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

I am greatly pleased to read that you have found a respite with your family, however brief. If you do not have that distraction hanging over your head, you can concentrate more fully on your writing and your studies. I am also pleased to see that you have the support of the faculty. Their support is a great boon and you will be thankful for it long after you graduate.


You haunt my dreams as well. But that is hardly a surprise, as you haunt my waking thoughts. I have not danced in many years, but I would certainly try for you. I will do whatever I have to do to simply touch you again. You are one of the most beautiful people I have ever seen. Has anybody ever told you how captivating you are? I fear the answer to my question is “no.” Which is truly unfortunate, as you deserve to be told often.


Chapter 39