Downton Abbey - Episode Six

The story jumps almost another year to May 1914 but once again, alot of the stories haven't moved forward that far. Including the Bates/Thomas tangle over the stolen wine.  Bates has said nothing since it occurred almost a year ago, but as if it just happened, Thomas and Miss O'Brien decide to tell Carson that they saw Bates steal the wine.  Carson does not believe it and decides to get to the bottom of this.  Thomas even uses Daisy to lie about seeing Bates coming out of the cellar.  Daisy gets second thoughts and confesses to Carson who confronts everyone but Bates will still not dob Thomas in!  Later, Bates reveals he has been in prison for theft in the past and must resign.  Carson will not accept his resignation until he has spoken to the Earl.
Meanwhile, Sybil defies her father and goes to a political rally only to be injured when a fight breaks out and gets rescued by Matthew, who ends up proposing to Mary.  Mary realises that she loves him but feels she must tell Matthew about what happened with The Turk.  Because of her sister's treacherous letter to the Turkish Embassy, people in London are starting to gossip about what happened to The Turk at Downton.  It even comes to the attention of Carson (who tells the Countess) and the Dowager, who also speaks to The Countess.  The Countess confesses that the stories are true and that she assisted her daughter in hiding the truth.  At first the Dowager is angry, but once again, she proves she is a nice person by coming back to The Countess and apologising and agreeing that if she had the strength, she would have done the same thing.
This episode is building up to the season finale that we now have to wait two weeks for!  Not fair!  Looking forward to the explosive conclusion.  What an exceptional show.