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

“No, don’t go. Stay with me tonight?”


“But, where will…I mean we can’t share a bed with Robert present.”


Nathaniel laughed. “Robert does not sleep in my room. Whatever gave you that idea?”


Jonathan realized how foolish he had been, how untrusting of the man he loved and who professed to love him.


“I’m sorry. I have been in such a state since Sunday, since you said we had so little time left. My mind and imagination have been overworked.”


Nathaniel came forward and took Jonathan by the hand. He led him through the work area and down the same hall into which Robert had disappeared; turning down the oil lamps as they went. They passed a door under which a light could be seen. Nathaniel pointed and said, softly, “This is Robert’s room.” They continued a short way down the passage. “This is mine. Ours for this night.”


Chapter 24