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

This new threat of Samuel’s pursuit impeded their quest even further.


“Are you reluctant then to meet as planned this Saturday?” Nathaniel asked. He hoped Jonathan would still be willing to carry out their idea of meeting at the school after classes, under the guise of his needing Nathaniel’s help with some school repairs. He missed his lover and needed to be with him.


“Reluctant?” Jonathan replied. “Yes, but willing to forego a chance to be with you again…no.” He smiled and continued. “I have told Rebecca there are some repairs needed on the water barrels and apple casks. Who better to ask than my dear friend and master cooper, Nathaniel?”


“You sound like you think yourself very clever for devising such a remarkable scheme,” Nathaniel rejoined in a teasing manner.


“Well, I think it was brilliant,” Jonathan retorted with a laugh. “We are evil, are we not?” he said.


Chapter 40