This has always been one of my favorite episodes as well. And you're right--Mr. Rushton reminded me of Christopher Plummer as well! Which is funny because the way I react to Lady Adelaide popping in at innappropriate times the way she does always made me think of the Baronness in the Sound of Music. You feel the need to boohiss when she comes onscreen. Haha! Anyway, I loved the chemistry between Rushton and Dorcas. Sparks fairly flew between them. If Dorcas couldn't have Timothy then my backup man for her was always Mr. Rushton. He had the ability to stand up to her and yet they both suffered through broken hearts so they had that in common. Loved it when Dorcas tells him, "I do love my work. Do you supposed there will be room in your report for love, Mr. Rushton?" Then he gets so flustered he knocks the coins off the counter and they both bend to pick them up. You can tell he's a bit smitten now but would never admit it. And I laughed out loud when Rushton is grilling Laura about what she and Dorcas were whispering about and Laura tells him, "Concerns you, sir. Miss Lane said we are to be kindly to you, sir, because you have a lonesomeness about you that can only be cured by love."
Also loved Timothy's comment that he didn't approve of a woman running a post office but he enjoyed it.
And how surprising was it that the Pratts were so defending of Dorcas against Rushton? "It's an affront to your own estimation, Miss Lane," they said indignantly. And they were so funny when they were thanking Dorcas for the parcel being delivered at their doorstep. Laughed out loud when they said, "Although the parcel did smell rather peculiar. Those French--they're like a different race!"
Yes, Zillah was a hoot!! Trying to lure Rushton to fall into the well only to end up in it herself. I so miss Zillah!!
Fantastic episode--so well written and superbly acted!