{"id":2922,"date":"2021-12-17T13:27:59","date_gmt":"2021-12-17T18:27:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/?p=2922"},"modified":"2021-12-17T13:27:59","modified_gmt":"2021-12-17T18:27:59","slug":"chapter-13-a-january-for-jane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/readingroom\/chapter-13-a-january-for-jane\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 13 A January for Jane"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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10\/25\/2017 In the summer of 2014, I learned a long-time friend and mentor had passed away months ago and I was one of the last to know because my family is military and moves. 2 friends each thought the other had told me. So when I found out, I was not only devastated to lose a woman who helped bring me to church, but I felt like I had somehow been cheated a part of my life once again by the fact that I have been a Navy dependent (child and spouse) my entire life. I was angry! I was bereft… And that channeled into what if the same thing happened to Elizabeth Bennet?\u00a0<\/p>

Out of my pain and loss came one of my favorite series to write. I am working on Book 6 as we speak.<\/p>

XOXOXO Elizabeth Ann West<\/h1>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Chapter 13 - A January for Jane, a Pride and Prejudice Variation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Under the direction\u00a0of Mrs. Buchanan, a great raiding of the hot houses attached to Starvet House filled the home with every bloom and blossom to be had. Outdoors the dreariness of winter reigned, but inside the mixture of flowers and evergreen boughs strewn upon every surface marked a theme of new beginnings and steadfast loyalty.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cEnough with that incessant sneezing, Bridget! For heaven\u2019s sake, find a handkerchief and do not be seen during the breakfast!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYes ma\u2019am.\u201d The obedient Bridget curtsied to the housekeeper. In a home that entertained more, the maid would not be fit for the ground floor with her proclivity to water at the eyes and blow unsightly fluids from her nose.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cFinish up and be scarce. The whole village shall arrive half past the hour.\u201d Mrs. Buchanan inhaled the sweet combination of fresh pine and white rose from an arrangement atop the fireplace in the dining room. She began to walk towards the hall to the kitchens below but quickly changed her mind. With the impending wedding breakfast set in the English tradition, the day would be a capricious blend of traditions and there was but one in house with the ability to spoil it all.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Lifting her skirts to fly up the steps, Mrs. Buchanan restored her visage in a mirror in the hall and pinched her cheeks. The stress of the event had made her fair, auburn-haired framed complexion even more pronounced. But she would never say she was white with fear, there was simply no time for such notions!<\/span><\/span><\/p>

After a pert knock on the door, she entered the guest suite containing the Duchess Hamilton and made her curtsy.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

“Is there any comfort or nourishment I may fetch for you, Your Grace?” Mrs. Buchanan did not add that once the wedding breakfast began, there would be few maids on hand to answer Aileena Hamilton\u2019s beck and call.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

“There are to be two carriages arriving from Gododdin Castle. I expect them at any moment. I should like to be alerted when they arrive.”<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mrs. Buchanan felt a small twinge of anxiety. Lord Hamilton’s mother could not possibly plan to abandon Starvet House on the very day of his nuptials? Such a development would indeed spoil the best day in many a memory and could not be borne!<\/span><\/span><\/p>

“Your Grace? Are there any further instructions regarding the carriages?” Mrs. Buchanan gulped and attempted to learn the woman\u2019s plans before playing accomplice.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

“I’m afraid not. But I expect to be informed, is that clear?”<\/span><\/span><\/p>

“Ye-yes, Your Grace.” Mrs. Buchanan hurried from \u00a0the suite of rooms with another challenge upon her shoulders and even less time than before to meet them all. Bustling down the stairs, she barked at a group of footmen and maids lolly-gagging over the chore of decorating. The jubilation of the wedding filled the house with such warmth and joy, even Mrs. Buchanan could not be truly cross with her staff. From ceiling to floor, every surface gleamed. The centuries old Scottish homestead would remind the village of the great families who once called Starvet their primary home.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

In the hall, Mrs. Buchanan found the butler Mr. Harper and as she tried to discuss the impending arrival of the Gododdin carriages, young Seamus interrupted to say they had just arrived. As Mrs. Buchanan stomped her foot in indignation, the young footman whispered into Mr. Harper\u2019s ear at the butler\u2019s insistence for more information.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

