{"id":2942,"date":"2020-04-30T06:19:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-30T10:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/?p=2942"},"modified":"2020-04-29T14:20:16","modified_gmt":"2020-04-29T18:20:16","slug":"chapter-2-a-winter-wonder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/readingroom\/chapter-2-a-winter-wonder\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 2 A Winter Wonder"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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I am terribly sorry I lost track of things and began posting this book from 2015 and then stopped. Life became very distracting for me as I poured my energies into another project, and the Universe reminded me loudly and clearly, I am an author. \ud83d\ude42 *giggles* Shall we resume?<\/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 2 - A Winter Wonder, 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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After a few weeks of living at Pemberley, Elizabeth Darcy keenly felt the estate\u2019s magnitude, but slowly found her way around more easily. Her husband had spent nary a day with her before estate matters \u2014 matters he had long neglected due to his trip to Hertfordshire, marriage, and honeymoon \u2014 occupied his early mornings and afternoons. He was always careful to arrive back home from any rides in time to dress for dinner, and so a happy routine befell the house.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth would wake later than she used to, find her bed already empty and join her mother and sisters in the sunny breakfast parlor. Every morning, a fresh cut rose lay on her plate, and with the weather becoming drearier as the calendar spent, the mystery began to nag at her.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Lifting the morning\u2019s offering to her nose with a pert smile on her face, her younger sisters giggled across the table. Elizabeth caught Georgiana\u2019s eye and made a face.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhat do you know that I do not? How do these roses grow so well? We\u2019ve walked the gardens, and while they are beautiful, they are appropriately barren for the season.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cFitzwilliam did not show you the greenhouses? We have six on the far side of the stables!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth frowned as she should have realized an estate this large would own numerous hot houses. The solarium on the back of the London town home was an excellent example of such extravagance though Elizabeth knew it was not to be boastful that the Darcy homes possessed such charms. The former Mrs. Darcy had been too ill to enjoy much of the outdoors and her devoted husband, Fitzwilliam\u2019s father, brought the outdoors to her.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Absently, Elizabeth smoothed her skirts over her burgeoning midsection before taking a seat. In truth, she had not explored by the stables owing to the lone argument she and her husband had since arriving home.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

In Scotland, Elizabeth had learned to ride a horse and enjoyed her jaunts to the countryside with her husband very much. The escapades had served perfectly to preserve their privacy as her youngest sister, Lydia, had joined them to hide her own pregnancy. While the babe survived, Lydia did not. Elizabeth had hoped to use the same tactic to escape the larger congregation of family now residing with them for the winter, at least until her girth proved too wide for such exercise. But her husband would not hear of it. He was adamant it was too great a risk to her health and the child growing inside of her.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cElizabeth, did you not hear me?\u201d Kitty sipped her drink watching the effect of her louder voice startle her elder sister.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI beg your pardon,\u201d Elizabeth shook her head briefly and inhaled deeply, \u201cforgive me. My mind was elsewhere. What was the question?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cShe asked if you received any letters from Lydia. Kitty is cross because she has written half a dozen times now with no response.\u201d Georgiana knitted her brows together much in the same way Fitzwilliam did when he was frustrated. The resemblance between the two siblings always struck Elizabeth at the oddest times.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Clearing her throat and looking down at her plate, she struggled for an excuse. \u201cPerhaps the post is merely delayed.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou receive letters from Jane! I\u2019ve seen them!\u201d Kitty complained.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYes, but Jane has written that Lydia is ill. Perhaps she has not the strength to write back. I\u2019ll ask Jane to include some lines in her next letter.\u201d Elizabeth hoped to gloss over Kitty\u2019s query when Mrs. Bennet entered the room complaining about some trifling matter regarding her wash basin. Releasing a sigh of relief, Elizabeth tried to eat more of her breakfast but her appetite had disappeared.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMama, if Lydia is so very ill, I should hasten to Scotland straight away!\u201d Kitty pleaded.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cLydia is fine dear, she has sweet Jane to care for her. Besides, if you leave Pemberley, who will comfort her dear Mama with stories? Hmm?\u201d Mrs. Bennet placated her youngest living daughter, propagating the lie that must save them all from Lydia\u2019s shame.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou would not suggest leaving to Scotland to avoid your punishment would you?\u201d Mary Bennet found a seat at the table with her own plate of food.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

