Prelude to a Christmas Carol: The Ghosts of Christmas

By Teresa L. Jones

There were four individuals with a plan, two men released from a Sanitarium, two others farthest from wealth, all in need of a Christmas miracle.
Their plan was to change the future of one man, Ebenezer Scrooge. Some may have had their reasons,but none as good as the brother in law of Ebenezer Scrooge, Charles. After Charles wife dies giving birth to their son, he becomes lost in a world without her. Charles sisters think him insane, release him to a sanitarium and take his son, Fred, to raise until Charles is well again. At Williams Sanitarium, Charles falls into a deep delirium and wakes seventeen years later to the cries of a child. Charles feels the guilt of a father who longs for his son, along with his bodys addiction to the drug laudanum and the fear of possibly falling into that same delirium again. Charles befriends the largest man hes ever seen,named John. A man who has his own demons to deal with. Charles is given back his past, by reading letters his sisters had sent him spanning the last seventeen years he had lost. Both men become mesmerized by the letters as the sisters tell of Freds childhood to adulthood and Ebenezers wrath on humankind. Because of overcrowding,both men are released from Williams Sanitarium. Charles returns to the home he once knew, which brings him memories of his wifes death and the whispers of her ghost. Charles feels suchhostility toward Ebenezer for his hatefulness towardshis son Fred. Charles concocts a plan, and enlists the help of Peter Cratchit and the child of Ebenezers old love. All help in the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge. Not everything would go according to plan, but the evening's spectacular events branded the hearts and souls of more than just Ebenezer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 11, 2009
• ISBN: 9781438960654

Teresa L. Jones

Teresa L. Jones is the author of several literary accomplishments such as An Escape. She currently resides in Lake Park, Iowa with her husband and her two children. 

Book preview

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2009 Teresa L. Jones. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 8/5/2009

ISBN: 978-1-4389-6065-4 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4389-6063-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4389-6064-7 (hc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2009907607

Bloomington, Indiana

US%26UK%20Logo%20B%26W_new.ai

Contents

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

Preface

EACH AND EVERY YEAR, during the Christmas holidays, I have to watch the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. It was what the holidays always held for me, a chance to watch each different version; it was always what I needed to feel in that spirit that seems to only be felt around Christmas. Even though I knew the ending, I would always cry. Was it just because Fred got his wish to have his uncle love him, or was it that Tiny Tim would not die and indeed would live because of Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption? I was searching for that answer and was amazed after how many years of watching this magnificent movie, or reading Charles Dickens’s fantastic novel, that I could not understand who was married to Fan. Who was Fred’s father? All at once, I made up my own version. What you are holding in your hands is the version I had envisioned. I would pray that Charles Dickens would find this interpretation, if nothing else, a complement to his original.

—Teresa L. Jones

Prelude

WHAT MAKES A MAN who he truly becomes or wants to be by his own choice? I asked this question because I do believe that a past of one’s own can become so unfamiliar that it can truly haunt him or her, just as in the case of Ebenezer Scrooge. It would be the greatest benefit for most of us, if not all of us, to have a large mirror in front of us that reflects the way we have behaved in the past, in the present, and the quality of which we have treated and possibly mistreated strangers and loved ones. It is with that shocking reflection of our misbehavior that with the greatest of hope, the future—our own future—can be changed for the better.

Ebenezer Scrooge was a businessman. He thought only of business, and only business was his nature. He was taught that from his upbringing. But our pasts are those that make up our internal being, our own selves. Because his past was his past, it might have stayed there where he wished it and where he had chosen to forget it. But of course there had to be others. Others who knew of his past and others who saw his change to coldness as the years progressed. Others who wanted his change. Others who needed his change for the welfare of their own futures.

If there were to come a night, a holy night, a night of all miracles to happen, then a miracle may just happen at the hand of mere mortals. Is it unimaginable that anyone so brave for the task try to change the way old Ebenezer could view the world? What would make him do so? Was it to take a genius to find a way for Ebenezer to change, to participate in his own present being and remember what the future holds for everyone eventually?

This story begins twenty years before that fateful night on Christmas Eve, that night of intervention for Ebenezer Scrooge. The very fate Ebenezer possessed over so many lives he never once thought to understand or get to know, now was coming for him.

Those who may or may not have been witness to these events must keep one thing in mind. It is the life that we choose to live, whether we are the miserly rich man who shuns the most honest of love and family or the most poorest of men who loves the most deepest, we are all here on this earth together for as long as we can be. We can learn from our pasts or forget them entirely. What we choose to do can and will affect hundreds of lives, whether we recognize it or not.

CHAPTER ONE

The Brother-In-Law

IT WAS AS COLD as it could be for this winter’s day. It was the last day that Charles could go out and pick up his wife’s gift for Christmas. Charles’s only happiness seemed to be created by his wife’s smile and presence. Charles was the brother-in-law of one Ebenezer Scrooge. He had married Ebenezer’s sister, Fan, just two years before this. She was, in Charles’s eyes, an angel from heaven. An angel that had fallen down to earth to fall in love with him.

Charles was thinking of his wife as he walked through the streets to find the shop of the best jewelers in London.

