Downton Abbey Dames Are Equal Parts Sass and Class

American fans of the British TV series Downton Abbey are still recovering from the tragic season three finale, but it's time to pull ourselves together as the show returns to the States Jan. 5 on PBS at 9 p.m. EST.

Last season there had been many emotional ups, like Matthew and Mary's long-awaited big day, and downs, including multiple untimely deaths. But the complex characters and sharp-tongued dialogue — especially when it comes out of Lady Violet's mouth — continue to make the series stand out. The women of Downton, both upstairs and down, have plenty of wise and witty words to say on life, love, and being a woman. To celebrate the premiere, check out some of our favorites from season three now.

Source: PBS

Mrs. Patmore

Mrs. Patmore

"You know, the trouble with you lot is that you're all in love with the wrong people."

Source: PBS

Lady Violet

Lady Violet

"Robert, people like us are never unhappily married."

Source: PBS

Lady Edith

Lady Edith

"You’ve obviously read too many novels about young women admired for their feistiness."

Source: PBS

Isobel Crawley

Isobel Crawley

"With good friends like you, I enjoy my life as it is, and I wouldn’t want to risk things by changing it."

Source: PBS

Lady Mary

Lady Mary

"Darling, this isn’t 1850. No one expects me to hide indoors until the baby is born."

Source: PBS

Lady Violet

Lady Violet

"No one can accuse me of being modern, but even I can see it’s no crime to be young."

Source: PBS

Ethel

Ethel

"These days a working lady must have a skill."

Source: PBS

Lady Violet

Lady Violet

"I am a woman of many parts."

Source: PBS

Anna Bates

Anna Bates

"What I see is a good man, m'lady. And they're not like buses. There won't be another one 'round in 10 minutes time."

Source: PBS

Daisy Mason and Mrs. Patmore

Daisy Mason and Mrs. Patmore

Daisy: "You've still kept me here with a dishonest representation."
Mrs. Patmore: "Oh dear, have you swallowed a dictionary?"

Source: PBS

Edith Crawley

Edith Crawley

"Love and position in one handsome package, who could ask for more?"

Source: PBS

Lady Violet

Lady Violet

"Forgive? Perhaps. Forget? Never."

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Martha Levinson

Martha Levinson

"Some animals adapt to new surroundings. It seems a better choice than extinction."

Source: PBS

Mary Crawley

Mary Crawley

Matthew: "I doubt I'll get used to taking you to bed with your father watching."
Mary: "He's so relieved we're getting married, he wouldn't mind if you carried me up naked."
Matthew: "Careful, I might try it."

Source: PBS

Mary Crawley

Mary Crawley

"Now stop talking and kiss me before I get cross."

Source: PBS

Mary Crawley

Mary Crawley

Matthew: "You looking forward to the wedding?"
Mary: "What do you think?"
Matthew: "I'm looking forward to all sorts of things."
Mary: "Don't make me blush."

Source: PBS

Martha Levinson

Martha Levinson

"Come war and peace, Downton still stands and the Crawleys are still in it."

Source: PBS

Martha Levinson and Cora Crawley

Martha Levinson and Cora Crawley

Cora: "You don't have to give money after every conversation."
Martha: "No, isn't that what the English expect of rich Americans?"

Source: PBS

Mrs. Patmore

Mrs. Patmore

"Anyone who has use of their limbs can make a salmon mousse."

Source: PBS

Sybil Branson

Sybil Branson

"I know mine was a wild runaway marriage, darling. And yours is the one that everyone wanted. What's so thrilling is that this is every bit as romantic."

Source: PBS

Miss O'Brien

Miss O'Brien

Mr. Carson: "Alfred has embarrassed the family. He forced Mr. Matthew to appear downstairs improperly dressed."
Miss O'Brien: "Oh! You make it sound quite exciting."

Source: PBS

Lady Violet and Martha Levinson

Lady Violet and Martha Levinson

Martha: "Oh dear, I'm afraid the war has made old women of us both."
Violet: "Oh, I wouldn't say that, but then I always keep out of the sun."

Source: PBS

Cora Crawley

Cora Crawley

"Don't worry about me; I'm an American. 'Have gun, will travel.'"

Source: PBS

Lady Violet

Lady Violet

"An aristocrat with no servants is as much use to the county as a glass hammer."

Source: PBS

Edith Crawley

Edith Crawley

"Something happening in this house is actually about me."

Source: PBS

Lady Violet

Lady Violet

Isobel: "No, no, I prefer it. I've ridden in the front seat many times."
Violet: "Well, aren't you the wild thing."

Source: PBS

Cora Crawley and Edith Crawley

Cora Crawley and Edith Crawley

Cora: "You are being tested. And you know what they say, my darling. Being tested only makes you stronger."
Edith: "I don't think it's working with me."

Source: PBS

Anna Bates and Edith Crawley

Anna Bates and Edith Crawley

Anna: "What would you like me to get you?"
Edith: "A different life."

Source: PBS

Lady Violet and Sybil Branson

Lady Violet and Sybil Branson

Lady Violet: "Sybil, vulgarity is no substitute is no for wit."
Sybil: "Well, you started it."

Source: PBS

Edith Crawley

Edith Crawley

"No, I'm a useful spinster, good at helping out. And spinsters get up for breakfast."

Source: PBS