Scrooge's Story: a Christmas Carol Continues: Book One

By Leonard Brideau

At last, after 178 years the clues and questions left unanswered in Dickens immortal classic are explored and answered. Did Scrooge really change? And how did he become as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew.
Tiny Tim lived but how did he overcome his lameness and what of his future relationship with Scrooge? Did Scrooge form a new and lasting relationship with his nephew Fred? And, did Scrooge ever encounter the beautiful Belle, the young and only love of his life? Finally, the moral obligation that Scrooge owed to Jacob Marley for his intervention that saved Scrooge from his fate is finally explored.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 16, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477272350

Leonard Brideau

Leonard Brideau (pronounced Bree-doe) Leonard Brideau holds degrees from Indiana University, Oregon State University and The George Washington University. He has authored three books on John Wayne. He has done extensive research on the writing and life of Charles Dickens as well as the Victorian period in England in which Dickens lived and wrote. The result is the first in the trilogy of novels that continue the immortal story of A Christmas Carol.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The smile on Ebenezer Scrooge’s face was no lie. It was as wide as a church door. Gone forever was the stern coldhearted frown that frightened small children and discouraged well-mannered adults from polite conversation. This Christmas night, his smiling countenance radiated an inner amiability and warmth. Ebenezer’s outward physical appearance also seemed changed. His face was still crowned with soft gray hair but as the final notes of polka music faded, his last dance steps had a noticeably youthful spring to them. Ebenezer Scrooge stopped in the middle of the room, bowed politely to his dance partner and delighted in the animated applause of his nephew’s other dinner guests. Moments later the sounds of their laughter echoed throughout the household as the large wooden paneled door to the parlor opened, and a beaming Ebenezer Scrooge stepped out into the narrow hallway followed closely by his two young hosts. Alerted by the sound of the parlor door opening, the Anderson’s only servant nervously peeked around the corner to see who was leaving. Jenny was little, old and very nice, with a gentle laughter in her blue eyes. She quickly came forward carrying Scrooge’s greatcoat and hat. Jenny curtsied and awaited instructions from her master. Fred motioned to Jenny to approach him and then took the long dark woolen coat and black top hat from her outstretched hands.

Uncle, allow me to help you on with your greatcoat.

Scrooge smiled down at Caroline as Fred assisted him on with his greatcoat. He was so moved by the genuine affection displayed by his nephew and his wife that he was momentarily unable to form the words to express his joy at being allowed to share Christmas with them. He reached out and clasped each of their hands and softly spoke to them

Dear nephew and my dearest Caroline, may I now call you niece? I shall cherish this Christmas in memory for the remainder of my life. I pray you also forgive an old man, my years of foolish indifference and I ask that you allow me to become your friend as well as your uncle.

Fred reacted to the warmth of Scrooge’s personal touch and his sincere expression of affection he had so long sought. He vigorously shook his hand while Caroline, without hesitation, stepped forward and gently kissed Scrooge’s right cheek. Scrooge flushed at their response and his smile broadened in approval as he placed his top hat upon his head. Fred quickly moved to his front door and turning the brass knob held the door open for his exit. Once outside on the front stoop, Scrooge turned and with a mock frown spoke to the two smiling faces framed in the doorway.

Fred, it has been recently, and I might add happily, brought to my attention that you have announced to your friends and beautiful wife, your intention to visit my office once a year to invite me to take Christmas dinner with you. However, I rather you not wait another year to visit my place of business. In fact, I wonder if you would stop by my office tomorrow morning. I have a proposition I would like to discuss with you.

Startled by the truth of Scrooge’s comments and his unexpected request to visit his office, Fred glanced quickly at Caroline before responding.

Yes, uncle, I have time available for the full day. What time would be convenient for you?

Scrooge replied with an expression of satisfaction, I will require a few moments alone with my clerk. So I would welcome your company at … shall we say nine thirty? Until tomorrow then, I wish you both the blessings and joys of this good evening.

Scrooge bowed, turned then descended the large flat granite steps of Fred’s townhouse. Once in the street below, he pulled on his black leather gloves, lookup up and waved goodnight to the young couple as they closed their front door. Aware that they were now studying his every movement from their hallway window, Scrooge in a moment of whimsy glanced up into the snow filled evening sky and smiled with childish delight as he felt the softly falling snow accumulate on his face and eyelashes. He stood motionless and content in the quiet silence of the snowfall before turning in a small circle until he again faced the hallway window and the concerned looks of Fred and Caroline and several of their curious dinner guests. Scrooge shook the snow from his face, tipped his hat and waved one last time before walking away filled with the warmest sense of personal contentment he had experienced since the holidays of his youth.