Fan, who was now with child, could give birth any time now.

It was nearing Christmas and Charles had hoped his gift for his wife would be ready now. He walked into the jewelers shop. Once inside, he took off his hat and ran his fingers through his thick dark hair. The owner knew exactly who he was.

Oh, sir, it is exquisite, the jeweler said as he held up his hand and ran into the back area of his shop. Charles was dressed warmly for this winter’s day. As he took the gloves off his hands, the jeweler returned with a medium-sized mahogany box. It was carved with magnificent scrolling around the entirety of it. Charles had a wide smile under his dark mustache. The jeweler opened the box to reveal to Charles a music box brilliantly arranged with porcelain carolers singing the hymn The Holly and the Ivy. The carolers were on a track that revolved to three doors. The carolers would turn and move to a door, the door would open, and the carolers would sing the tune again. It was a wonderful sound echoing through the jewelers shop.

It is her favorite of Christmas hymns, Charles said as he admired the piece of work before him. He listened and watched the delightful music playing as the porcelain carolers moved from tiny houses that doors opened for. He looked up from the beautiful music box and said, "Thank you so very much. It is, as you have said, exquisite!

My wife will cherish this so very much."

Charles shut the lid to the music box and handed it back to the jeweler.

Should you like it wrapped, sir? the jeweler asked.

Yes, thank you, Charles said as he bowed his head. After the jeweler wrapped the gift, Charles paid for it and said, There is more for your Christmas, as he gave the jeweler some more coins.

Thank you sir, he said, smiling. And have a Merry Christmas to you and your soon-to-be family.

Yes, we will, Charles said, to you also. Charles put his hat back on and went on his way back to his coach. He saw a man in the street that he knew. Why, Mr. Fezziwig, sir. The man was getting on in age and was walking with a cane.

Sir Charles, how are you and that fine wife of yours?

Oh, Mr. Fezziwig, sir, Charles said as he tipped his hat to him, we are getting along so merrily this time of year. My wife does love it so. But I have one surprise for her. Charles tapped the box he was carrying. The box was so neatly wrapped in paper with a bright yellow bow upon it.

I see, said Mr. Fezziwig, looking back at the jewelers. He paused for a moment, and then took a breath. Did you know of the breakup of Belle and Ebenezer?

No, Charles said, startled by the news. He sat the package in his coach and turned back around to face Mr. Fezziwig.

Yes, I was so hoping that wonderful woman could help him into a good life. If Ebenezer could only see the good he has in his life. He would not take the world so harshly and would try to go through it with pleasure instead of distastefulness, especially around the holidays.

I strongly agree with you. He has become harsh over these last years, Charles said as he straightened his waistcoat.

I did so try to support that happiness—little did I see in him, mind you, Mr. Fezziwig said, winking one eye at Charles.

He has not had the best of Christmases in the past, Charles replied.

Yes, I agree. Mr. Fezziwig said. I do remember how it was that Ebenezer’s father wanted to ship him to me not even three days after Christmas. He spent the new year without his family again.

That was the best Christmas Ebenezer had ever had, Fan had told me, Charles said honestly.

Sir, I did try to give him comfort into a bright future, one that could have made him a changed man. He had that greed in him. It was very strong. He seems to resist the smiles and laughter he could easily give, Mr. Fezziwig said, looking down.

His father was a very stern man, always pushing him towards business affairs, Charles said

Which, I am afraid, will be the path for dear Ebenezer, Mr. Fezziwig replied.

Belle could have helped him through that sternness. A wonderful woman can do that to a man, you know, Mr. Fezziwig said, switching one leg’s weight to the other.

Yes sir. I do believe it was Fan who convinced her father in the first place to remove Ebenezer from that lonely schoolhouse, Charles said modestly.

Oh, yes? Mr. Fezziwig questioned. Charles nodded. Well, did you also know that it was Fan who had her hand in having Ebenezer come to work for me?

No, Charles said. But I am not surprised by it. She has her heart in many of the things she does.

Ebenezer’s present state of mind seems to be only of business with his new partner.

What? Charles asked curiously.

Yes, Mr. Fezziwig continued. He has just struck up plans with a new partner. I believe his name is Marley. He itched his head. Jacob Marley.

This is much news I have to relate to my wife, Charles said as he took a step closer to his coach. I must get this back to her, he added, referring to his present. Mr. Fezziwig, sir. Always a pleasure. Charles tipped his hat and got on the step up to his coach. I do wish you and your wife the best of days ahead.

It is the wives we strive to keep happy now, isn’t it? Fezziwig shouted out.

Yes, Charles yelled back. But mine is an angel, and she would love the day even if she unwrapped nothing, he said from inside his coach.

You, sir, are most in love, and God bless you! Fezziwig yelled out.

Charles’s coach took to the streets and returned him to his home. While pulling up to their residence, Charles noticed there was another carriage in the drive. Charles got out of the coach with his gift and walked up to his front door. The same door his father and mother used to return to, for this house was handed down to him, because he was the oldest and only one married of his family for now. His sisters, of course, were still young and not married as of yet. As usual, Charles had to straighten the crooked wreath on the door. He was never bothered by it because it was a ritual he did every time he was coming into his home. Charles was greeted at the door by a housemaid. The housemaid had a look on her face—one that Charles recognized. It meant Fan’s brother was there.

