In 1910, the United Kingdom is in turmoil. King Edward dies after only nine years on the throne. The social class system that upheld British society for centuries is being chipped away by social, political, and economic unrest across the Empire. Amidst this backdrop, Reverend Leander Norris is accused of sodomy. After discovering his own self-worth and the meaning of unconditional love, Leander finds the courage to stand up for what he believes is right and pleads "not guilty" to the charges.<br><br>Throughout the trial, Leander's past is revealed, including the temptations that bring the accusations against him. By the end of the trial, Leander is once again reunited with a romantic interest from the past. But it may be too late to rekindle any love that remains, given the circumstances of the era and Leander's likely sentence.<br><br>Love is greater than hope or faith, but can Leander convince a jury that the love he shares with another man is natural?

Disappear with Me

“Ray, you’re the only person who ever treated me like family.” Leander tried to stop the tears from flowing down his cheeks. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”


“Do you know what would happen if we were discovered? Buggery’s illegal, you know. You remember what happened a couple of years ago on Cleveland Street?”


“Of course I do, Raphael, but that argument is weak. The Cleveland Street situation was as much about little Eddy getting caught as it was about prostitution.” He tried to calm his breathing and mask his hurt and desperation from Raphael. “Do you think what we do is criminal? Do you think after all this time we should be arrested for what I thought was love?”


Raphael sat in silence and after a while started picking up his books.


Chapter 18