A/N: I'm intending these to be a series of reflections on various characters throughout the series. No clear pattern, just moments I'd love to see or delve deeper into what might be going through their minds. Requests are warmly welcomed at any time, I'm planning on these being ongoing for as long as there are things to talk about.

Molesley S6E3

He once expressed the thought that he'd had his career backwards. He had achieved the pinnacle of what a man in service could hope to aspire to, and it was just his luck that he should therefore start to go backwards. He never had been able to hold on to anything for long.

He had learned lessons in humility when he reached the depths of where life could take him, and got work as a road mender, although he had had to remind himself about this on occasion, and allow his position as footman to run in parallel to his higher expectations. He had to be content with what he had.

He thinks he might finally be used to the weight of disappointment that he hasn't made more of his life. The abbey is a good place to work, even though Mr Carson's standards are exacting. The blossoming relationship between the man and Mrs Hughes – Mrs Carson now he thinks, as he stands on one side of the school house watching half the village (or so it seems) mill about – has not mellowed the professional side of him. Indeed sometimes, Mr Molesley sense that when the two have had an argument it is the rest of the staff who bear the brunt of the frustration the butler feels.

They have a very different relationship to the Bateses, he thinks, and it is intriguing to watch them interact.

He has been drifting about the school house for some minutes, making small talk with those he comes across, but mostly content to ponder his life. He had been speaking of Daisy to Mr Dawes and found himself getting quite passionate about her potential. He has been delighted to see how well she has got on, and pleased to help in any way he can. He is glad to share his enthusiasm with someone else.

Mr Dawes' question about having missed his vocation didn't really do much more than skim his sense of disappointment which covers everything else, but now he actually thinks on it, he finds himself questioning his choices.

They – whoever 'they' are – say that the age of the great houses is almost dead. The world of Downton is shifting and although he is sure there will always be a need for a cook, butler and housekeeper – no family could be expected to manage without some help in a house that size – he knows that the need for other staff will diminish. He wonders.

Wonders if it might not be too late for him to change careers. Hr has enjoyed helping Daisy find her way, it's very possible he will enjoy helping others do the same. He would have to leave the abbey, but could remain in the village, which would be the best of both worlds really. A purpose at last, but still able to see her. Miss Baxter, he whispers to himself. Not as often as he does now, but perhaps that might make it easier to court her, when he's not getting under her feet in his eagerness to see everything through her eyes.

She doesn't need to be protected from Mr Barrow anymore, indeed they seem to have come to some sort of understanding, therefore all he now has to offer is his love, which he hopes she'll accept, although he finds it difficult to believe he could be that lucky.

A change at his time of life, he muses as he carries on meandering about the hall. It would strike him as hilarious and impossible were it not for the fact that another man dedicated to a life of service has just made the biggest change imaginable. Mr Carson is about to speak and Mr Molesley tucks his thoughts away for another time. Miss Baxter stands by his side, and for now he is content to listen as he hears how change has brought happiness to other lives.

His time will come, he thinks. He hopes.

A/N: I really think Molesley would make quite a good teacher, just so long as the children don't tease him. He's a bit of a Mr Chips in that way. I used the word love in relation to his feelings for Miss Baxter, although I'm not quite sure if he'd allow himself to use it. After Ep 4, though, it's so clear how he feels that I just can't help myself.

Reviews would be lovely, and if anyone would like a particular insight, please do request them.