Chapter 2

Ebenezer Scrooge knew every building, alley, shop and house along the streets he walked this evening. Yes, he knew them. In previous years, the brick, stone, wood and glass that lined his way and defined his world were like shadows, present but of disinterest to Scrooge. Even the properties he and Jacob Marley owned, considerable as they were, mattered little to him during his daily walks to and from his counting house. This evening as Scrooge walked alone on the narrow streets toward his home, he took new notice of the brown stone edifice with its small white bell tower that he willfully ignored for years. With some hesitation, Scrooge gingerly pushed open the large dark oak door to the small stone church. The heavy carved wooden door squeaked softly as Scrooge leaned his right shoulder inside the church’s vestibule. Once inside, he pushed the front door closed and removed his top hat then opened the inner door to the church and entered the cold silent chamber. The roof was lined with deep cracks and dark brown water stains marked the walls. The stained colored glass windows that framed both sides of the damp narrow interior were cracked and small amounts of broken glass fallen from the windows glittered from candle light around the base of the windows. Scrooge stood momentarily still in the main aisle listening and looking around the church for signs of life. At the front of the church, the main altar was glowing from the light of six large white candles surrounded at their bases with green pine branches. Among the pine branches were sprigs of red berries and ribbons of various colors and nestled near the steps to the altar were small baskets of apples and pears. As Scrooge walked toward the main altar, his footsteps echoed his presence and suddenly a voice cried out from within the sacristy beckoning him to enter. The voice belonged to Father Hugh Richard Campbell, middle aged parish priest and pastor of St. Bridget’s church. Tall, thin, hard lined and strong featured, Father Campbell, clad in his coarse black woolen tunic, sat in a small wooden chair near the corner chimney smoking a long Irishman’s white clay pipe about nine inches in length. The pipe rested on his broad chest and moved slightly as he raised his right hand to motion Scrooge to enter and requested him to take a seat on a rough wooden bench. Scrooge smiled and bowed slightly in silent response to his host’s request before stepping toward the long harsh looking bench that occupied the corner space near the side wall of the room.

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Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge. Good evening to you sir. Will you join me for a cup of tea? Father Campbell pointed to a small brown glazed teapot steaming on the side table as he awaited Ebenezer’s response. Scrooge, pleased by the warmth of Father Campbell’s offer, nodded yes, and sat down opposite the smiling gray haired priest. As he poured the hot tea into two large white mugs, Father Campbell spoke without looking at Scrooge.

Your visit this evening saves me an early morning walk to your office Mr. Scrooge.

Scrooge, puzzled by the priest’s remark and the fact that his host knew his name, commented softly, I believe you have the advantage Father."

Amused by Scrooge’s comment, Father Campbell smiled as he handed him his mug of tea.

Every person in my humble parish knows, or rather should I say, knows of you. You are a successful man of business Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge, and well do the people of London know it.

Father Campbell continued to speak even as he noticed Scrooge’s apparent discomfort at being complimented. I had intended to stop at your place of business to formally thank you on behalf of my congregation for your generous donation at morning service. But, I must confess, I prefer to make my thanksgiving speeches on my own sod.

Father Campbell’s easy manner of speech helped Scrooge relax and accept the good priest’s compliments without further discomfort. He took a long drink of tea before speaking.

How did you know it was I who left the offering? I was just one among many attending your service and I left early.

Father Campbell sipped his tea with a quick single effort and grinned widely before he answered Scrooge.

Well, my friend, it is no mystery, I can assure you. You see in time, a good parish priest will know each of his parishioners by face, by name and by social standing. In the latter case, I mean how deep a purse they possess. Believe me when I say that no one else attending my service with you this blessed day could afford to leave ten golden sovereigns in my collection plate. I am afraid Mr. Scrooge you benevolence has already been spread throughout my small congregation. Scrooge shook the large hand extended him across the side table. In the name of my congregation, I thank you good sir for your kindness on their behalf.

Scrooge reached again for his mug of tea and finished its contents again to hide his embarrassment at Father Campbell’s sincere words of gratitude. A few seconds of awkward silence followed before Scrooge found the will to speak.

Father or Reverend, I …I appreciate your kind words…

Father Campbell seeing Scrooge’s uneasiness interrupted him in mid sentence with a quick firm pat on his knee. You have no need to call me Father and Reverend seems much too formal a title of address, especially between two old souls such as ourselves. My mother, God bless her memory, called me Dickie. However, I prefer that my friends call me Hugh.

