I still miss Mathew, though.

On a side note, I have a friend in England who was "in University" with Dan Stevens. They were classmates and friends. Was told that Dan Stevens is a really nice guy and is happily living with his wife and daughter in Brooklyn, NY, as he continues pursuing his acting career

And it's entering an interesting era with the Roaring Twenties. Poor Carson. I don't think he'll approve of the 1920s. I don't think he really approves of the 20th century.

and as much as I should expect and get used to it, the continuing 'sad' themes are getting me down. (Not literally, but emotionally!) Dear Edith, now!

He was unnecessarily harsh, cruel even.

That fascinating little exchange shone a light on the rigid hierarchy in service at that period.

Carson is immensely proud of how Downton is run. To him, Downton is the finest house in Yorkshire (and probably beyond) and, as such, certain members of staff should consider it an honour to work there. He is intensely loyal to the Crawley family, and for Moseley to consider himself 'too proud' to don the footman's livery and wait-at-table, he saw as a slight, not just to him, but to the institution of Downton Abbey itself. Being a butler for local gentry, and being a butler at the ancestral home of an ancient aristocratic family are two very different things. Carson was marking out his territory, and slapping the unfortunate Moseley back in his place.

Moseley was equally aware of his status in the hierarchy. He had (presumably) worked his way up the pecking order - almost certainly had worked as a footman as a young man - and had reached the heady heights of the Butler's Pantry. He had paid his dues. He had experience. He had earned the right to sit at the head of the table in the Servant's Hall. Slipping down from the top of the tree would be very painful for him. He probably looked at Carson rather enviously, and deep-down, believed he could do his job better. Currently very sensitive, and down on his luck, being offered the job as footman (a massive demotion in Moseley's eyes) was simply not the great 'gift' that Carson made it out to be. Moseley's professional and personal pride conflicted with his parlous financial state. Carson seemed to be rubbing salt in the wound.

The rules of etiquette 'Below Stairs' were often more complicated and were applied more rigidly than in fashionable society. It could lead to snobbery, jealousy, and clashes like the Carson vs Moseley spat. Downton is full of interesting little moments like that. I love it.

It does, of course, contain many spoilers.