Ebenezer is here? Charles asked.

Yes, sir, she said with reserve.

Charles held out the gift for his housemaid to hold. This is very breakable, he said, giving it to her. The housemaid reached out slowly, as to now be holding something of so much importance that she was frightened to drop it, which made her more nervous than before, but she remained smiling due to Charles warm smile. As Charles took off his coat, hat, and gloves, he kept watching the housemaid with the gift. Charles put his coat over her shoulder, his hat on her head, and his gloves on top of the hat. It was an amusing ordeal. He had such a bit of humor with her that she always laughed. But this was most funny as she knew to keep the gift safe she could not move. Charles then clasped his hands together with excitement and stood there trying not to laugh at the sight before him. As he reached out to take the present from this kind girl, the coat began to slip off her shoulder. Charles grabbed the gift as the girl grabbed the coat, before both had a chance of hitting the floor.

The housemaid took the hat off and held it, then the coat, and one glove she held in her hands. She turned around and looked to the floor. He smiled at her and said, Thank you, my dear, as he laughed, seeing one glove still on the maid’s head. At the laugh from Charles, the woman touched her forehead. The glove was stuck to her bonnet.

Sir, she said cheerfully, searching the top of her head for the glove. Charles looked back at her and winked. He went to the voices he heard emanating from the parlor. He peeked around the corner to see Fan, and in the center of the room was Ebenezer, still with his coat on, always ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

After Fan and Charles had married, Ebenezer did not come often, so his visits were honored, mostly by Fan. She loved her brother dearly.

Charles and Ebenezer did not get along all too well without Fan in the room. Charles thought Ebenezer was a miserly man whose only concern was for himself. But Charles did get along with Ebenezer for the one thing he admired—his love for his sister’s well-being. Ebenezer was always concerned for Fan. He and Fan had a bond from childhood. Their growing up was of course harsh for them both. Their father was a most disagreeable man. Fan and Ebenezer’s mother passed away when they were very young. Charles supposed that explained a lot of things in dealing with Ebenezer. Without her, the tenderness that only a mother can give was absent, along with the knowledge of how to give and receive such tenderness. Fan did her best with Ebenezer. He knew it and loved her attention always.

Ebenezer had his back to the wall, so he didn’t see Charles coming into the room.

Charles! Fan yelled out, startling Ebenezer in his chair. Fan put her hands out to her husband as Charles came nearer to her. Her stomach was almost as round as a watermelon. She noticed his hands were not reaching out for hers, but they were not empty. What is that you have behind you? she asked with a smile across her creamy white face. Her face looked as if she had a glow about her. Because her hair was red, she always looked a bit pale.

My dear, Charles said, leaning over to kiss his wife’s forehead, his hands still behind his back. How are you feeling now? He asked his wife as he nodded over to Ebenezer to acknowledge him.

Is anything wrong? Ebenezer said very inquisitively.

I am fine, Fan said with a smile. I had a bout of morning illness and feel much better now. Fan knew the two men cared for her well-being in their different ways, so she smiled and cocked her head as she always did and told them it was normal. Now, my love, what have you behind your back? She asked.

Well, darling, if you promise to love me forever, I might let you see, Charles said as he walked around to the front of her chair and kneeled to her.

Charles and Fan were always talking this way in front of Ebenezer, and sometimes they could sense he was not comfortable with it. Fan sat up straight away.

Ebenezer was always making sure his sister was not ever mistreated. Deep inside, Ebenezer knew Fan had the perfect man for her, yet he would never admit to it out loud. Charles was kind to her and was considerate always to how she felt before any of his own concerns would be met. But Ebenezer would rather Charles think him overprotective than not when dealing with his precious sister.

Now, my dearest, here you are, Charles said as Fan held her hands out to accept the gift. But you must wait until Christmas to open it. Charles laughed as he put his head down.

Why do you tease me so, husband? Fan pouted.

Because, dear, it isn’t Christmas as of yet, and you must wait until then, Charles said, holding his wife’s face in his hand.

Oh, let her open it, Ebenezer said, as his hands flew up in the air as if he were also wanting to see what was inside. You already showed it to her.

But to witness the waiting in Fan’s face is most enjoyable. Charles laughed.

The waiting to see what it is, is torture. A good kind of torture, though, Fan said to Ebenezer. Fan started to purse her lips into a pouting gesture again.

Now tell me you can’t resist that, Ebenezer said as he tried to help Fan’s position.

Fan batted her eyes at her husband. May I please? she said coyly.

Yes, yes, yes, Charles finally said as he looked at Fan and held his head. How can I resist that beautiful face of yours?

Charles looked over at Ebenezer, who looked as though he also had gotten his way.

Fan started to remove the paper very delicately, and then she stopped. Oh! she said as she held her stomach. Charles and Ebenezer both watched her.

Fan, are you okay? Charles asked as he knelt closer to her.

Are you all right?