{"id":2952,"date":"2020-05-30T09:14:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-30T13:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/?p=2952"},"modified":"2021-12-17T12:53:35","modified_gmt":"2021-12-17T17:53:35","slug":"chapter-5-a-winter-wonder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/readingroom\/chapter-5-a-winter-wonder\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 5 A Winter Wonder"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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It was fun to work in real historical figures into this tale… by bringing in the Bachelor Duke (son and daughter of the famous Duchess of Devonshire)!\u00a0<\/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 5 - 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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The acceptance of a dinner invitation to Pemberley by the young Duke of Devonshire hastened the acceptance of nearly every invited family in the county for the same event. The Darcy family even received letters from families not directly invited wishing them glad tidings on their return to Pemberley with thinly veiled requests for consideration. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam laughed at such letters together, with most ignored, and only those of greater wealth and status replied to politely . . .\u00a0 without an invitation.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

On the night Pemberley burst at the seams in the highest fashions and more candles than imaginable, Elizabeth Darcy felt almost relieved. Instead of being the only new face of society, the young William Cavendish was ever so courteous as to provide part distraction. The greatest surprise, however, came in the form Mrs. Bennet\u2019s perfect behavior and Elizabeth began to suspect that either her husband possessed a secret cruel streak or\u00a0 he owned masterful negotiation skills the likes of which she\u2019d never seen.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The dining room echoed swirls of conversation and glass and metal clanking in a staccato tempo. Properly, Elizabeth unfortunately sat across from her husband with the entire table length between them. With her mother seated to her left, Elizabeth endured conversation about her future motherhood as the primary means of occupying her mother\u2019s tongue. To her right, she began to observe looks of sympathy from the Duke\u2019s eldest sister, the Lady Morpeth, who was much further along in her condition than Elizabeth.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cIn the New Year, we must begin interviewing wet nurses. Yes, finding a suitable young woman may prove quite the difficulty in such a remote part of the country.\u201d Mrs. Bennet nodded sagely at her own advice.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMy own mother refused the use of a wet nurse. Quite famously, I might add.\u201d Lady Morpeth smirked at the ridiculous woman across from her, hoping Mrs. Darcy would not take offense. But Georgiana Howard, eldest offspring of the most famous socialite in recent scandalous history, had heard enough.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI wonder if after dinner you should like to take a brief tour of the portrait gallery with me, Lady Morpeth. Having grown up in the county, I should love to hear your memories of some of the inhabitants.\u201d Elizabeth raised her fork of candied orange peel and white fish to her mouth, finding citrus to be a new favorite flavor she would add extensively to future menus.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI shall be happy to accompany you, Mrs. Darcy.\u201d The slightly older woman found Mrs. Darcy\u2019s manners pleasant and refreshing. Motioning for a footman to refill her wine glass, Lady Morpeth started a new conversation topic with Mrs. Darcy and her mother, asking politely after their home county. For the remainder of dinner, Mrs. Bennet waxed nostalgically of Longbourn, nearly making Elizabeth choke on her dinner with the revision to history offered. By Mrs. Bennet\u2019s memories, she and her late husband were the pinnacle of society and a couple with no difficulties.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

It would be nearly an hour later before Elizabeth was able to escape her hostess duties with the other women and properly invite Lady Morpeth again, asking the servants to make sure the portrait gallery was well lit. Arm in arm, the new acquaintances strolled the length of the long gallery, Elizabeth patiently waiting for Lady Morpeth to begin conversation.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI must offer you my sincerest thanks for this invitation. When my belly becomes this round, I find sitting too long in one attitude wreaks havoc on my back.\u201d Lady Morpeth laughed as she rubbed her own healthy midsection with her other arm.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m not sure my husband will allow me to leave the house so far along!\u201d Elizabeth laughed. \u201cWe are anticipating the arrival of our first child in late spring.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cThis being my eighth, there\u2019s hardly any surprise anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth\u2019s eyes widened at such a number, bringing further laughter from her ladyship. Mrs. Darcy creased her forehead as she whispered a confession.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI find myself utterly paralyzed by fears and worries when I allow my mind to dwell on them. I banish them from my thoughts as often as possible. Mr. Darcy handles that part of the journey for the three of us.\u201d Elizabeth covered her mouth at being so cavalier in describing her husband, and hoped Lady Morpeth did not take offense.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Beginning a second circuit, Lady Morpeth patted Elizabeth\u2019s hand. \u201cFret not, Mrs. Darcy, William and I have both seen that this be a love match, and we could not be more overjoyed. Our parents were not close with the former Master and Mistress of this home, but William and Fitzwilliam are close friends. Your husband has very kind since\u00a0 we lost my father last year with many letters of support.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cIt appears to be a specialty of his. I lost my own father last autumn and Fitzwilliam was instrumental in securing my family\u2019s future before he secured my heart. I misunderstood his actions at first, but in time I came to learn my first impression was very wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The women paused before the portraits of the most recent branch of the Darcy family, staring at a handsome likeness of the very man they were discussing that looked nearly a decade old. Elizabeth giggled at the stern look on her husband\u2019s younger face, imagining his mood to be very sour indeed as he was forced to sit for the portrait.