{"id":2963,"date":"2020-06-05T07:31:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-05T11:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/?p=2963"},"modified":"2021-12-17T12:53:28","modified_gmt":"2021-12-17T17:53:28","slug":"chapter-8-a-winter-wonder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/readingroom\/chapter-8-a-winter-wonder\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 8 A Winter Wonder"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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As I reread this chapter, I laughed at myself and how much I am such a fangirl of Downton Abbey. I still rewatch all of the seasons every year. \ud83d\ude42\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 8 - 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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With a temporary truce called between Lady Matlock and her mother, Elizabeth Darcy sought out her housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds. Knowing the housekeeper\u2019s routines, Elizabeth made for the kitchens.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYes, and after my father passed, my cousin made us do all sorts of tasks around the house. I learned to cook and clean and while I cannot confess to missing the cleaning, I do find I miss the stress relief of rolling dough!\u201d Elizabeth Darcy pounded the dough with another good punch, scaring the poor two kitchen maids for a moment. Breaking into a broad grin, the grand lady of the house tucked an errant strand of hair back off her face leaving a streak of flour on her forehead. The youngest maid, Sarah, began to giggle as the older maid Enid elbowed her strongly in the ribs. \u201cIt\u2019s quite all right, I know I must look afright!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Cheerily, Elizabeth tossed the dough and kneaded it until she heard the unmistakable gasp of Mrs. Reynolds behind her, the minxish mistress of Pemberley turned around and invited her to join the table. \u201cI find kneading bread does wonders for one\u2019s stresses over particular relations.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMrs. Darcy! That is, I do not believe Mr. Darcy . . .\u201d Mrs. Reynolds stopped as Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. The housekeeper nearly criticized the very woman who controlled her fate and it was a few moments before she could regain her tact. It had been many years since Mrs. Reynolds needed to contend with a mistress of the house. \u201cI find that Mr. Darcy prefers soda bread, but hand me a bowl.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The two maids\u2019 eyes widened as the strict and stern Mrs. Reynolds rolled up her sleeves and joined them in preparing the breads for dinner.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cSarah, Enid, do the two of you know how to read or do sums?\u201d Mrs. Darcy asked politely, hoping her warm tone and camaraderie in tasks would permit a truthful interview.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo ma\u2019am, me ma sent me into service when I was but six. Too many brothers and sisters, you see.\u201d Sarah happily made conversation with Mrs. Darcy, not fully grasping how rare it truly was for a woman of her exalted status to even address the lower house staff by name.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cAnd Enid?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Enid looked carefully to Mrs. Reynolds before she responded. Although she was nearly eighteen, Enid had no desire to remain in the kitchens her whole life and wanted nothing more than to study to be a ladies\u2019 maid. But no one knew of her desires and she planned to keep it that way.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Receiving a barely perceptible nod from Mrs. Reynolds, Enid merely shook her head and returned her focus back to the cutouts she needed for the third course.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mrs. Darcy noticed the discomfort and worked a few moments more on her portion of the meal before depositing the dough, perfectly rounded, back into the bowl. \u201cI believe that is ready to proof. Mrs. Reynolds, would you care to meet with me in your office?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI would be delighted. Enid, please send fresh water to my wash basin for Mrs. Darcy.\u201d Obediently the girl curtsied briefly and turned to fetch water from the kettles on the far fires.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth Darcy and Mrs. Reynolds sidestepped the bustling foot traffic of the numerous servants and kitchen staff. Elizabeth made a concerted effort to compliment the Cook as she oversaw the kitchen boy turning the spit before following Mrs. Reynolds to her office deeper in the servants\u2019 area.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The young footman Thomas peeled out from around the corner just as the two women in charge of the household disappeared. A nephew to Mrs. Molly Borthwick, the Cook of Pemberley for the last twenty years, young Thomas was a touch too blas\u00e9 about his position in the household and how easily a footman could be replaced.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMrs. Reynolds\u2019 got her hand full with that one. Helping in the kitchens, soon she\u2019ll be criticizing ye meals, Aunt Molly.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cHush with you! I told you to stick to your duties. And a mistress that values the work of her staff be worth ten of the other sort that wrinkle their noses when they cross that threshold.\u201d The Cook pointed to the wooden stairway that led between the two floors, one of gentility, the other one of sweat and work.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Thomas maneuvered around his aunt to spy Sarah at the work table, taking over the pastry cut outs since Enid was still about her task.<\/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 8 (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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\u201cWhat you think, Sarah? She asked us footmen if we was wanting lessons! Did she ask you the same?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cAnd if she did, Thomas Borthwick, I wouldn\u2019t be telling the mistress\u2019 business to the likes of you. Mrs. Darcy don\u2019t need to be talked about, and some of us have work to do.