The Time Travelers of Cratchit Castle

Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

Finn's Pharmacy

Nate and Bert heard carriages passing on the street and a bustle of activity downstairs. Across the room, Bert sat up groggily and rubbed his eyes. "People sure woke up early in the olden days."

The boys slipped into the hallway and saw the children going down for breakfast. They descended the stairs behind them.

The Cratchits' housekeeper was dusting woodwork in the front hall. "Christmas Day is fast approaching," she called out. "We must get the manor ready for the party."

Michael gave her a sly smile. "You're quite right, Mrs. Gossett. We'll stay out of your way today."

Mrs. Periwinkle stood in the parlor inspecting a list of names. "Mrs. Cratchit must have a heart of gold to invite that old miser."

Mrs. Fuddle nodded. "Indeed. Only the kind-hearted Cratchits would extend an invitation to a rotten codger such as him."

"Who did Mother and Father invite?" asked Michael.

"Gaston Whittock," Mrs. Periwinkle replied.

The children stared at her in shock.

Mrs. Periwinkle went on. "Your mother feels sorry that he has no family, so she invites him to the Christmas party every year. He's never once accepted the invitation."

Then she slapped the list with the back of her hand. "Never 'afore had courtesy to reply or darken our doorstep. Until this year!"

"He's coming to the party? How odd," remarked Charlotte. "We saw him yesterday at Fezziwig's and he didn't mention it. That's very rude."

"I'm not surprised," Mrs. Fuddle muttered as she walked to the kitchen. "He's a wicked old screw!"

Later, in the kitchen, the children ate their breakfast heartily.

"I see yesterday's outing has improved your appetites," Mrs. Periwinkle remarked. "Miss Nettie, we shall have the carriage take you home whenever you like."

Charlotte spoke up. "We were hoping to take a walk into town. We can walk Nettie to her father's store."

"A walk on a winter's day?" Mrs. Periwinkle chuckled. "I wish these old bones of mine had such vigor. Fine then. Just remember to dress warm and be home before teatime."

The children put on their coats and overshoes. It was not as sunny as the day before and they shivered as the wind whipped down Wembley Street.

Bert and Nate were grateful that they'd worn winter coats. Carriages rumbled past, splashing slush and mud. The streets were icy, and the children had to watch their footing. They turned onto Saint Thomas Row.

"That's my school, mate!" said Bert, pointing to a large stone building. "It sure looks different now."

When the children came to Fezziwig's, Nettie ducked beneath the front window. "I don't want Father to see us, or he'll ask where we're going."

The others crouched beneath the window too, walking like crabs to the end of the building.

Nettie stood up. "It's just two blocks more."

They were glad to finally reach the pharmacy. Lamps glowed in the front windows and beckoned with the promise of warmth. The children entered the store, but no one greeted them.