EC,
Somewhere along the line I think I missed reading this story in its entirety. Well, I am so glad I re-discovered it. This is one of the best DA stories I have ever read.
Best to you!

Beautiful story. You handled a thorny topic with aplomb and grace, and I'm going to recommend this story to all my friends, both in the LGBTQIA community and outside of it

I've greatly enjoyed this story. Once again, you're a talented writer and I simply adore the way you portray all of the characters so perfectly. I can clearly see them in my mind acting out the scenes and can hear their voices distinctly with every line of dialogue. You've touched on a sensitive topic in this story, which I've enjoyed very much, as it's also one that resonates with me deeply. I think your handling of it in regards to both Carson and Barrow was perfect. (Of course I think Mrs Hughes-or rather Mrs Carson-and Robert's reactions were perfect, as well.) I also very much loved that Carson's heart warmed a bit for Barrow, despite his reservations, and that Barrow came to find gratitude for Carson, and I could sense there's now a mutal respect between them, despite their differences. I like that because I'm fond of both characters. Thanks for writing this amazing story.

I just wanted to say this story has gripped me and I love your writing. You capture the feeling of Downton Abbey and all the characters so well. As Barrow is my favourite character, I'm also particularly happy to read stories which feature him.

I really love this one, too, and do hope it continues.

LOVE this story...

LOVE thank you - just read this and so many feels! Characters were spot on and you even got Barrow's slyness down! Great story - please continue to share your talents with us!

Fantastic story !

reviewer's note: this has been sitting on my laptop since you posted the end of this story. why? because i thought i hit send, that's why. and why did i think i hit send? because i'm an idiot. i apologize for the tardiness of this review. i hope you are well.

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perfect ending is perfect.

barrow and lord grantham: i love that you had thomas totally anticipating the conversation, having rehearsed what he would say in order to stay firm in his decision. i'm so like that, playing convos in my head before i have them and then donchaknow they never actually go that way. i also think it was spot on that robert was somewhat taken aback that barrow seemed touched and maybe even surprised that he was very willing to find a way for there to be some justice. also, the part about taking care of everyone being important... everyone? yes, thomas, you're part of everyone. "we must all fight our battles in our own way." incredibly supportive, insightful and encouraging. i love robert in this.

and then carson, the ol' stick in the mud. he wants this forgotten, not because of thomas and his nature but because he went through emotional and psychological hell after what happened, confronting and uglier part of himself (maybe not ugly... if it were, he'd reject it and change). But Thomas needs to express his gratitude in some way. Awkwarrrrrd.

BUT the best part of this chapter, possibly the entire story, is this... "You know what I am. And yet you came to my defense anyway. You aren't the same as them, Mr. Carson. And you're not like my father either. You have tolerated me. And that's something." I hope Carson let's this soothe him a bit.

so... this story is over. what a great, absolutely great, piece of writing, character exploration. i still maintain that this should have happened on the show. i would have preferred this to depression and suicide for thomas, but alas...

You really get to the heart of these characters, Edward! What a treat this was to read-Carson felt ashamed, Thomas felt he'd let his boss down. The ending was perfect.

"He would be praising the Liberals next" Heaven help us! Again, excellent character study on all involved...Carson, Thomas, Mrs. Hughes and Lord Grantham. And a look at gay rights in the world of criminal justice-(or lack of)- a century ago.

The conflict you've described here is compelling. Eye-opening for Carson... and for all of us.

You have resolved this dilemma by revealing one personality in full flower, and a dialectic between two others resulting in personal growth in both.
Lord Grantham exudes worldliness, sophistication, confidence, genuine caring for his staff, a keen sense of responsibility for them, his own sense of justice, lateral thinking, in devising some retribution for the road workers who violently beat up Barrow and Carson. The reader understands that this urbane, just version of Robert Crawley is the writer's favourite version of him.
Thomas Barrow, paradoxically, has grown in strength and self - knowledge in deciding not to prosecute his assailants. He chooses NOT to be ruined or jailed by a court case which would not deliver justice to him. He is steadfast and rational in this. He accepts he is gay. He will live as well as he can with it. He declares this to Lord Grantham and Carson. No more chemical "cures" for him. He will do what he has to to maintain his personal integrity as he sees it. He will even suffer Carson's disapproval if necessary, even though that hurts him.
And Carson has mentality and emotionally struggled with his long- held beliefs about British justice, homosexuality and Thomas Barrow. He has reached and painfully accepted some , to him, unpalatable truths about the imperfections , but existence of them all. He has been helped by the insouciance of his employer, the explanations of his under butler, and the clear head and loving heart of his wife. He has become a wiser man, and almost certainly, a nicer one in consequence.
You have done an excellent job on dramatically presenting this ethical dilemma for Carson. His struggles and growth, along with Barrow's, have been a delight to read. Well done. Bravo. .

You are a very good writer, and the story's you are so generously giving us are such a delight to read.
The detailed and perfectly done characterization of them all, always rings true, no one is black or white, but all these lovely shades of gray.
Thank you.

So that's it then, a satisfying ending to a terrific story. Both men came off rather well in the end. I hope you'll write more stories with Thomas in the future.