Disclaimer: I don't own A Christmas Carol
Fezziwig was a good man. He was a kind man and one that followed the principals of love. Scrooge always knew that his master was a good man. Fezziwig was the one that inspired Scrooge to want to become a banker. Fezziwig was more then his master. To Scrooge he was a friend, a father and a brother all rolled into one. Scrooge had learned many lessons from Fezziwig and one lesson he saw plain as day. It was a lesson of compassion.
It was a snowy day in December, close to Christmas. Scrooge could see the icicles forming on the side of the bank. He shivered from the cold. He heard the bell on the door and in walked a man who looked very poor. He was holding a young boy who looked quite ill. The boy couldn't have been older then 2 or 3. The man had a coat which he kept warm (if you could call it that) in.
"Mr. Cratchit," Fezziwig said, "It is good to see you."
Yes Scrooge first met Bob Cratchit at Fezziwig's bank. Martha had been 5 at the time and Peter nearly 3.
"Thank you Mr. Fezziwig," Cratchit said, "I was wondering if we might talk?"
"Of course," Fezziwig said, "Right this way."
Fezziwig led him into the office.
"Now then," Fezziwig said, "What might I do for you"
"Well you know I took out a loan about six weeks ago. I put up my coat for collateral. Sad to say I am unable to pay it back right now. My youngest child has been taken ill with mumps.
Back in those day mumps was a serious illness.
"I need to pay for Peter's care," Cratchit went on to explain.
He then took off his coat and folded it neatly. He handed his coat to Fezziwig.
Fezziwig looked at the coat.
"This little thin thing cannot possibly keep you warm," he said.
"It provides me some small warmth," Crathit said, "I would chose to be reprimanded but with my boy here I fear too much stress would do him harm."
"Reprimanded for what? All I have seen so far is an example of you being a wonderful father."
Fezziwig got up and walked to his coat hoot. He took his own coat off and handed it to Cratchit.
"This should fit you," he said, "and serve you better. As far as your boy, I will arrange for his care. I have a wonderful doctor that saw all of my children when they were young. I will pay for his care as well."
"Thank you so much," Robert exclaimed, "Why are you treating me so kindly?"
"It is because I am a father myself. I know what it is to be in your position. I do expect something in return however. I want you to show the same kindness to others."
"That is all?"
"That's all," Fezziwig said.
"That I will surely do"