Downton Pre-Premiere Q & A Giveaway

Welcome…. to Downton Abbey.

Are you a fan? If not, you should be.

This delicious concoction of romance, drama and comedy set against a luscious backdrop of early 20th century British aristocracy is highly entertaining… and addictive.

In honor of Season 3′s Stateside premiere on PBS, I’ve gotten together with 8 fabulous authors to sponsor a Downton Gala Blog Hop. For reading this post and leaving a comment, you’ll be entered in a drawing to win a copy of To Marry an English Lord by Gail MacColl and Carol McD. Wallace.

As part of the hop, each author  answers the following questions:

1) You’re planning a dinner party for the Downton crew – who would be No. 1 on your invite list?

2) Whose closet will you raid before the party?

3) Once your guests have arrived, who are you most likely to flirt with?

4) Who will you likely smack before the dessert course?

5) Let’s adjourn to the drawing room for some not-so-polite conversation: What’s your theory on Patrick Gordon aka The Bandaged Man? Impostor or legitimate Crawley?

6) How about Bates? Did he do it? Could he do it? If not, who killed Vera?

7) Favorite quip from the Dowager Countess?

8) Favorite Downton spoof?

9) Now you’ve done it! You’ve landed a guest spot on the show. What’s your storyline?

10) What would you like to see happen in series three?

I took the liberty of answering my questions in letter form because  I love the cute little square letters the characters on Downton Abbey receive.

My dearest James,

The months have lagged since I left you back in Virginia. However, the opportunity to spend time with Aunt Elizabeth in London is rare and I thank you for your indulgence in my absence from our family home, Sagemont. You will not believe the people I’ve met since I’ve been here. There’s been a procession of visitors, but none have captured my fascination as much as the Crawleys. Last week, Aunt Elizabeth and I hosted a party for them and some of their servants. You know how progressive Auntie is. The first person I made sure to invite was the Countess of Grantham, Cora Crawley. Us Yanks have to stick together, this far from home. 

Although I’m not very fond of her, I have to say that her daughter, Mary, looked beautiful, as usual. She has gorgeous taste, but she’s a little too arrogant and snide for my liking. But I could excuse all of that if it meant getting  a sneak  peek into her closet. I’ll speak to Mary’s sister, Edith; she’ll think of something.

I spent a little bit of time talking to their cousin, Matthew. He’s a lawyer, like you, although over here, it doesn’t mean the same as it does in Virginia. He’s smart and witty and he has gorgeous baby blue eyes–but they pale in comparison to yours. 

Now, you know how polite I am, and I really don’t like making a fuss, but Sarah O’Brien pushed all of my buttons. I almost slapped her during the dessert course! I know! But I remembered my manners. I applauded the Countess for inviting her (although I’m sure O’Brien put a bug in her ear), but I will not tolerate rudeness in my guests. And that hair. Lord save me.

After dinner, we adjourned to the drawing room and the tea was barely poured before talk turned to Patrick Gordon. Now, you know I don’t like to gossip, but I can’t believe he had the gall to perpetrate the fraud that he was a disfigured Patrick Crawley. How convenient he was burned beyond recognition. Do you remember the story about the Sommersbys? There was talk that two men shared a cell and shared their life stories with each other and when one of them died, the other assumed his identity. That could easily explain how he knew things only the real Patrick would have known. There needs to be some sort of test doctors can run to determine a person’s true identity.  

There I go, with my crazy notions. La, I miss you, my sweetie.

Of course, we all had our opinions on Bates, the Earl’s valet convicted of murdering his wife. Most of us believe, most emphatically, that he is innocent, but fear all hope is lost. Poor Anna, his current wife,  went to visit him instead of coming to the party and I don’t blame her for her choice at all. Personally, it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that Vera killed herself and made it look like murder to place blame on Bates. She was a nasty woman; I can hardly believe the Bates we know would ever marry a woman like that.

As always, the Dowager Countess could be counted on for her quips. At one point in the evening, fed up with Matthew’s mother, Isobel, the Dowager said, “You are quite wonderful, the way you see room for improvement wherever you look. I never knew such reforming zeal.” Isobel said, “I take that as a compliment,” and walked away. The Dowager looked at me and said, “I must have said it wrong.” I must admit, I laughed so hard, she gave me one of her patented disapproving looks.

She was pleased with my quick correction and invited me to spend a couple of weeks at Downton. I’m tempted, my darling, although it would delay my trip back home, to you. I think Edith could use some support, maybe some help matchmaking. I’m very good at that, as you know. I’d like to see her find love; maybe she’ll meet someone during the Season.

You can spare me a few months longer, can’t you my darling. If you were here, I’m certain you would understand. I must find out what happens next. Please say you’ll give me permission. Until I see your face again, I remain 

Your loving wife,

Tracey

Thanks for indulging me.  Since it didn’t fit in, I left out my response to my favorite Downton spoof. It’s “Downton Sixbey” from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  Click on the link to check it out. I almost peed myself at the introduction of the Crawley daughters!

If you can’t get enough Downton, join us on January 6 during the Season 3 premiere for a Twitter chat (use hashtag #DowntonGala). Then each week of the season, one of my co-hostesses will recap an episode. I’ll tackle Episode #2, airing on January 13th.

• Post a comment on any of the participating blogs. One comment/blog equals one entry. If you leave a comment on all 9 blogs you can earn 9 entries.
• Your comment should be a reply to a specific query asked by the blog’s host.
• The winner will be announced the following week.
• Downton Pre-Premiere Giveaway is open to residents of the United States only. {Sorry my international friends. }