It’s been a few days since the season three finale of Downton Abbey aired here in the States, but some fans are likely still reeling from the abrupt departure of one of the show’s main characters in the episode’s final moments—assuming you weren’t spoiled when it aired in the UK back in December.  Now it looks like another major departure could be in store for the wildly popular period series, as creator/showrunner Julian Fellowes has revealed that he might be stepping down from his head position at Downton Abbey in the near future.  Hit the jump for more.

Looking to class up their schedule, it seems that NBC has ordered a new series from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.  Since the formerly ignored Edwardian period has found a TV and filmic renaissance of late, (which Downton Abbey has been largely responsible for), the new series will move back in time slightly to the vastly more chronicled Victorian Era, specifically the American Gilded Age.

The series, called — wait for it — The Gilded Age, will center around the wealthy titans of industry in 1880s New York.  For more on the series and what Fellowes has said about that historical era, hit the jump.