4) Their Hearts Will Go On
When it comes to scandal, Rose is all for it. She doesn’t follow the rules, but definitely follows her heart, especially around men like Jack Ross the musician.
So, Jack and Rose (no, not from Titanic), where to begin? First, Rose causes quite a stir among Downton’s staff and residents during Lord Grantham’s birthday when she invites Jack and his band as the entertainment. No one expects her surprise to involve a black jazz singer. Remember Mr. Carson’s reaction? He’s quite appalled. As he asks Jack, “Have you never thought of visiting Africa?” Fortunately, Lord and Lady Grantham embrace the band and celebrate in style.
As for Rose, she celebrates by making out with Jack in the kitchen, where Mary secretly spies the little love fest. Their attraction blossoms into a relationship, with Rose vowing to marry him. Jack realizes it will never work out between them (before and after his civil chat with Lady Mary) and ends their engagement.
One scandal down, and most likely a zillion to go, in Rose’s case, at least.