As Elizabeth Darcy\u2019s stomach lurched and tumbled with her uneasiness of lies, the back and forth arguments at the table reminded her so of Longbourn, back when her family was whole and still had their Papa. And Lydia for that matter. That small happy thought lifted her spirits as Kitty sputtered more and more anger. Elizabeth needed a change of subject and quickly.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cGeorgiana, what does the house do for the tenants for Christmas and Boxing Day?\u201d Elizabeth managed a bite of fruit after asking her question. All heads turned to Georgiana and for a moment, the peace restored.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI am not . . .\u201d Georgiana frowned and played with the tablecloth with her fingers, \u201cI was so young, I do not remember.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Before the mood could descend further into a melancholy, Elizabeth announced that she would ask Mrs. Reynolds. A brief silence took over before the new Mrs. Darcy made her next announcement. \u201cAnd I do believe my sisters and I should visit the tenants today.\u201d Elizabeth triumphantly looked at the clear skies outside.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cBut it\u2019s cold!\u201d Kitty cried.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cGenerosity does not know a season.\u201d<\/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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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 2 (cont'd) - A Winter Wonder, 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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\u201cThank you, Mary.\u201d Elizabeth said. \u201cI am certain with warm bricks and blankets we shall be as comfortable as may be. I will ask you and Georgiana to gather up any old linens and spare cloth. My mother and I can see to the baskets of food, and Mary, you might talk to the stable master to prepare the wagons and warming items?\u201d In Elizabeth\u2019s mind, the ladies of the house had spent far too much time doing little and a bit of distraction was warranted.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m afraid the cold will not do well for my nerves! I am much older than you young ones, I should not presume to accompany you on your visits. No, it is best that I stay behind.\u201d Mrs. Bennet tittered on about her constitution while her daughters smirked. Never in their time at Longbourn had Mrs. Bennet deigned to visit tenants.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth Darcy stood and swept over to her mother\u2019s chair, offering the woman a loving care which Mrs. Bennet eagerly accepted as she craved attention. \u201cOf course, dear Mama, I would not expect you to go with us. But I could use your experience in planning the baskets,\u201d Elizabeth strategically plumped up her mother\u2019s ego, \u201cand you certainly should remain behind to help entertain our cousins with your sister while we are gone.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mrs. Bennet\u2019s smile faded and the girls\u2019 attitudes became so jubilant over their new purpose for the day, that the room sounded once more joyful and vibrant.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

A sly fox early in his fifth decade stood on deck of the\u00a0HMS Plato\u00a0<\/i>watching the crew heave mooring lines over the sides to the waiting men below on the dock. Twenty-five years gone since he last stepped foot in his home country. Forced out of his family and banished to seek his fortunes in the jewel of the British Crown, he inhaled the bitter English air feeling it mightily unfortunate to not return with his pockets lined in riches.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou there! Who gave you permission to come above deck?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The man flinched slightly at the gruff address, but held his palms up by his chest in a mock surrender.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMy orders were for all civilians to stay below or in their staterooms!\u201d The executive officer of the\u00a0Plato<\/i>\u00a0challenged the man as he stood innocently by the railing. The passenger flashed the officer a charming smile.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo harm done, sir. I merely wished to observe our arrival. It has been many years since I\u2019ve been home.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The executive officer grumbled something about civilians seeking safe passage a burden to naval operations, but he had more pressing matters to attend to before the plank could be fastened. Shouts and jeers rang through the air as the crew of the\u00a0Plato<\/i>\u00a0eagerly wanted leave and the dock hands treated the boat like any other arrival: slowly. Eventually, the great vessel became secured allowing cargo and riffraff alike to disembark.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The\u00a0Plato<\/i>\u00a0would likely spend many months in port repairing her numerous injuries from no less than three naval skirmishes from India to England. Although a naval vessel, she was no battleship. Impressed into His Majesty\u2019s Service from a loyal merchant, she was haphazardly outfitted with guns and best used to ferry cargo and much-needed supplies. Not a thrilling assignment for any sailor until the American embargo put further strain on England\u2019s perpetual fight with the French.\u00a0Plato<\/i>\u00a0had not sailed robustly home, she had limped.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Within the hour, the man held his measly belongings and wound his way to a local pub for a much-needed drink while regaining his land legs. Two months aboard the\u00a0\u00a0Plato<\/i>\u00a0had thwarted his balance. Other nabobs\u00a0had suffered far worse injury from the cannon fire and general dangers of a sailing ship. If only one of the rich turkeys in a stateroom, rather than the dingy hold the man had traveled in, had died mid-voyage, the man would have secured an easy payday.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Fickle Fortune had not shined on her wayward son during the voyage, unless one counted his survival, but he had nipped some coins before escaping topside to avoid his victims\u2019 realization. Paying for the drink with money earned by another, he plunked down in a dark corner of the pub with his mug of ale and listened.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

