The Time Travelers of Cratchit Castle

Chapter 18 and Epilogue

Chapter Eighteen

Surprise Guests

That night, the Nate and Bert ate dinner with great-Uncle Fred and Nate's mother. They could hardly sit still.  After everyone went to bed, the boys traveled to the past again. When they arrived in the Cratchits' kitchen, the house was abuzz with activity. It was the afternoon of the grand Christmas party. They hadn't missed it! The boys settled in the foyer to watch the festivities.

Charlotte, Fan, and Nettie were dressed in satin pinafore dresses, with ribbons in their hair. Will and Michael looked dapper in velvet jackets and shiny dress shoes. 

At four o'clock, sleek, horse-drawn carriages began to pull up, one by one, and London's lords and ladies emerged. 

Mr. and Mrs. Highmore were the first to arrive. As they stepped out of their carriage, Fan and Will ran outside and hugged their parents. 

Nate noticed that Bert had a sad look on his face, as if he was longing for his own mother and father.

Mrs. Cratchit, wearing a light blue gown, was a gracious hostess. She stood at the entrance and greeted each guest by name with a warm smile. Mr. Cratchit stood next to her, shaking the men's hands with his usual goodwill.

Fan, Charlotte, and Nettie squealed with delight as they admired the ladies' silk dresses in colors of crimson, emerald, and gold. The gentlemen were handsome in tailcoats and silk hats. 

Nate pointed to an elegant lady's gloved wrist. "Look at that diamond bracelet!"

"High fashion," Bert said with a whistle. "Our celebrities have nothin' on these blokes."

After all the guests had arrived, Mrs. Fuddle handed out glasses of punch and elderberry wine. Mr. Cratchit played the piano while Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig sang holiday carols. Then the Fezziwigs sang a funny pirate song and acted out the parts. The guests laughed and clapped.

In the main hall, a small orchestra played polka music. Bert and Nate watched, fascinated by the dancing couples. 

Bert tapped Nate on the arm. "Look," and he pointed across the room.

A waltz had just begun. Will approached Charlotte. He took a deep breath and smiled. Charlotte blushed, while Nettie suppressed a giggle. Will bowed, held out his hand and asked, "May I have this dance?" 

Charlotte shyly accepted, and together they walked onto the dance floor.

The party went on into the evening. People sang, laughed, and toasted to a Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year. Everyone was in high spirits. 

Everyone, that is, except Mr. Whittock. He stood in a corner with a scowl, clutching his glass of punch. He hardly spoke to anyone. Amidst all the festivity, he was the only one sulking.

When it was time for supper, the guests sat at two long dining tables. The staff brought out silver platters overflowing with tasty dishes. Oh, the food! 

Nate and Bert stood against the wall, eyeing the feast and licking their lips. There were buttered croquettes, smoked oysters, simmered beets, fried potatoes, stewed chestnuts, Welsh rarebit, and tureens of soup. The main dishes were beef sirloin, roast goose, glazed mutton, baked pheasant, and fricassee of chicken.

Bert tried to swipe a drumstick off the table but was unsuccessful. He snapped his fingers with disappointment.

Afterwards, Mrs. Fuddle brought out the scrumptious desserts. There were puddings, pies, cakes, figs, macaroons, candied fruits, frozen cream, pastries, and truffles.