Alfred Molesley (played by Kevin Doyle) is the valet to Matthew Crawley and works as bulter at Crawley House in Downton village. At first Matthew does not want to accept the help of Molesley, but eventually gives in to his new way of living. Molesley is attracted to Anna Smith and wishes to get to know her better. He takes the opportunity when John Bates leaves Downton Abbey in Episode 2.01 but is unsuccessful because she is still in love with Mr. Bates and believes she could never love again. With Matthew away serving at the Western Front during and his mother Isobel working in Northern France, Molesley works more at Downton Abbey, slowly filling the gap Bates left, now that Lang had been dismissed, as the valet to the Earl of Granthambutispushedtooneside when Bates returns. Molesley grew up in Downton village and his father, Bill Molesley, is a prolific gardener. While working in his father's garden, Molesley develops a rue allergic reaction which the Dowager Countess of Granthamcorrectlydiagnosed. The Dowager Countess of Grantham gets Molesley out of military services by telling Dr. Clarkson that Molesley has a problem with his lungs. When Isobel Crawley exposes this to be lie, Molesley lies to Dr. Clarkson himself and the error is never corrected. Molesley also holds a torch for the maid Anna Smith, though after she marries it is unclear how his feelings changed.