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

On Sunday morning, he was pleasantly surprised to find Emil alone in the kitchen. At the sound of his footsteps, Emil looked up and beamed.


“I hope you don’t mind my cooking today. I always let Mrs. Dawson have the day to spend with her family. I’ve become quite the breakfast cook, and she puts Sunday dinner in the icebox for me on Saturday before she leaves,” Emil explained. “I put it in the oven before I go over to the church, and it’s usually ready by the early afternoon.”


“That sounds like a fine arrangement,” Leander said as he sat at the dining room table. Emil had prepared a spread of eggs, bacon, and pancakes.


“Today the Shocking family has invited you to Sunday Dinner with them,” Emil informed him, handing him the note.


Only the nervous clanking of utensils on china could be heard between the two.


“I spent most of yesterday reworking the sermon based on our conversation from Friday night,” Leander said finally.


Chapter 26