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

Leander saw Noble furiously writing notes during Mrs. Kent’s testimony. Noble stared at his hands before rising to do his cross-examination. When he rose abruptly, one of his papers fell from the table. Leander’s spirits sank when he saw a scribble of flames on the paper rather than any words. He knew then that Noble’s line of questioning would bring out the details of the fire.


“Mrs. Kent, for the benefit of the record, what happened to the original building in which the day nursery was housed?”


Mrs. Kent’s nervous and uncomfortable look immediately returned to her face. Her knuckles grew white, as she clenched her fists at the mention of the original day nursery.


Leander imagined Mrs. Kent was a mother goose defending her brood. Her stare could have penetrated anyone, directly to his soul. He knew, though, there was no refuting the situation Noble was about to bring to light.


Chapter 38