Scrooge smiled and rose from the bench to extend his hand to Hugh.

Then Hugh it shall be.

The two men laughed softly as they vigorously clasped each other’s hand in a bond of new found friendship. Father Campbell was the first to speak.

Now that, that is settled, before you leave, may I offer you a small glass of Irish brandy to honor the Good Lord’s birthday?

Without waiting for Scrooge to answer, Father Campbell rose briskly from his chair, grabbed the two empty mugs from the side table and walked toward a small wooden closet at the back of the sacristy. Scrooge realized he had no choice in the matter and smilingly agreed. Yes, Hugh, perhaps a small bracer would do right now.

Father Campbell nodded at Scrooge’s remark as he opened the closet door. The small space held several dark tunics hanging on wooden pegs. At the rear of the closet, stood a small polished wooden table with a bottle and four glasses neatly arranged on top. The bottle was tall and clad in brown leather with a square cork stopper. Father Campbell pulled the stopper out and inhaled the contents of the bottle. He reached for the small brandy glasses but changed his mind and grabbed two large white teacups as he smiled at Scrooge while filling each teacup with a generous portion of brandy. He walked back toward Scrooge and carefully presented him with the filled teacup. He again inhaled the contents of the teacup before speaking. It is one of Ireland’s many gifts to western civilization, he whispered to Scrooge as he raised his cup for a toast. To the Lord who made us all as we honor his birth and message of redemption.

After toasting each other a second time, Scrooge watched as Father Campbell quickly swallowed the entire contents of his cup then encourages Scrooge to do likewise. Scrooge took a long pull at his brandy and was surprised at the mildness and richness of its taste. Father Campbell beamed his approval as Scrooge emptied his teacup in a single swallow. He accepted Scrooge’s cup and placed both cups in a small side sink. He then returned to the closet and replaced the cork bottle stopper. Father Campbell looked admiringly at the bottle for a few seconds, even shaking its contents before placing it on the table and closing the closet door. The cup that cheers, he said aloud to himself as he walked back toward Scrooge. As he returned to his seat, he shook his head in mock anguish as he tapped his pipe aside the leg of his chair.

I made this last bottle myself. God forgive me the sin of pride. But I do enjoy sharing the drink with others.

Scrooge, flushed with the warmth of a generous quantity of brandy, found all his memories of the day enjoyable as he allowed his mind to run backwards recalling in the smallest details each moment of his Christmas day. Father Campbell puffed thoughtfully on his pipe as he watched Scrooge’s look of contentment suddenly change. The image of Jacob Marley in chains had flashed through Scrooge’s mind abruptly reminding him of the reason for seeking out Father Campbell. Jacob’s image faded as quickly as it had appeared and Scrooge relaxed once again in the presence of this decent man. Scrooge who could always control his thoughts in any situation sought solace in simple conversation. He seized this moment to speak.

Father, …I mean Hugh. May I ask your opinion on a rather delicate personal question? Father Campbell nodded as he refilled his pipe and softly remarked, There are no delicate questions between friends, only honest ones. What is it you wish to ask me?

Scrooge sat back before responding. His thoughts raced and he tried to think of the right manner in which to ask his question. Jacob Marley’s words and the images of the three ghosts flashed again through his mind but he felt unable to describe the events of last evening as they actually occurred, fearful that his new friend might think him unbalanced. Scrooge again cleared his mind of last evenings’ visitors and moved slightly closer to Father Campbell’s chair before speaking. He chose his words carefully and his voice drifted into a whisper.

Hugh, is it wrong for a Christian to believe in the existence of ghosts and spirits, I mean a spirit world where spirits and ghosts unseen by mortal eyes roam the earth as punishment for their sins in life unable to interfere for the good in the lives of the unfortunate and poor that surround them.

Father Campbell looked over the top of his eyeglasses intently into Scrooge’s eyes searching for some clue which would prompt the asking of such a question. Drawing himself closer to Scrooge, he gently began, You pose a very interesting philosophical question, especially to a man of the cloth who happens also to be an Irishman. But, perhaps I should first ask if you have discussed this matter with your minister?

Scrooge nodded at first before answering. The Reverend Thomas Todhunter, good man that he is, is much too orthodox an Anglican minister to entertain the thought of spirits confined to an earthly punishment. I am afraid he would dismiss my question as beyond the realm of his religious beliefs. Thus, I dare not raise the question with him.