In time, an opportunity to make more would find its way. It always did for Alistair Darcy.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Holed up in his study, Fitzwilliam Darcy carefully examined the plans for spring planting created by his steward, Mr. Hampton. Possessing over seventy-five fields of arable land, the grid before him explicitly labeled crops, grazing lands, and fallow fields for both the plots farmed by the estate proper, and Darcy\u2019s tenants. The western border caught his attention as he noticed two fields unusually labeled fallow out of rotation.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cHave the Cortlands decided not to farm?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Ernest Hampton gripped his hat in his hands a little tighter. \u201cI rode out last week with no sign of the Cortlands to be seen. The house inside empty.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy rubbed his chin and pondered. The Cortlands were a four generation family of Pemberley tenants. It was unfathomable for them to suddenly pack up and leave without warning.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cHave you served notice to the inn for the vacancy?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The steward shook his head. \u201cI thought it best to wait for you, sir, and with it only being two fields\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The Cortland farm actually composed of six fields, but the main house had farmed four of them as Mr. Cortland negotiated the lower lease amount in exchange for the use of the land. Darcy pinched his brow as he considered his options. It would be best to open the property to his current tenants if any of the other families wished to move, but the squabbling and discord such a decision could create was a legitimate worry. The last time lands on the Darcy estate opened for new tenants was over seven years ago when his father still ran the estate. The tenant families of Pemberley simply did not leave.<\/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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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 2(cont'd) - A Winter Wonder, 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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Darcy dipped a quill and encircled the four fields he knew resided with the lease of the Cortland farm. After making his notations, he handed the plans back to the steward. \u201cWe shall tell all families of the Cortland vacancy and any interested in moving locations may let us know by Christmas. We shall choose by drawing lots.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mr. Hampton scratched his head. \u201cA fair plan, but I might suggest some families are more worthy candidates than others, if you do not take offense, sir. A sizable farm needs proper management.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cNone taken, we shall choose the family that moves to greater responsibility. But it will appear as if drawn by lot so as to prevent any ill-will towards the family that is chosen.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The steward laughed and Darcy reached out to shake his hand. Darcy greatly respected Mr. Hampton and complimented the modern layout of crop rotation he proposed. \u201cHow do you feel about managing this Herculean task without my presence? You are aware Mrs. Darcy and I plan to be in London for our sisters\u2019 debuts.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Ernest Hampton sat back in his chair and gulped. His face flexed and grimaced as he vacillated on a response. \u201cI am not over confident in my abilities, sir, and this being the first planting we are working together, I understand you\u2019d be nervous, Mr. Darcy. But I assure you that I am up to the task.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy considered his steward carefully, taking slightly too much enjoyment in the poor man\u2019s anxieties. If he was honest with the man, there was nothing more he wished than to forgo London altogether and stay at Pemberley with his wife and family for evermore. On further consideration, perhaps a touch of pruning the particular family members in residence might be in order, but on the whole, the first month home at Pemberley had passed peacefully. Before he could respond to Mr. Hampton, the study door opened and Mrs. Reynolds carried in a tray of tea and refreshments. Darcy cocked his head to one side as he found it odd for the housekeeper herself to fulfill such a duty.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cAnd how may I help you, Mrs. Reynolds?\u201d Darcy anticipated the housekeeper\u2019s aim as he shuffled a few papers on his desk.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cForgive me, sir, but Mrs. Darcy, Miss Darcy, and the Miss Bennets have just come to me with an alarming plan and while it is not my place, I thought you should be apprised of it.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy raised his eyebrow at the elderly housekeeper that she would dare undermine Mrs. Darcy\u2019s authority in the household. \u201cI thought I made it clear that my full faith and confidence resides with Mrs. Darcy in all matters of the household.