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

Soon everyone began to assemble. Jonathan stood waiting, with Nathaniel at his side. His brothers, father and the minister stood waiting for the bride. In a short time, Jonathan’s mother and Ruth returned to the room, then Mary, and finally Rebecca. She looked lovely. Her auburn hair was piled on her head and secured with dried flowers. She walked to Jonathan and took his hand. Mary moved to her side and they all turned to the Reverend.


The next few minutes were a blur of emotion for the young man. Jonathan felt as though he were watching the scenes before him from far away. It was as though he were outside his body. The whole proceeding took on an air of unreality.


Chapter 33