Chapter 18

Though he had known Alonzo would react the way he had, that didn’t quell Ben’s disappointment at being rebuffed. Part of him had hoped their mutual loneliness might bond them in more ways than friendship, even if another part recognized the desire as ridiculous. The man had given up all pleasures of the flesh completely for his collar. Ben’s exposure to the clergy might have been limited, perhaps colored too darkly by his father’s experiences, but he knew enough to be aware of that, even without Alonzo’s reminder afterward. Ben knew he should consider himself fortunate that Alonzo hadn’t condemned him on sight as a deviant. But that still didn’t erase the regret that nothing would happen between them.

They walked in silence through the cool night, Alonzo leading the way to the tributary they could follow to Ben’s land. One thing Alonzo had not yielded on was the need for Ben to wear a shirt.

“You’ll be too cold without one,” he’d said. “I only wish I could offer you shoes as well.”