Jonathon Carver, a young Puritan school teacher, meets handsome Nathaniel Morgan, master cooper. He comes to recognize the longings he's had all his life as desire for the love of another man, and Nathaniel provides that love.<br><br>Their love must be carefully guarded, as they live in Colonial America during a time of the call to Awakening of the Puritan spirit. Knowing the penalty for their love is dire, they strive to keep their affair secret.<br><br>Desperate for a way to resolve their situation, they devise a bold plan which could free them to be together. But can their love for one another overcome the structure of the society in which they live? Or will they be destined to forego fulfillment of their desire and go their separate ways?

Awakening

He heard a rustling of leaves, saw a shadow emerge in the distance. He drew back further behind the ancient, gnarled trunk, waiting to identify the one who approached. The figure passed close to the tree, went to the side door and fumbled the latchkey.


“Jonathan,” Nathaniel whispered, not wanting to startle him.


He may as well have shouted. Jonathan whirled about, pressing himself flat against the wall of the school as if waiting to be attacked.


“Jonathan, quiet!” Nathaniel was at his side in an instant, arm around his waist, hand over his mouth. “It is me.”


Jonathan stiffened and then relaxed, as he realized who it was.


“Oh, Nathaniel,” he breathed, “what are you doing here?”


“This,” Nathaniel replied pressing his lips against his newfound lover: reaching to embrace him.


Chapter 10