<\/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 5 (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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\u201cHaving my husband in my life made enduring the loss of my father much easier. Without his love and strength, I do not know how deeply into despair we might have fallen.\u201d Elizabeth looked at the floor as she realized how heavy and true those very words were.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI suspect losing a loving father would be very difficult. I felt dead inside myself when my mother died.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cOh, I apologize! I was not aware you and your father were not very close.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Lady Morpeth shrugged, taking a moment to breathe deeply for a spell and wincing. Elizabeth began to fret, but Lady Morpeth assured her this was normal, the babe was simply moving. Remembering her aunt\u2019s struggles at this point in her own pregnancy, Elizabeth nodded she understood and prayed the future Darcy issue minded his feet in the near future.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMrs. Darcy, I have one rule and then we can become fast friends. I have watched you carefully tonight, you are clever, kind, and courageous. I have heard in great detail of your exploits last year through mutual friends, so please know you have our respect. Otherwise my brother and I would not have deigned to travel half the countryside.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYour support is overwhelming, Lady Morpeth, to say the least. It is only recently I fully comprehended what sphere I married into.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYes, and the first rule of this sphere is we do not apologize. If you offend, own the insult. If you hurt a friend, make amends, but for trifling slips of the tongue, we must not waste our breath on such matters. And you did not offend me by possessing a treasure I never held. We both bear our burdens, despite being the eldest it would appear you and your mother are not on the same terms as you described your father.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

They continued their walk around the gallery, and Elizabeth explained she was not the eldest Bennet daughter, but that her sister Jane was in Scotland.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cThe second daughter allowed to marry before the eldest? How odd!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth blushed at the strange circumstances of her family\u2019s social standing. But she did not explain all of the secrets that required such social maneuvering last summer.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cForgive me,\u201d Georgiana Howard paused, shaking her head, \u201cthere, you see Mrs. Darcy, now you have me apologizing! You\u2019re a very bad influence!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cJane did have a suitor first in Mr. Bingley, but the match was not ideal.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Lady Morpeth lifted her gown slightly to swish the skirt as her legs became slightly tangled in the fabric from the exertion. \u201cI\u2019ve heard of Mr. Bingley, but never met him. There are some connections our family cannot condone.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth pursed her lips as she wondered if Lady Morpeth knew of her aunt Gardiner\u2019s background? The formidable daughter of a duchess shook her head. \u201cI speak not of being in trade, if that is what worries you. Mr. Bingley suffers from an affliction of the sibling variety. I\u2019ve met Miss Bingley at one tea and that was one tea too many.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth laughed out loud at this assessment, feeling slightly mean to share her own sentiments about Miss Bingley and explaining the best night of her life was watching the woman be physically carried out of her engagement ball on the eve of her nuptials.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cOh, I would have paid dearly to see such a sight! Alas, my dear sister Harriet had her time coming soon. And we do our best to be present for one another. Tell me, you say you and Miss Bennet are very close, will she come for your own time?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth frowned. She was not sure Jane would ever leave Scotland and felt unable to explain how deeply Jane\u2019s hatred for society dwelled.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMr. Graham Hamilton is assisting her in running Mr. Darcy\u2019s Scottish estate. I believe the country there agrees very well with her.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Lady Morpeth snorted as they reached the door of the gallery. \u201cGraham Hamilton, younger brother to Lord Haddington? I should say I also would not leave Scotland if I had him alone to myself!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo, truly, my sister is not fast. It\u2019s been a very difficult year for her. For all of us.\u201d Elizabeth swallowed as a lump in her throat formed.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI am sure it is as you say.\u201d Lady Morpeth sighed as they paused preparing to leave. She cast her eyes once more at the portraits around the room, resting her eyes on the blue eyes of Fitzwilliam\u2019s uncle Alistair. \u201cThe Darcy men are always a joy to behold, promise me we shall walk the gallery again in the morning? I need the exercise and I\u2019m sure his eyes positively sparkle in the light of the sun.\u201d Lady Morpeth pointed to the charming man smiling down on them.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth had never noticed this portrait so close to the door, away from the other more recent captures of the Darcy family. She quickly read the name on the gold plate attached and noticed there was no date of death.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cDo you know him?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cOh my dear, Alistair Darcy is nearly as famous as my parents for his libertine ways in Derby, but we must rejoin the others or I fear my brother and your husband will come after us. His story is one for another time.\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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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 5(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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Her spirits restored by such a refreshing connection from a woman of greater status than she, Elizabeth Darcy began to feel hope that perhaps she had not married too far above her station. Perhaps, she was destined to run in this set all along as her husband liked to tease her.