I definitely needed this and I was pleasantly thrilled that not only was it the story I yearned for, but also a really excellent piece of writing! I love how you've captured Thomas -- his longing, his mistrust, his carefully-guarded lust, his fear of rejection so closely hidden. Love his merciless self-knowledge -- that he has a "type", the upper class, inexperienced "boy", that he must always be subtle and wait and watch for his chances, that he still responds to strong, if uninitiated, hands. You've given us a plausible Courtenay, too -- full of potential and ready to learn whatever Thomas wants to teach him. Will we get a sequel??? In any case, thanks for this. I still can't believe Fellowes WASTED this fantastic opportunity for developing Thomas. I can only hope that he has a replacement planned, but then I remember Morris and Henry from Gosford Park and wonder if he has the guts...