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

“You know,” Emil said, breaching the silence, “the last time I had a close mate, he was sent away to London when we were exposed.”


“I suppose ‘discovered’ is a nicer word for what really happened. I was close to another young man named Tommy Taylor. After the scandal, his parents moved to London. His mother and sister recently returned to Southampton.”


“The Taylor Family?” Leander asked. “Tommy is Miss Wardine Taylor’s brother?”


Emil nodded his reply. Leander soaked up the courage to continue with his own revelation in the autumn sun.


“I had a special friend, too. Up until our third year at Cambridge. Then he became all religious or something and stopped wanting to see me.” Leander’s nerves forced him to smile.


“Mr. Melvin, from whom you receive the letters?”


“First loves.” Emil chuckled. “How did we ever get on with our lives?”


Chapter 31