“Lord in Heaven, we cannot let her leave without his Lordship\u2019s approval! That woman be crafty beyond measure to plan such an escape during the wedding.” Mrs. Buchanan struggled to remain civil in her criticism of the great lady, but to her the only great persons deserving respect in the household were Miss Jane and his Lordship. It was they who were christened such by her master and mistress, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mr. Harper raised a brow at Mrs. Buchanan\u2019s talk of escaping. He cleared his throat. “The carriages be full of trunks. Parcels and boxes laden with what appears to be \u00a0fabrics and personal effects of Her Grace.”<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Weekly chapter alerts, news, and other happy tidings! Join my mailing list!<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Chapter 13 (cont'd) - A January for Jane, a Pride and Prejudice Variation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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“You mean she’s staying?” Mrs. Buchanan’s hand fluttered over her chest as her weathered face turned to allow a glance upstairs. She muttered a brief prayer of thanks before giving instruction to the butler. “Set Colin and William to the task as well. They’re only standing about in the drawing room paying too much attention to Bridget and Fiona.” Mrs. Buchanan began to walk away when Mr. Harper stopped her. \u00a0Attending to the kitchens was the last check on her list of preparations to oversee and the delay was met with a stern gaze.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cAnd where should you like for me to place the gifts?” Mr. Harper asked. Though he was, in fact, the head of all Starvet House staff, he knew better than to make a decision as to the location of items in the home without consulting Mrs. Buchanan. At least, he knew better than to do such a thing unless he wished to double his workload by moving said items to their proper location at a later time.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

“Gifts?\u201d Mrs. Buchanan’s heart threatened to burst at the good news of the Duchess\u2019 acceptance of her mistress, Miss Jane. “Are you certain they are gifts and not personal items of Duchess Hamilton?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mr. Harper shook his head and smoothed his vest down over his round belly. “The Gododdin driver was quite clear the first carriage\u2019s contents were to be taken directly to the Duchess, but the second. . . “<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mrs. Buchanan’s expression of surprise and loss of interest in what Mr. Harper had to say infuriated the man so that he stopped talking. But as he turned to look behind him to see what it was the housekeeper saw, his mouth began to quiver before he recovered good regulation over his lower jaw bone. \u201cYour Grace! How might we be of service?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>

The bejeweled grand lady of one of the area\u2019s most ancient families descended the last of the stairs with a regal air. Long gone was the crazed, malnourished and confused woman who appeared on the stone steps of the house less than a fortnight ago.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI should have expected to be told of my carriages\u2019 arrival as I asked. As the staff here is inept, I have come down to oversee the unloading myself.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cThat is not necessary, Your Grace. Mr. Harper and I were just alerted of the arrival and were discussing where best to display your great generosity.\u201d Mrs. Buchanan attempted to reason with the woman, still nervous that all \u00a0her faculties might not be fully recovered from the terrible night the housekeeper had witnessed personally.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI should like the front parlor. As the guests arrive, I wish to stand and greet them in the receiving line that his Lordship and Lady Hamilton might join.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mrs. Buchanan drew in her breath at the first proclamation of Miss Jane\u2019s new title. Tears welled in her eyes as the emotional toll settled about her as a heavy cloak. The wild ride to a happy ending for the lovely miss who dared to call Scotland her home had worried the housekeeper more than she\u2019d been willing to admit.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cIndeed.\u201d Mrs. Buchanan sniffed to regain her composure. \u201cLady Hamilton and your son will be most pleased!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Thankfully, there was not long to wait as a raucous crowd could be heard outside as the entire village promenaded with the happy couple from over the kill lining the top of the drive up to the great house. Streams of ribbon, the unmistakable strain of bagpipes, and joyous singing carried the inhabitants from the small hamlet of Haddington right up to the front doors of Starvet. Mrs. Buchanan managed to excuse herself to check on the kitchen staff, but it was for naught. The footmen were arranging the last of the silver trays of the best sweetmeats, breads, and pickled vegetables the kitchens had to offer plus an entire table of candies, bannocks, and gingered fruit peelings.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

A swell of good cheer filled the entryway of the main house as Lord Hamilton left his bonnie bride to embrace the hands of his mother, a broad grin giving his handsome face the appearance of borrowed youth.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMy een cannot be seeing this!\u201d The abounding happiness of being at last a husband affected Graham Hamilton\u2019s good manners in a roguish way.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cTis no call for vulgarity. To marry is to halve your rights and double your duty.\u201d Duchess Hamilton feigned indifference to the monumental change displayed by not only her gifts for the happy couple, but also her presence in welcoming their friends and well-wishers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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WHAT A DEAL!<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A kiss at the Netherfield Ball . . .<\/b><\/span><\/p>

