tishkajaku wrote:Glory, I believe O'Brien's being so devoted to Lady Cora stems from when she thought Lady Cora was going to let her go, when Thomas overheard a conversation of Lady Cora discussing finding a new lady's maid for Lady Violet and he misunderstood, telling O'Brien SHE was being replaced. That made her furious. This was when Lady Cora had discovered she was pregnant, later discovered to be a son, and everyone was so excited for her and Lord Grantham.
While Lady Cora was taking a bath, she dropped her soap, and asked O'Brien to get it for her. When O'Brien did so, she noticed it had broken in two, and rather than pick up both, she slid one piece near the tub. Of course, Lady Cora slipped, fell, and lost the baby, heir to Downton Abbey. O'Brien has been devoted ever since, very very protective of Lady Cora.
Hope that clears it up for you!
Jeez, where was I when all that happened? Thanks, Tish!