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

“Come in, Jonathan.” The kindly voice of Mrs. Matheson reassured him somewhat. “Reverend Matheson waits for you in his study.


“Good afternoon,” Jonathan replied softly removing his hat as he stepped across the threshold.


Jonathan followed Mrs. Matheson into the house. Passing the kitchen with its odors of evening meal preparation, he felt his stomach contract: both from fear and from hunger. He thought of the dinner that was to come with the Gilmores and the thought of the simple breakfast he had shared with Nathaniel earlier in the day. The two thoughts coming so close together mirrored the dissonance in his mind as he prepared to face the Reverend and his fate. His mouth was dry.


The lady of the house rapped on the door.


Chapter 21