Three Dates with Mr. Darcy<\/em> is a bundle of: An exclusive story, <\/span>Much to Conceal<\/em>, a novella that imagines what if Elizabeth confessed to Jane in London that Mr. Darcy proposed in Kent? <\/span>
<\/p>\n

A Winter Wrong,<\/em> the first novella in the Seasons of Serendipity series that imagines what if Mr. Bennet died at the very beginning of Pride and Prejudice?<\/p>\n

By Consequence of Marriage,<\/em> the first novel in the Moralities of Marriage series that wonders what if Mr. Darcy never saved his sister Georgiana from Wickham\u2019s clutches?<\/p>\n

Elizabeth Ann West\u2019s Pride and Prejudice variations have enthralled more than 100,000 readers in over 90 countries! A proud member of the Jane Austen Fan Fiction community since the mid-2000s, she hopes you will join her in being happily Darcy addicted!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Chapter 13(cont'd) - A January for Jane, a Pride and Prejudice Variation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\u201cAye, and let it be my duty to introduce my small family. Mother, please accept my wife, Lady Jane Hamilton, Countess Bolton, Baroness Tweeddale. And our ward, Master Robert Wickham.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Aileena Hamilton\u2019s eyes flicked to the babe in a maid\u2019s arms, swaddled for the cold weather with a silver Luckenbooth holding the folds of a tartan pattern popular amongst the Hamilton Clan. The boy favored his aunt but for his dark curls, and the Duchess thought those must be the contribution of the child\u2019s father. The nursemaid lifted the baby as if to offer the child to his grandmother, but Aileena Hamilton tsked her tongue and Alice swiftly drew the babe closer to her own chest.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cDuchess Hamilton, it is an honor and a privilege to have you bless our wedding breakfast.\u201d Jane Hamilton broke protocol of the drawing rooms of London by addressing her better first, but her annoyance at Robin\u2019s rejection pierced as a burr in her stocking. It chafed and stung.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYour gown is very lovely. I appreciate that you have honored the Hamilton Clan\u2019s hunter green in your tartan.\u201d Duchess Hamilton paid a compliment to attempt another reconciliation and for now, it was enough.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Jane politely excused herself to freshen up after the last of the villagers were greeted and escorted to the food platters. This left Graham and his mother alone for a few moments.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cDid you need to avoid little Robin, Mother?\u201d Graham maintained a jolly expression as he nodded and accepted the continual toasts and bouts of ribbing from the men of the village.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou ask too much, Graemie. I am doing my best to make an effort. Will you not look to see how far I have come instead of dwelling on the distance I have yet to travel?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cThe deed is done, Mother. My family is secure. I advise you to get what you can and keep what you have.\u201d The younger Hamilton turned another proverb on his mother to gently remind her that his sister and her child were gone, never to be recovered. But in him and Jane she might have more to love and live for, if only she would accept his ward.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cAnd time shall ease my stubbornness. Look at the miracle a week has made!\u201d The Duchess began to sound like her old self, laughing at her own faults, mixing her covert conversation with her son with louder, welcoming talk with the villagers who stood in awe of the formidable woman from Gododdin Castle.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

With the large party sated and satisfied, the pipers and other musicians took up their trade and the merry morning church attendees spilled into the cleared drawing room for reel after reel. Jane positively glowed in a slightly altered dress to remove some of the more ornate jewelry and adornments honoring Graham\u2019s many titles. She took her husband\u2019s hand firmly with each opportunity to spin and twirl to the music\u2019s feverish pitch. If his lordship pulled his lass a tad tighter to his person than the couples around them, there was none too sober to make a fuss.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

After seeing them to their first dance and second, Aileena Hamilton let it be known that she had taxed her health and needed to rest. She quietly abandoned the revelry to move above stairs to her suite of rooms, but when she reached the landing, her feet carried her in a different direction. She heard voices on the opposite side of a great white door, the two nursemaids she knew to be the child\u2019s caregivers. As the door creaked open, the two maids stopped quarreling and perked up expecting Lady Jane or Lord Graham, but appeared crestfallen to find it was the Duchess.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

