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

After a while, Charles said in a quiet voice, “You’re not going to report me to the authorities, are you?”


He pushed Charles away so he could look him in the eye. “Whatever are you talking about? Report you to the authorities?”


“Testify against me for being so presumptuous. I took the chance you’d reciprocate my feelings and not report me, but now I’m not so sure you won’t.”


“There’s nothing to report. A friend got caught in the rain on a stormy night and stopped to get shelter from the weather.” He pulled Charles back into his chest so Charles couldn’t see the panic in his own face.


Would anyonereport Raphael and me to the authorities?


“Do you want to stay here for the night to give some credence to the fa?ade? It is raining and you could sleep off the wine,” he suggested.


Charles started to get up from Leander’s embrace. “I couldn’t. You’ve been too kind already. I shouldn’t impose on you anymore.” The humiliation in Charles’s eyes betrayed the cheery voice.


Chapter 20