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cOf course, sir, it\u2019s just that\u2026 their plans are to visit all of the tenant homes and I only worried for Mrs. Darcy\u2019s health.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Darcy smirked at the housekeeper wringing her hands like a mother hen. It was not officiousness that brought Mrs. Reynolds to him, but concern, for it was clear to all with experience in such things that the Darcy heir was well on his way. \u201cHas my wife spoken to the stable master to arrange for bricks and blankets?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The housekeeper nodded. \u201cYes, sir, she had her sister Miss Mary make such arrangements.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cThen I believe my wife is taking all precautions needed and will not tarry out-of-doors longer than her health may sustain.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mrs. Reynolds nodded, accepting the Master\u2019s stance on the matter. Before she could leave though, Darcy called her attention.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI know the house and servants might be . . . haunted by my parents\u2019 experiences. But I can assure you the current Mrs. Darcy is hale and hearty. The only cause that will incite her to be foolhardy in care of her person is the suspicion that she is being coddled. Give her a chance, Mrs. Reynolds.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cAs you say, sir, it shall be done.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mr. Hampton paled at the exchange before him. Once the two men were again alone, Darcy took one look at the poor steward’s ghostly face and burst out laughing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cBuck up Hampton, one lump or two?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The steward\u2019s hand shook as he accepted his cup. Hampton was new to running an estate of this magnitude as Mr. Richards retired last year. But he had trained faithfully under Mr. Richards for many years. Some gentlemen expected their stewards to fully run the estate, but Mr. Darcy preferred a partnership. Still, it was early in their alliance with one another and Ernest Hampton did not know of a safe topic after such a personal conversation concerning Mrs. Darcy. He had so rarely interacted with Mr. Darcy proper without Mr. Richards to handle the heavy lifting in a conversation.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou\u2019re not married, are you Hampton?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Ernest shook his head and took a drink of tea.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI was a bachelor a long time myself,\u201d Darcy raised his cup in acknowledgment of their solidarity. \u201cI can assure you when the right lady comes along, there\u2019s no questioning the Almighty\u2019s plan.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Hampton nodded and braved an opinion of his own. \u201cIt is touching that you trust Mrs. Darcy to know her own mind on such matters. Not all husbands are so trusting.\u201d Hampton gulped, praying his forwardness did not sound critical.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cAh, I only said if she suspected she was being coddled. Eat up, man. We\u2019re taking a tour of the tenant farms ourselves. Just as soon as we see which way her wagon travels.\u201d Darcy winked at his steward and pulled a cord to call a servant.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

After instructing the footman to tell the stables to ready the horses, Darcy helped himself to the repast just as he had encouraged his steward to do so. He absolutely trusted his wife, but he loved and cared for her even more so.<\/span><\/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 Winter Wonder<\/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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Confronting her first trials at Pemberley, Elizabeth takes on the tenant Christmas party, sidestepping her mother\u2019s meddling, and finding a way to support the needs of all of her family members. But finding time alone with her husband, Mr. Darcy, in a house full of people is a challenge, even at an estate as large as Pemberley! As old secrets bear fruit, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth stand united and find support in each other. With a babe on the way, and surprise visitors, there may just be more than one winter wonder to behold.<\/p>

The fifth season in the Seasons of Serendipity, a historical family saga that imagines how the story of Pride and Prejudice might have changed had Mr. Bennet died of illness before Mr. Collins arrived.<\/p>

A Winter Wonder, Seasons of Serendipity\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span>a Pride and Prejudice novella variation series<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Release Date: July 3, 2015<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

232 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 Winter Wonder\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 Winter Wonder\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 Winter Wonder\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 6 A Winter Wonder\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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