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Thomas reached over to pull a raspberry from the bushel for the tartlets and popped it into his mouth to the scowl of the kitchenmaid.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMrs. Borthwick, he be nipping food again.\u201d Sarah dutifully tattled, her smile captivating Thomas\u2019 attentions so he did not notice when his aunt came right behind him to yank him by the ear.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cYEOW! Let off! Let off!\u201d Thomas cried as his aunt dragged him to the stairs.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cGo clean the wax drippings in the dining room. Or see to the leather trunks conditioning. Find employment or I\u2019ll sic Mr. Colston on you.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Thomas shrugged off his aunt\u2019s grip as she released him and hurried up the stairs. With a sigh, Molly Borthwick bustled over to the work table to inspect Sarah\u2019s work, clucking her tongue in tacit approval.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI did right by keeping Mrs. Darcy\u2019s words to myself?\u201d The young maid only recently came of notice as she reached her fourteenth year and no longer had to scrub the pots. Permission to perform real food preparation was as good as a promotion for Sarah.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cOf course you did, and if you don\u2019t get to finishing those forms the dough will be too warm to handle.\u201d Molly Borthwick reached over and grabbed a raspberry herself before giving a wink to Sarah and turning around. Observing the meat spit still moving at an uneven rate, she placed her hands on her hips. \u201cTurn that beast correctly or I\u2019ll make sure you spend the evening practicing, Daniel McGurk!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mrs. Reynolds offered her employer tea as Enid dutifully delivered a tray once Mrs. Darcy had cleaned the last evidence of her bread making adventures from her person. The two women politely considered one another as they sipped, Mrs. Reynolds patiently waiting for Mrs. Darcy to begin the conversation as was her due. She pretended not to notice the wife of her employer\u2019s hands shake as they replaced the teacup to the edge of the housekeeper\u2019s desk.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m sorry if my presence in the kitchen is disruptive. I know discipline is a vital component to running a house this large and if you feel I have undermined you in some way, that was not my intention.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI think your presence today made you a few deep loyalties, though . . .\u201d Mrs. Reynolds paused. The tenant party had been a smashing success and there had not been any discord between her and Mrs. Darcy, but an air about the mistress still gave the most senior woman of the staff anxiety. \u201cI would not say a regular appearance would be good. Mrs. Borthwick is so careful about her kitchen.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cCertainly, we all must play our roles to the fullest extent.\u201d Elizabeth Darcy nodded and absently rubbed her hands on the babe readjusting himself. Her hands felt a slight nudge through her dress and a playful little smile filled her lips. If only Fitzwilliam were here!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cHas he moved?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth nodded.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cBut I thought you were feeling the babe\u2019s movements for weeks!\u201d Mrs. Reynolds\u2019 eyebrows knit in a straight line of worry that made Elizabeth laugh out loud.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI have, but I think his foot or arm just nudged my hand! Fitzwilliam has been so eager to feel the baby, and now I think I have the perfect Christmas present!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The two women shared a moment of silence in the one thread that connected them: Fitzwilliam.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cHave you heard any from your sister in Scotland? Mrs. Buchanan has sent me very kind sentiments about her help with Starvet House.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The question of Jane was one Elizabeth rarely escaped. Even her husband had taken to asking for her to read the eldest Bennet daughter\u2019s letters aloud when she was comfortable for any sign of distress. Secretly, Elizabeth had noticed a change in description of Mr. Hamilton and an increase in his mentions, but she kept such intelligence to herself. It was entirely too much to speculate so many hundreds of miles away. And the prattle between housekeepers would not force Lizzie to disclose a sisterly discretion.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cJane is very happy in Scotland and I think Mrs. Buchanan has made a great effort to make her feel at home. Fitzwilliam has told me again and again he has the most loyal staff and I must say the evidence is more than been shown to me.\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 8 (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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Mrs. Reynolds scoffed and demurred at such a compliment, looking for anything on her desk of interest to change the subject from such a personal one. Instead, Mrs. Darcy pressed on.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cAnd this is precisely why I am coming to you to help me nettle out how to give each member of the Pemberley staff one hour of instruction in writing, reading, or arithmetic.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

