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

Jonathan turned and walked toward him. He stopped in front of him, reached out and took one hand in his. Jonathan searched Nathaniel’s face for several long moments and then said, “You have come to tell me you are leaving.” Jonathan’s eyes lowered to their clasped hands.


“How did you know? I have told only Mr. Worthing and Robert.” Nathaniel spoke softly and with great tenderness.


“I know because you are an honorable man. With Samuel determined to undermine us, we have no chance of being together as we desire without being discovered. Neither of us could stand separation for long. We would continue to take chances until we were, indeed, caught. You could not let that happen to me. So, it all fits. You will leave to keep me safe.”


Chapter 43