Father Campbell had worked at lighting his pipe while listening intently to Scrooge’s explanation. He inhaled several quick puffs of smoke before he decided to speak.

Now then, Ben, I can give you several different answers to your question. And since I am in the business of providing interpretations for the actions of heavenly spirits, I will tell you that officially holy mother church does not acknowledge the existence of earthly spirits. However, the church does believe in the existence of a spiritual halfway house between earth and heaven we call Purgatory. Purgatory, as we Catholics believe is the place where souls are cleansed and the chains of their sins removed to prepare them for the ascent to heaven. There is also a wonderful Irish legend I learned as a wee boy that says butterflies are the souls of the dead leaving Purgatory. So, when an Irishman sees a butterfly he prays for the poor soul to pass through to his peace. In answer to your question, perhaps, a soul in distress could wander the earth until such time as his accumulated sins are forgiven. He could then enter heaven through the prayers and good works of his loved ones. Now, mind you, I have never seen a spirit in person on either side of the grave. But, as an Irishman, I can tell you that we as a race believe in all the spirits, good and bad because of our pagan past before blessed Saint Patrick converted us to Christianity. And, of course there are the little people, the leprechauns that we believe exist in our forests guarding their pots of gold. Now, to answer your question directly, there is more to life than that which we can see. I do believe that spirits walk about us. Many a day, I have felt that the spirits accompany me on my daily duties. Perhaps it is just an old man’s fancy, but I do find comfort in the thought they are about me. Yet, my friend, in the end, it is our individual faith that must bridge the differences between church law and our own personal beliefs. I only know that there are events and happenings that occur in our brief lives that are often beyond our limited human ability to understand without faith.

Scrooge listened intently to each word Father Campbell spoke. He struggled again with the notion of revealing his entire experience with Jacob Marley and the three Christmas ghosts. Father Campbell studied his face and sensed his indecision. He spoke before Scrooge could respond. I sense in your expression that I may have failed in my attempt to provide you with a satisfactory answer to your question. However, I feel compelled to ask you if there was any particular reason for your interest in earthly spirits?

Scrooge rose from the bench sofa and gathered up his hat and gloves before speaking. He cleared his throat in an attempt to sound sincere.

No, Hugh, no reason in particular.

Father Campbell nodded in silent acceptance of Scrooge’s brief explanation before rising from his chair. Ben, allow me to accompany you to the front door.

Scrooge smiled at being called by his shorten first name. My dear sister Fan was the only other person to ever call me Ben.

Father Campbell patted Scrooge on the shoulder. Well, now there are two of us.

The two elderly men passed before the main altar. Father Campbell genuflected and pointed with pride to the glowing white candles. Aren’t they a beautiful sight? I always allow them to burn until midnight at Christmas. I believe the Good Lord enjoys the sight of his birthday candles, and my parishioners, bless their poor souls, they find spiritual comfort and simple warmth in their presence.

The two stood a few moments longer to watch the flickering glow from the candles cast their shadows upon the statues and the large wooden cross adorning the walls behind the main altar. Father Campbell was the first to turn away after a slight genuflection and he walked with Scrooge toward the front of the church. Reaching the doors, Scrooge offered his hand.

Hugh, may I have the privilege of stopping in to talk with you on occasion?

Father Campbell’s lined face curved into a broad smile at Scrooge’s request and he grasped and shook Scrooge’s hand with such vigor and enthusiasm that Scrooge felt a sharp pain between his fingers.

Ben, I would consider it my privilege and a blessing. My rectory house is located at the side of the church near the grave site. The door is never locked, and when you do visit, which I pray is often, I can promise you at the very least, a warm cup of tea and good conversation.

Well, since I pass by your church each day, I can assure you that I will take advantage of your kind offer.

Good, now I have to be about my duties as church custodian. Good night Ben, and as we say in Ireland, safe home.

Scrooge placed his top hat on tightly as he watched Father Campbell close the church door. Now alone on the wide stone steps, he pulled on his gloves as the wind pushed the swirling thick white flakes against his cheeks. As he stepped down from the first flat stone step, his foot slipped slightly in several large ruts of broken crushed mortar and stone buried beneath the evening snowfall. Upon reaching the street, Scrooge turned and picked up a small piece of broken stone as a reminder to have the steps repaired.

