I nearly choked on the last phrase. I also failed to mention that the papers were a toned-down version of the speech, heavily edited by Theodore to make the preacher more amenable.
As I waited, he read it, pursing his lips. He grunted in agreement with a few points and twice picked up his pen, making notations in the margin.
When he finished, he handed back the papers. “I agree with much of what you say, but would not introducing you be tantamount to endorsing your views?”
“In some ways, yes. But you need not say anything so explicit. Your presence would speak for itself.” I struggled to maintain the humility I’d practiced with Theodore. “I simply thought your reputation would be safer if you owned up publicly to living a Free Love lifestyle rather than being found out later.”
“And you
