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Guilty pleasure.

Funny interaction from last night's episode: large party at the estate featuring an opera singer. The house staff had to figure out where the famous opera singer should eat, and it was determined that the opera singer should take her dinner in her room rather than eat with the nobility. Ultimately, Lord Grantham was forced to confront his snobbery and was sat next to her at dinner, delighted to discover her knowledge of wine.

The pianist? Well, nobody said anything about him after it was determined that he should sleep in the male servants' dormitory and eat with the rest of the kitchen staff.

Best lines:
Isobel: I do admire [famous opera singer] and would like to meet her.
Violet: Oh, I don't think we'll meet her. Will we? I mean, not in that way.
Isobel: Why not?
Violet: Well, what would we have to talk about?
Isobel: Some of the things that all humans have in common?
Violet: None of which are suitable as topics for conversation.

Melba,

I thought it was very interesting to see how they coped with that.

Wait til you see Rose's surprise for Lord Grantham's birthday party!
...nope, no spoilers ...wait for it!

I watched last night's episode hoping to see what brand piano the accompanist was playing but couldn't make it out. I thought it quite funny when Lord Grantham was advised by Carson, the butler, that Dame Nellie Melba should eat in her room! I loved seeing the "real" Dame Kiri Te Kanawa perform! She still sounds pretty good for 70! Just think ...for dessert they could have served "Peach Melba"!! Maybe next season, Luisa Tetrazzini will show up. Chicken anyone?

Last week, before they showed the first episode of Season 4, PBS replayed the tour of Highclere Castle and Lady Carnarvon was showing off her piano, which to my eyes looked like a Steinway B -probably a Hamburg edition. It looked older than her! Must be nice to live there, but I'd hate to see the monthly utilities bill!

Was watching a promo on PBS with the real owners of the estate and they mentioned a piano that was a late 1800's Steinway.