The "relationships" bit formed quite naturally as I was writing it. I assumed to start with it'd be all about the sex, but it ended up being equal, friendly polyamory, with no doubt about the two primary couples.

In writing optimistic AUs for Norrell I always use the same pivot-point: if he told both Childermass and Strange, and got out from under the influence of Lascelles and Drawlight, he would be in the best possible position for dealing with the problem. Secrecy and fear are at the root of all his worst decisions, and Lascelles cold-bloodedly cutting him off from all other influence makes it worse.