittersweet triumph for Edith, balancing her desire for motherhood with the necessity of secrecy and the potential for scandal within the confines of Downton Abbey.
Unpacking the Drama: Key Moments Leading to Marigold’s Return
The seeds for Marigold’s return are sown throughout the earlier episodes of Season 5. Edith’s frequent visits to the Drewes become increasingly conspicuous, raising eyebrows and fueling suspicion. Mr. Drewe, aware of Edith’s true identity, attempts to manage the situation, but Mrs. Drewe’s unraveling mental state proves too much to control.
- Mrs. Drewe’s Emotional Breakdown: The escalating tension between Mrs. Drewe and Edith reaches a boiling point. Mrs. Drewe’s increasingly erratic behavior and possessiveness towards Marigold become impossible to ignore, prompting Edith to act decisively.
- Edith’s Growing Independence: Living in London and working as a journalist, Edith gains a newfound sense of self-reliance and a clearer understanding of what she wants for herself and her daughter. This independence empowers her to take control of her situation.
- The Risk of Exposure: The constant threat of the truth being revealed hangs heavy over Edith and the Drewe family. The growing scrutiny forces Edith to acknowledge the unsustainability of the arrangement and the potential damage it could inflict on everyone involved.
These key moments converge in Episode 9, creating the perfect storm that necessitates Marigold’s return to Downton.
Aftermath and Implications: Life at Downton with Marigold
Once Marigold is back at Downton, Edith faces the challenge of integrating her daughter into the household while maintaining the facade of her being a ward. This charade requires careful maneuvering and the complicity of select family members.
- Maintaining Secrecy: The initial explanation for Marigold’s presence involves a fictitious backstory, requiring Edith to navigate potentially awkward conversations and maintain a consistent narrative.
- Family Reactions: While some family members remain unaware of Marigold’s true parentage, others, like Aunt Rosamund, are privy to the secret. Their reactions and support (or lack thereof) significantly impact Edith’s ability to raise Marigold.
- Lord Grantham’s Discovery: Eventually, Lord Grantham learns the truth about Marigold, leading to further drama and requiring Edith to justify her actions. His acceptance, or lack thereof, has profound consequences for Edith’s future and her relationship with her family.
Marigold’s presence at Downton injects new life into the estate while simultaneously creating new sources of conflict and intrigue. Edith’s journey to motherhood becomes a central theme, exploring the complexities of love, secrecy, and societal expectations in the Edwardian era.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Edith and Marigold
1. Why did Edith initially give Marigold to the Drewes?
Edith, unmarried at the time of Marigold’s birth, feared the social stigma associated with having a child out of wedlock. Giving Marigold to the Drewes allowed Edith to keep her daughter nearby while protecting herself and her family’s reputation. This was a common practice during that era, though it carried significant emotional weight for all parties involved.
2. What was the role of Mr. Drewe in keeping Edith’s secret?
Mr. Drewe was complicit in Edith’s secret, understanding the true nature of her relationship with Marigold. He acted as a buffer between Edith and his wife, attempting to manage Mrs. Drewe’s growing attachment to the child and prevent the truth from being revealed. He was ultimately motivated by compassion for Edith.
3. How did Mrs. Drewe react to Marigold’s departure?
Mrs. Drewe’s reaction to Marigold’s departure was devastating. Already emotionally unstable, she spiraled into a deeper state of despair, struggling to cope with the loss of the child she had come to see as her own. This highlights the profound psychological impact of Edith’s choices on the Drewe family.
4. Who else at Downton knew about Marigold’s true identity?
Initially, only Aunt Rosamund knew the truth about Marigold’s parentage. As the series progresses, other members of the Crawley family, including Lady Mary and eventually Lord Grantham, learn the secret. These revelations often lead to dramatic confrontations and shifts in family dynamics.
5. Did Edith ever consider telling everyone the truth about Marigold from the beginning?
While Edith may have considered telling the truth, the societal pressures of the time made it nearly impossible. The potential scandal and the damage it could inflict on her family’s reputation were significant deterrents. Furthermore, Edith was unmarried, further complicating her situation.
6. How did Marigold’s presence affect Edith’s relationship with the rest of the Crawley family?
Marigold’s presence at Downton added layers of complexity to Edith’s relationships with her family. The secret created tension and required Edith to be constantly vigilant. However, it also allowed her to forge deeper connections with those who knew the truth and supported her.
7. What ultimately led Lord Grantham to discover the truth about Marigold?
Lord Grantham’s discovery stems from a combination of suspicions and overheard conversations. As Marigold grows older, her resemblance to Edith becomes increasingly apparent. Coupled with inconsistencies in Edith’s explanations, this eventually leads Lord Grantham to confront Edith directly.
8. How did Lord Grantham react to learning that Marigold was Edith’s daughter?
Lord Grantham’s initial reaction to learning the truth about Marigold is one of shock and disappointment. He struggles to reconcile Edith’s deception with his traditional values. However, he eventually comes to accept Marigold as part of the family, albeit with some reservations.
9. What role did Bertie Pelham play in Edith’s journey with Marigold?
Bertie Pelham becomes a significant figure in Edith’s life, eventually becoming her husband. He is aware of Marigold’s true identity and accepts her without reservation. His unwavering support allows Edith to finally embrace her role as a mother and find happiness.
10. How did Marigold’s presence change Downton Abbey?
Marigold’s arrival at Downton brought new life and energy to the estate. Her presence as a young child brightened the lives of the residents and injected a sense of hope into the sometimes-stagnant atmosphere. She also served as a reminder of the changing times and the evolving roles of women in society.
11. What were the long-term consequences of Edith’s secret regarding Marigold?
The long-term consequences of Edith’s secret are complex. While it initially caused significant stress and anxiety, it ultimately led to greater understanding and acceptance within the Crawley family. It also paved the way for Edith to find love and happiness with Bertie Pelham.
12. Is there a particular scene that best encapsulates Edith’s love for Marigold?
Several scenes beautifully illustrate Edith’s love for Marigold. One particularly poignant moment is when Edith first takes Marigold back from the Drewes. The raw emotion and protectiveness she displays reveal the depth of her maternal bond. Another powerful scene occurs when Edith finally tells Bertie the truth about Marigold, demonstrating her vulnerability and trust in him.