During its first three seasons, I watched Downton Abbey sporadically. Even though I didn’t watch much of it, I pretty much knew what happened by virtue of osmosis. Downton Abbey has captured the public imagination unlike any other Masterpiece Theater series before it. In season four, I finally joined the legions of devoted Downton Abbey viewers and have enjoyed our own Natalie deMacedo’s summaries following each episode.

What strikes me most about the show is the contrast between sisters Mary and Edith Crawley. Mary can’t walk into a room without getting a marriage proposal while Edith can’t walk into a room without The Sword of Damocles hanging over her head. Edith looks like she is going to burst into tears at any moment. I mean Google “Poor Edith” and see what comes up at Tumblr, Twitter & Time. Never has a woman been in more dire need of a hug.

But has Edith turned a corner? Sure, Edith spent eight months in Swiss exile to have her daughter and give it up and Gregson is likely dead. Yet with a little encouragement from Tom, Edith has taken a stand even if only she and Mr. Drew know about it. Edith might not be able to raise her daughter as her own, but she can take comfort that her child will be in good hands and can watch her grow up from a distance.

I’m sure that things will get worse for Edith before they get better. I have a feeling something misfortune will befall Mr. Drew’s wife and Edith will be there to pick up the pieces.

Poor Edith has begun her evolution into Proud Edith.