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

A murmur rose from the crowd. The news should have upset Leander or anyone else who cared, but somehow Leander found strength in the revelation.


Emil had died trying to save the children, protecting them with his arms like a bird that spreads his wings over his nest to protect his brood.


Leander took a deep breath and put a brave, forced smile on his face.


Finish the task and you can get on with it. Everyone is looking to you for strength, and Emil depends on you not to betray him.


Leander thanked the coroner and the firefighters. He offered a prayer to the crowd and it dispersed into the night.


Leander dismissed Mrs. Dawson for the evening and returned to the parish house. The smell of smoke, the reminder of the events of the day, hung heavy in the home he had made his own with Emil. Even the murmur of onlookers permeated the walls of the house, but all he could hear was Emil’s absence.


Emil will never walk these halls again, he suddenly realized.


Chapter 43