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

“The defense rests, Your Honor,” Weeks said and sat.


The judge looked at Noble, who nodded his reply. “You may go, Mrs. Shocking.”


Mrs. Shocking gathered her skirts and stepped down from the stand with the help of the bailiff. She stomped out of the courtroom without looking at Noble or her husband. The heavy oak door slammed shut after her, shaking the courtroom with its echo. 38


Leander finished the morning service and was in the study getting a head start on the next week’s sermon. Peter was with the Davenports again, and he was supposed to have Sunday dinner with the Shockings, but they hadn’t been at service that morning.


There was a knock on the back door, and at first, Leander barely heard it from the office. As he approached the kitchen, the knocking grew louder and more insistent. Through the window, he saw Mr. Shocking.


He opened the door. “Ah, Mr. Shocking, I wondered what the outcome of our plans might be today.”


Chapter 63