However, after a curtsy, both Alice and Millie swiftly recovered to inquire as to how they might be of service.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Duchess Hamilton pointed to the bassinet. \u201cIs he asleep?\u201d she asked, though the boy\u2019s muffled cries of discontent could clearly be heard.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo Your Grace.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Aileena\u2019s eyes traveled around the room to take in the well-fitted nursery. The furniture was much the same as Gododdin, bringing back painful memories of rocking her grandchild before . . .<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cDo you mind?\u201d The Duchess asked, but had already begun to approach the babe. Alice opened her mouth to speak, but Millie elbowed her in the ribs.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cOf course not, Your Grace.\u201d Millie moved to stand slightly in front of her counterpart, but being a good head shorter than Alice, the faux pas remained revealed.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Standing beside the bassinet, Aileena Hamilton leaned over and smiled at the young lad who rewarded the new face with his slobbery, one-toothed grin and deep dimples.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou are the charmer, aren\u2019t you, wee laddie?\u201d Aileen\u2019s thin, frail hands lifted the young man out of his cradle. She cradled him close and soft stepped to the sunlight on the far side of the room. After raising three boys and one daughter to adulthood and then three more children to the years the Good Lord gave them, the natural sway of all mothers returned to her gait as the baby gurgled and cooed to show he was pleased.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI cannot say that I appreciate your howling, but this behavior I can approve. Yes, child, this behavior I can heartily approve.\u201d Aileena laughed at herself as she touched her nose to Master Robin\u2019s, a game she had played with her children from the moment they each arrived. The boy seemed to know the game well and closed his eyes in anticipation only to freshly giggle again at the nudge.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

The appearance of peace and calm settled decidedly in Aileena\u2019s breast and for the first time since she rose that morning, she inhaled as deeply as her lungs might allow. Sidestepping to the rocking chair, she gingerly began to sit down, appreciative that the girl they called Millie rushed forward to steady the chair so that she might not fall.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cThank you, you may leave us.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>

At this edict, Millie hesitated. \u201cI\u2019m afraid\u2014 that is . . .\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cDo you suspect I shall harm this docile, innocent creature?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo, of course not, but our instructions come from his lordship, and we should be in a great deal of trouble, Your Grace, if we leave our post for any reason.\u201d Millie\u2019s voice practically whined the last bit, not wishing to cause trouble on either front, but truly they could not leave.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWell, one of you should get some sleep. I can promise the Master and Mistress will not be eager for any interruption tonight!\u201d The prim and proper lady pursed her lips to keep herself from laughing at the innuendo she made that put both maids in a high state of discomfort. Watching the love match between her son and this child\u2019s aunt, from the dancing to the fierce loyalty they seemed to give one another, her son was correct. It would not be long, Lord willing, before a brood of children again called her Nanna.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

And so it began, the first evening of a completed family took its residence in a borrowed house. The lodgings temporary until the restoration of Blaylock House, but the bonds forged in those tumultuous few weeks cemented the new Hamilton Clan as strong and fierce as their branches from long ago. And though she had planned to write to her sister at Pemberley the very afternoon of her wedding, Lady Jane Hamilton, Countess of Bolton, Baroness of Tweedale, simply could not find the time to do so for a number of weeks.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

It came to pass that her new husband was most insistent of her attentions not only at night when they could slumber safely in each other\u2019s arms, but also in the light of day when they might shirk their duties for the briefest moments. More than a year since losing her father and many months since losing her sister, the former Jane Bennet chose to count her blessings\u2014including the one that meant she would not hear her mother\u2019s effusions upon learning her eldest daughter had married the son of a Duke!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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You’ve been reading A January for Jane<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Hiding at Mr. Darcy’s Scottish estate with her orphaned, illegitimate nephew, Jane Bennet begins to fall for Graham Hamilton. Homeless from the fire destroying Blaylock House, Mr. Hamilton has stayed at Starvet House since the Darcys left for London, and is everything a gentleman ought to be. But as his own feelings begin to consume him, he has to break through Jane’s unwillingness to experience any happiness for herself. This bonus novella in the Seasons of Serendipity series explores the love story of Jane Bennet and her Scottish lord!\u00a0<\/p>

A sweet, short, romantic read for fans of Jane Austen Fan Fiction!<\/p>

A January for Jane, Seasons of Serendipity Bride\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span>a Pride and Prejudice novella variation series<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Release Date: August 22, 2016<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

94 pages in print.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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+ 23 additional Pride & Prejudice variations are available at these fine retailers . . . <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Keep reading more by clicking below!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tChapter 1 A January for Jane\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tChapter 2 A January for Jane\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tChapter 5 A January for Jane\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tChapter 3 A January for Jane\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tChapter 4 A January for Jane\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tChapter 7 A January for Jane\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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