The great London freeze of January had turned the River Thames into a magnificent highway of solid ice. Merchants had erected a bustling "Frost Fair" directly over the frozen tides, filling the air with the scents of roasting chestnuts, hot gin, and boiling tallow. Inside 221B Baker Street, the cold pressed hard against our windows, but Sherlock Holmes was utterly absorbed. He sat at his chemical table, using a pipette to drop a reagent onto a tray of ice crystals.

The sweet aroma of peppermint and roasted hazelnuts drifted through the chilly February air of Holly Ridge. It was the week of the annual Sweetheart Festival, and The Rolling Pin Bakery was packed. Clara was busy at the counter taking orders, while Ethan handled the espresso machine.

The sweet aroma of melting strawberry chocolate and fresh-baked shortbird hearts drifted through The Rolling Pin Bakery. It was February 13th, the eve of the annual Holly Ridge Valentine’s Day Dance. While Clara and Ethan were happily preparing special romantic dessert boxes, Toby was staring wistfully out the window at the snow-covered street.

The grand dining room of the historic Miller Estate—now Holly Grange—was bathed in the warm, dancing glow of a roaring fireplace. It was late February, and the snow outside was falling in thick, fluffy flakes. Inside, the massive reclaimed-wood dining table was beautifully set with linen napkins, flickering white candles, and a stunning centerpiece of winter greenery provided by Sarah.

A boy’s appetite grows very fast, and in a few moments the queer, empty feeling had become hunger, and the hunger grew bigger and bigger, until soon he was as ravenous as a bear.

Sara was sitting quietly in her seat, waiting to be told what to do. She had been placed near Miss Minchin's desk.  She was not abashed at all by the many pairs of eyes watching her.