
At thirteen, you stood under the schoolmaster's cane while four newly repaired window panes lay broken. The cleverest boy is often the worst trouble; thy learning makes wilful mischief less excusable, Reuben Whitney. You step into this one-chapter preview with Kate Ellison at the center, where choices turn on the people, promises, and pressure already in the room. Tom remained at the gate while the next chapter's danger took shape. The chapter closes on a continuation question rather than resolving the novel's larger arc.
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