It is the spring of 1845 and Scrooge continues to live the good life. He is a successful businessman with an unexcelled reputation and a large society of friends. He continues to struggle with a certain romance, however, since it exposes his inexperience in such matters. Still, he is the happiest he has ever been - until tragedy strikes.Scrooge is devastated by the event and, although he does not revert to his former state of mean-spiritedness, he believes he no longer has reason to live. He is given a small glimmer of hope by some good news he receives, but even that cannot undo the terrible occurrence.Since Scrooge is now an active participant in the larger community of London, his family and friends, all of whom have engaging stories of their own, come to his aid. Of course, Marley once again lends a helping hand and imparts wisdom that is known only to a world far removed from early Victorian London.