The folds of skin that defined Mrs. Reynolds\u2019 jawline sagged as she dropped her smile. \u201cA school? For staff?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth nodded. \u201cYes, the display at the tenant party startled my senses. In Hertfordshire, many of the staff were taught by my father when they were younger, and though I was not able to teach much myself towards the end\u00a0 . . .\u201d Elizabeth refused to think of the days where she disappointed her father in no longer finding an eagerness to teach her younger sisters, nor the staff, \u201cThe convenience of such education proved a boon.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cForgive my impertinence, but what convenience? Teaching the staff skills beyond their station is strictly prohibited in this household and has been what\u2019s been proper for longer than my tenure.\u201d Mrs. Reynolds shook her head as if truly spooked by the very idea. \u201cNo, no, for the staff to take lessons from the Mistress herself? It bodes on the edge of inappropriate.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Despite the blowback from Mrs. Reynolds, Mrs. Darcy remained undeterred. \u201cThe convenience comes in the staff operating at a higher base level. No longer will only the Cook be able to read the bill of sale from town when goods are delivered, but all of the kitchen staff. Not only will the butler be able to read the wine selections, but the footmen. And they can help keep an accurate accounting of all around them.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cAm I to understand you fear graft and cheating to be going on at Pemberley?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth sighed. This was not the explanation she meant to give. \u201cNot remotely am I making such an accusation. I am merely suggesting that it be time the responsibility be shared amongst all of the staff that should they see something amiss, they have the proper education to report it to yourself or Mr. Colston. And also Mrs. Borthwick if the matter deals with the kitchens.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cI see. You mean to train our replacements.\u201d Elizabeth began to protest but Mrs. Reynolds held up her hands in mock surrender. \u201cNo, no, \u2019tis a wise plan. We are none of us on this Earth forever.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cMrs. Reynolds, I have already replaced one housekeeper at a property and have no desire to repeat the occurrence in the near future. If I thought you lacking in any form, I would ask you to retire and find a replacement. The aim of these lessons has nothing to do with anyone\u2019s work quality and about demanding our younger staff rise to the challenge of a future that faces us all. Times are changing. I shall not have another Christmas gathering with my sister writing out names of children as gifts, they shall all have the gift of literacy before next year\u2019s party.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cDo you mean to invite the tenant children as well?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cNot at this time, no. I wish to start with the servants, the maids, the footmen, the stable boys. I only need a suitable location to hold such classes.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cThere\u2019s always the schoolroom on the third floor . . .\u201d Mrs. Reynolds offered.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth Darcy shook her head slowly, biting her lower lip. \u201cI\u2019m afraid that location might prove to be too disruptive for the main household. Besides, it would not do for the stable boys to carry their muck through three flights of stairs.\u201d Elizabeth wrinkled her nose, receiving a slightly warmer posture from Mrs. Reynolds. Gazing around the office, she realized the room was truly quite large for the servants\u2019 area. Yes, along the back wall a table and a few chairs might provide the perfect space for group lessons.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Mrs. Reynolds watched as her mistress sized up her office as her eyes roamed about. A dark feeling of dread gripped Mrs. Reynolds\u2019 gut and she struggled to force out her next question. \u201cYou\u2019re not suggesting I teach them. In here? In my office?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cHmm, you teach the lessons, no, no, the aim is to give you less burdens, not more. No, my sisters Kitty and Mary will do nicely for tutors, perhaps offering two days per week so that staff may rotate. If we placed a table in that corner there, that would be the most unobtrusive.\u201d Mrs. Darcy pointed to the far corner by the fireplace.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cBut\u2014but this is my office! Where am I to work when lessons are going on?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhy you would take your rounds, meet with me in my sitting room so we can plan the menus, or take a walk. I\u2019ve observed your schedule most carefully and there are numerous times a day when you are gone from your office for more than one hour at a time.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cIt appears I have no say in this matter.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Elizabeth tilted her head slightly to one side and considered the defeated housekeeper for a moment. While true that she absolutely held the final say as wife to Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth had no desire to be a tyrant in her own household. Reaching forward she grasped the elder woman\u2019s hands as they sat folded in a prim manner, again startling the woman\u2019s staunchly held traditions. \u201cI only ask you keep an open mind. This is a trial run to see how everyone gets on. And your feedback will be one I am most keen on, if you don\u2019t see the staff improving in maturity and responsibility, then we will reassess.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

All Mrs. Reynolds could hear was the fact she would share her office for six months to give maids and footmen lessons in grammar! But she dutifully farewelled Mrs. Darcy as she rose to take her leave. After collapsing in her chair at the shock of such a scheme, Edith Reynolds opened a seldom unlocked cabinet and poured herself a glass of spirits. Hastily, her office door opened once more and Mrs. Darcy\u2019s bright, glowing face emerged from the crevice.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

\u201cFeel free to send a letter of warning to Mrs. Buchanan. I sent a letter today advising Miss Bennet of my wishes for the Scotland house and she will carry out the lessons there!\u201d Elizabeth spied the drink in Mrs. Reynolds hands and pursed her lips to keep from laughing at the poor woman.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

Without another word, Elizabeth nodded and vacated Mrs. Reynolds\u2019 office for the final time. As she walked down the hall back towards the upper levels of the home, she noticed more staff than ever made a point to bow or curtsy in deference. Yes, in time she would win over the staff. She just had to!<\/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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