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

There is other family news. My eldest brother James and his wife are expecting their first child. The promise of a new generation has the entire Yardley family abustle, which drives me out of the house as often as I possibly can escape. Mother is becoming less and less subtle about the young women she invites to the house. In short, Boston is a dreadful mess. I spend my evenings dreaming of Wroxham and wishing there was a church nearby to which I could escape. But then I remember that it would not have you as my haven, and I realize I am doomed regardless.


I hope my letter finds you in good health and better spirits.


Chapter 35