Written by William E. Spear
Published by The Three Fifty-seven
9 April 2024
His altar was the grave.
(Theme for THE GHOSTLY GROOM plays and goes under)
Hello . . . and welcome to the Three Fifty-seven.
My name is William Spear and this is our series titled THE GHOSTLY GROOM. It is inspired by, and interpreted from, Washington Irving’s THE SPECTRE BRIDEGROOM published in 1819. That’s right; over two hundred years ago.
Lenore Katzenellen is the 45-year-old founder and president of a financial analysis firm in Odenwald, New Jersey. She, her father, and two aunts have been called to a nearby hospital to identify her fiancé, Geoffrey Ochre, who has been badly injured in an automobile accident. When they arrive, he is unconscious and heavily bandaged from his head to shoulders to arms.
While waiting to speak with him, she identified his billfold and mobile phone. Then the noises started.
And now the Second Episode titled HER SURPRISE.
(Theme for THE GHOSTLY GROOM plays and goes under)
From inside Geoffrey’s room came thrashing sounds and screams. “I must speak with Lenore. Is she here? Lenore? Lenore! WHERE IS SHE?”
Lenore insisted she go to him but was asked to wait. Gesturing to the police officer, the doctor asked for possible assistance in restraining Geoffrey.
There were more calls for “Lenore” and “Why isn’t she here?” Also, “Mr. Ochre you must stay in the bed” and “If you calm down I’ll bring her.”
When the turmoil lessened, the doctor came for Lenore but warned, “Remember, he must be kept calm.”
The doctor escorted her in and she gasped at seeing him. She quietly leaned over and whispered, “Not to worry. I will stay by your side.”
Geoffrey went wild with protests,“No! No! I have an appointment later tonight.”
Lenore told him to send someone else.
Geoffrey insisted: “Only I can keep the appointment.”
Lenore patiently explained he had to get better for their wedding.
Geoffrey revealed his appointment was with the worms. The worms expected him. Lenore did not understand. “How could you have an appointment with worms?”
“I died in the car crash and the Wurtzburg cemetery is waiting for me. That is my only altar,” he wailed.
The doctor led Lenore and the Odenwald police from the room.
Everyone agreed it was best to keep Geoffrey calm. Lenore’s family would drive her home and come back in the morning. She, her father, and her aunts began to leave when police from Wurtzburg arrived and asked for her.
The Wurtzburg police expressed regrets about Geoffrey. Lenore thanked the officer and shared everyone’s efforts to keep him calm.
“He is beyond calm,” said the Wurtzburg officer. “His car and body were pulled from a ravine on Route Thirty-one. He was pronounced dead at the scene.”
The doctor rushed into Geoffrey’s room and a moment later staggered back with impossible news: Lenore’s fiancé was gone.
(Theme for THE GHOSTLY GROOM plays and goes under)
You have listened to Episode Two titled HER SURPRISE.
Theme music is through the courtesy of Nicky.
William Spear wrote and narrated the series and it was produced by The Three Fifty-seven.
Thank you for your attention.
(Theme for THE GHOSTLY GROOM fades out)
WESJr
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