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The holiday festivities loomed much closer on the other side of the Duke\u2019s visit. Despite Mrs. Bennet\u2019s effusions that the Cavendish family stay longer, and hinting the young Duke might find a match in her two available daughters, His Grace and sister left the following day. Above stairs that afternoon, Mary sat blissfully staring out the window of her personal suite in her brother-in-law\u2019s house.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Tumbles of rain drifted down the outside of the window pane. Mary found a peace and solace watching smaller drops race, crashing into the bigger drops until finally the drop became so large it merely puddled and slid off the window entirely. Wrapped in a quilted blanket around her shoulders, Mary leaned against the window and tried to remember the feeling of her Colonel\u2019s arms around her. Her reminiscing was cut short when her bedroom door burst open and both Georgiana and Kitty stumbled in unannounced.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cGeorgiana has promised to play piano so that we might practice our dancing,\u201d Kitty announced.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo, thank you.\u201d Mary turned away from her younger sisters and stared more intently out the window beyond the droplets to the expanse of land before her. Her decline to dance had nothing to do with the fact that every time such an invitation was extended, it was she who ended up playing piano forte while Georgiana and Kitty practiced the steps. She simply did not possess the energy to play jolly.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou can\u2019t pine away up here all winter. Besides, what will your suitor in a fine redcoat think if you are unable to keep your step in the ballroom?\u201d Kitty mimed bumbling dance moves bringing a giggle from Georgiana behind her and a frown from Mary.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cDespite my better efforts, you\u2019ll be pleased to note he is not my fine suitor in a red coat. I wrote to him over two months ago and I have yet to receive anything back. I was sure to have a letter from him by December.\u201d Mary dramatically lifted herself from the window seat and carried herself back to her bed. She did not believe playing up one\u2019s behavior to inspire pity around them; the pains in her heart and aches of her body were very real to her rejected person.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cHow many letters did you send?\u201d Georgiana approached Mary on the bed and sat on the edge by her feet. The question was not mocking but asked in a genuine tone of interest.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI believe spilling one\u2019s heart in one letter satisfactory enough in conveying the message.\u201d Mary groaned anticipating teases and barbs from her younger sisters, but none came. When Mary finally opened her eyes to take a careful squinting look at the two young women, before her were only faces of concern.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Georgina Darcy furrowed her brows and thought. Within moments, she began thinking out loud. \u201cIf Richard received the letter and did not respond then he is dull. And if he is dull, than he needs another letter to break him of the habit. And if he did not receive the letter, and that is why he does not respond, then he needs another letter because he never received the first.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The logic made sense for Kitty and she definitively agreed with Georgiana. \u201cYes, you must write him another letter! And we shall help you!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mary felt ill to her stomach. The first letter boldly declaring herself the wife of a soldier expended enormous amounts of bravery, and now two young women not yet entered into society wished her to do it again?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI cannot possibly, you do not understand.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cBut we do! You\u2019re sad and you mope around,\u201d she paused to make a face imitating Mary\u2019s long features when she was unhappy, \u201cand the cause of it is Georgiana\u2019s cousin. She\u2019s known him her whole life, perhaps she can give you insights on how to best apply to his nature.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI already made my overtures. He has spurned them-\u201c<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou don\u2019t know that-” Georgiana interrupted.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhat other explanation could there be? I am certain he received my letter and likely cast it into the fire not long after he opened it.\u201d Mary rolled over away from her sisters burying her face in the pillows. She wanted to cry but she could not claim ownership to any more tears. She wanted to rage and scream and kick, but that would do no good either. So instead, Mary just existed. Breathing in and out, wondering how long such exercise would be needed to suffocate oneself.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Kitty\u2019s usual jubilant behavior halted as she viewed the physical anguish in her sister. Was this truly what it was like to be in love? How dreadful! Wistfully, Kitty twisted her lips into a half-frown of disapproval and pulled out her trump card.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMary Catherine Bennet you will write him another letter and try again, or, or I will . . .\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mary rolled back over to see the new confidence in her younger sister\u2019s voice, daring to order her around. In another situation, it might have been amusing, but in this moment it merely irritated.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou cannot compel me to pour my heart out again. I shall not.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cOh yes, you will!\u201d Kitty gleefully smiled and clasped her hands in front of her as she stood close to the edge of the bed. She bent down to whisper her threat. \u201cOr I\u2019ll tell Mama she should write the Colonel because he won\u2019t write back to you.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Rage surged through Mary\u2019s veins at such an evil breach of sisterly loyalty. Her anger was expressed in the very sudden volley of a pillow to Kitty\u2019s head with a loud groan. Mary Bennet surrendered.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The two girls reached out to tickle and help their unhappy sister from bed, pleased they had won their battle. But Mary had other thoughts flitting through her mind. Once she satisfied the need to write Richard, she would write a second letter of even greater importance. It was time to ask her Uncle Gardiner to make good on his promise.<\/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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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRead on Scribd\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\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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