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

“Yes, I love you very much,” Leander said.


Basil sat up and looked at him. “I mean, do youreally love me? And I don’t mean like one of your parishioners.”


“Yes, why do you ask such a question?”


“Besides my parents, I don’t think anyone has ever loved me like you do.” Basil laid back down. “Nor have I loved anyone back.”


“You don’t think Mrs. Shocking loves you?”


“I think she loves me like an older brother one must put up with, but I don’t think she loves me like a woman ought to love her husband. I suppose I don’t love her like a man should love his wife, either.”


“Why didn’t you stand up for yourself before you got married?”


“I tried. When my father realized what I was asking, I got a lecture about how one didn’t grow up to disappoint one’s parents. How one learned the profession his parents provide and married a woman within or above his social standing, with his parents’ approval. And then he laughed and said you grow up and do that to your own children.”


Chapter 76