Chapter 3

The next morning Scrooge arrived at his office well in advance of Bob Cratchit. As he sat at his large wooden desk waiting for Bob to arrive, he felt so much joy within himself that he worried if he could pretend to be angry when Bob arrived. He passed the time trying to imagine what Bob’s reaction would be when he told him his plans for he and his family. As the wall clock approached nineteen minutes past the hour of nine, a breathless Bob Cratchit appeared at the front door. Scrooge pretended not to notice as Bob quietly opened the front door, placed his hat and comforter on a side hook and entered his work area. Bob mounted his work stool and grabbed a quill pen in a single quick motion. He took a deep breath and prayed to himself that Scrooge would overlook his tardiness. Scrooge watched Bob’s entire performance and forced himself with great effort to suppress his smile before he called a trembling Bob Cratchit into his inner office.

Five minutes later, the door to Scrooge & Marley’s offices swung wide and an excited Bob Cratchit darted into the street. He flung his long woolen comforter so high upon his left shoulder that its tattered knotted end knocked his hat off his head. It was while retrieving his worn brown top hat that Bob noticed Scrooge’s nephew walking down the narrow sidewalk toward him. Bob Cratchit nearly exploded with anticipation as he waited to open the office door. He felt his cheeks flush as Fred grew closer. He was just able to control his excitement at the grandness of Scrooge’s plans for his family. And for the first time in his humble life, he made no attempt to control his inner emotions. He had to tell someone, anyone, about this unpredictable man he worked for. What would Mrs. Cratchit think when she learns that his salary had been increased threefold and that Scrooge’s plans for their family included medical care for their dear Tiny Tim. Moreover, to Bob Cratchit’s total amazement, Scrooge had disclosed his plans for his family the very morning he arrived late for work. Bob smiled again at the thought of Mrs. Cratchit’s reaction and how pleased Tiny Tim will be.

Good morning, Mr. Anderson. Bob said with a slight bow as he opened the door. Mr. Scrooge is waiting for you. I must hurry off. I am to purchase a new coal scuttle at Mr. Scrooge’s request.

Stepping back, Bob allowed Fred to enter the doorway then adjusted his crumpled hat and started down the street. Try as he could, Bob was unable to control his joy and soon his normal long walking stride changed to an impromptu dance with first a short skip, then a hop and finally into a happy leap. Fred turned in the doorway and delighted in watching the lanky figure on the sidewalk dance his way down the narrow street. Fred had left his townhouse filled with a nervous excitement. The joyful and spontaneous encounter with Bob Cratchit further lifted Fred’s spirits as he walked into the glass walled inner office of Scrooge and Marley’s counting house. He nervously flashed his warm smile at the first sight of his uncle. A smile enhanced by the gentle crossing of his front teeth which gave his features a permanent child-like appearance making it impossible not to return his disarming smile.

Good morning uncle, Fred cheerfully cried out as he walked through Bob Cratchit’s vacant workstation. You have made your clerk a most happy fellow this morning.

Scrooge responded without hesitation to Fred’s remark.

Bob Cratchit is a loyal and industrious clerk and a good family man with many needs. Yes, many debts need to be repaid.

Scrooge then quickly rose to his feet and warmly greeted Fred at the doorway to his office. He made no attempt to hide his pleasure at seeing his nephew, and Fred, in turn, warmly responded to his eager handshake.

Dear Fred, I am so pleased you could stop in. Turning beside Fred, Scrooge pointed to a single large leather chair that he had placed closer to his desk for this particular meeting.

Please sit here.

Fred took a moment to remove and place his great coat and top hat onto a large curved brass coat holder mounted on a wooden post in the corner of Scrooge’s office. After adjusting his stylish black velvet trimmed suit jacket, he joined his uncle who sat smiling across his large cluttered desk.

Before speaking, Scrooge gazed intently at Fred, studying his handsome youthful face as if it were the first time they had met. Fred managed another slight smile and softly cleared his throat in nervous anticipation as he waited for his uncle to speak. Leaning forward toward Fred, Scrooge broke the tension with a toothy smile and spoke.

You no doubt must have wondered why I requested your presence here this morning. The gentleness in Scrooge’s voice relaxed Fred and he sat back in his chair before responding.

Yes uncle, I must admit your request did pique my curiosity.

Scrooge, pleased at Fred’s response, rubbed his hands in a gesture of personal triumph. Scrooge then spoke in a manner both casual and sincere.

Fred, I want you to join me as a full partner in my business.

He then pulled himself up in his chair and watched the impact of this simple request on his nephew’s face. Fred repeated his uncle’s words quickly in his mind as if their