When "Downton Abbey" season 5 aired in the U.K., episode 9 was actually the annual Christmas special for the show. But since the U.S. telecast is an entire season late, the special is made to be episode 9 or the finale of the entire season. 

In episode 9, "Downton Abbey" is in great Christmas spirits. Lady Rose goes to Brancaster Castle to meet her in-laws. But while there, a series of unfortunate events lead to the reveal that Lord Sinderby has an illegitimate child. Lady Rose covers up for him and she gets into the good graces of Sinderby, reports Zap2it. 

Lady Edith and Lord Grantham have settled the issue about Marigold. Lord Grantham has figured out who Marigold is and Lady Edith asks for his forgiveness. But much to her surprise, it is her father that asks for her forgiveness instead. The only thing left to do is tell it to Lady Mary. 

In the next episode, Lady Edith and Lady Mary have new love interests, too. Mary has her eyes set on Henry Talbot, while Edith has set hers on the Brancaster land agent. While these two ladies are taking another chance at love, Lady Violet and Isobel are not. Violet rejects the prince, while Isobel has to break up with Lord Merton since his kids don't accept her anyway. 

As for Tom Branson, he is set to leave Downton and head to Boston with Sybbie. It is uncertain if they will return in season 6. 

In other news, Anna is spending her Christmas outside of prison. Mr. Bates confesses to the crime so that Anna will be released. But later, Molesley and Baxter prove that Bates is innocent. He gets released just in time for a Downey Christmas. 

Best of all, Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes are now engaged-to-be-married. Mr. Carson has finally proposed, but he is unaware that his fiancée has no money to give for their new house. 

"Downton Abbey" season 5 U.S. finale airs on Sunday, March 1, on PBS.