Student of letters, Micah Yardley wants one thing: to meet the poet Jefferson Dering. After hearing his idol speak at Harvard, Micah travels to Jefferson’s home in nearby Wroxham, entertaining visions of discussing poetry over dinner and drinks. What he experiences exceeds anything he ever anticipated.<br><br>Jefferson finds Micah mesmerizing and passionate, everything he has ever wanted. But after getting caught in a compromising position with another young man a decade earlier, he exiled himself from Boston and from affairs of the heart. Jefferson represses his longing for Micah, but his tumultuous emotions cannot be contained.<br><br>Micah denies the truth of his desire for Jefferson. Jefferson refuses to act on his passion for Micah. But all it takes is a single kiss in Wroxham's haunted church to change the course of their lives ... and ignite the flame that could fulfill a generations-old promise.

A Hidden Beauty

“Come, sir.” Ewan tugged at his arm, dragging Micah to his feet. “We should away while we have the opportunity.”


Micah had no choice but to follow. By the time he exited the church, Jefferson was nowhere to be seen.


For the rest of the day, the inn was abuzz with the doings at the church. Everyone had a theory. Mrs. Ruark especially seemed eager to share her opinions of what exactly had caused the sudden unnatural events.


Micah heard none of it. He was too concerned about Jefferson. He’d gone to Jefferson’s house in an attempt to find out what was wrong, but no amount of banging on the front door drew a response. Ewan dragged him away, as assuredly as he had done at the church. Micah’s feet felt like lead every step he took away from Jefferson and his friend’s obvious distress.


Night fell. Micah stood at the window, staring out into the darkness, while Ewan stoked the fire behind him.


Chapter 24