Soon it’s on to that grand New Year’s tradition, the driven pheasant shoot. Though Kate Middleton decided not to join this year, everyone else tweeds up and draws pegs from a silver bowl, and off they go in pairs, Mary happily standing with Matthew at the first drive. The two are roundly amused with Matthew’s self-effacement—he’s a terrible shot, somehow having gained zero athletic or shooting skills during his captaincy in W.W.I.—but from a distance, Murdoch-Carlisle’s hackles are up. “He does rather beg to be teased,” says Matthew. “The awful truth is he’s starting to get on my nerves,” replies Mary. Sir Richard sees their camaraderie—rightly, we’ll concede—as a threat to his betrothal, and a sign that Mary’s falling back in love with Matthew. The ensuing luncheon at the shooting lodge is rife with claret, candelabras, and tension, as Mary and Matthew prattle about Adele’s performance at the Grammys, and Murdoch-Carlisle watches, seething among the pinecones.
More of our Downton Abbey finale recap, here! Tell us how you thought the finale fared—and what you’re expecting out of Season 3. (Our advice: More Ouija!)
