Chapter 1. Making Preparations

A Hobbit could starve to death in the midst of plenty.

Merry Gamgee meditated on this unfortunate fact after he was shooed from the kitchen at Bag End once again, when all he wanted was a bit of bread-and-butter.

O very well, to be perfectly honest he wanted considerably more than a bit of bread-and-butter. The smells emanating from kitchen were enough to drive any self-respecting tween wild: baking, stewing, roasting, simmering, frying, bubbling, poaching, cooking... and naught for the huddle of hovering tweens, no, not at all!

 ‘Come away, Merry!’ Pippin Gamgee said impatiently. ‘Surely there’s food to be had somewheres. We could go to the Ivy Bush, or the Green Dragon, or even to Cottons’—that would be worth the walk now, wouldn’t it?’

 ‘Aunt Marigold is probably baking something for the wedding,’ Merry said gloomily. ‘Just like everyone else between here and Bywater.’

 ‘We’ll just tell her we’ve been orphaned by a sudden disaster,’ Pippin said soothingly, patting his brother’s shoulder. ‘Aunt Mari will fall all over herself to feed us.’

 ‘Just so long as she feeds us,’ Merry grumbled.

 ‘Besides,’ Pippin added with a wink, ‘we had better take ourselves off before they think of any more tasks for us to do! Ham’s chopping wood, Tolman’s fetching wood, Bilbo and Robin are plucking chickens...’

 ‘And after we eat,’ Merry said, brightening, ‘we could go to Proudfoots’ and serenade Frodo as he’s pulling weeds!’

 ‘Now you’re talking!’ Pippin said, clapping his brother on the shoulder. ‘I knew you’d think of something!’

 ‘I’m light-headed from hunger; ‘tis difficult to think of clever things to do,’ Merry quavered like an old gaffer.

 ‘Come, lad, we’ll feed you and then you can think up lots of lovely things for us to do!’ Pippin said. ‘It’s our duty to make Frodo’s wedding memorable, you know!’

 ‘Such a heavy responsibility to bear,’ Merry sighed, shaking his head. Just then he heard Ruby calling his name. Ducking down instinctively, he pulled Pippin down beside him. ‘The cat is at the mousehole!’ he whispered. ‘Come along now, Pip!’ The two crept from the garden, staying low until they were out of sight of Bag End’s windows, and then laughing they raced each other down the Hill.

***

 ‘Where did those lads go?’ Rose asked querulously, wiping her damp brow with the back of her hand.

 ‘I’m sorry, Rose-mum, I thought I saw them skulking about just a few moments ago,’ Ruby said apologetically.

 ‘And all these good sandwiches gone to waste!’ Rose said, ‘after all Goldi’s work to make them up nice lunches for the lads.’

 ‘I’ll eat ‘em!’ Tolman said promptly, entering with another armload of wood. ‘And I’ll carry some to Ham, Robin and Bilbo.’

 ‘There’s a lad,’ Rose said. ‘Perhaps we should save some for Merry-lad and Pippin-lad.’

 ‘No need,’ Tolman said, giving his hands a cursory wash and quickly piling the sandwiches into a basket. ‘They’ll just go stale. Make up fresh ones when they come back from wherever it is they went.’

 ‘Arranging a wedding surprise for Frodo, no doubt,’ Rose said dryly.

 ‘Well that is one of their tasks, after all,’ Goldilocks said, seizing a cloth to remove the apple tarts from the oven. ‘There!’ she said, eyeing the fruit of her labours with delight.

 ‘O nicely done, Goldi!’ Rose praised from behind her, putting her hands on the tween’s shoulders to look at the tarts: perfectly browned and bubbling over with goodness. ‘Set them on the table there, dearie, and we’ll stir up some nice sugar icing to spoon over the top.’

 ‘Do you suppose you put in the right amount of sweetening?’ Tolman said, looking the tarts over with a critical eye. ‘Perhaps someone ought to taste one, just to make sure.’

 ‘I think we’ll chance it,’ Goldi said recklessly. ‘Do go on and take some sustenance to our brothers before they perish of hunger!’

Tolman laughed and left the kitchen, but not before Rose quickly scooped half-a-dozen large ginger biscuits from the cooling rack into the basket.

***

 ‘Merigrin Took! Come out of that tree this instant! The tutor’s been looking all over for you!’

 The bird he was painstakingly drawing took flight and fourteen-year-old Merry Took laid down his pencil and sighed. ‘I’m coming, Ruby,’ he said to his twin. He tucked the pencil into its pocket and closed up the leatherbound drawing case, a birthday present from his father the Thain. He slid out of the tree. ‘What does the old grackle want?’

 ‘Merry!’ Forget-me-not, also called "Ruby", scolded. ‘That’s disrespectful.’

 ‘What does the old owl want, then?’ Merry said, though he thought “grackle” fit the tutor perfectly. He invariably wore a rusty black coat and squawked just like the crested grackle Merry had drawn a month or so ago.

 ‘You shouldn’t call names,’ Ruby said with a sniff.

 ‘It’s a compliment to call someone an owl,’ Merry said. ‘What does he want?’

 ‘He wants you to do your sums, for starters, and isn’t there a recitation you were supposed to have by heart for today?’

 ‘Why aren’t you sitting in that stuffy old study, dutifully doing your sums?’ Merry said.

Ruby put on a superior air. ‘I’m all finished for the day!’ she said. ‘Master Telebold has given me the rest of the day to play.’

 ‘Don’t you have some silly sampler to stitch upon?’ Merry asked. It was an annoyance to think of his sister free to pursue her interests when he was about to be chained to a chair in a manner of speaking.

 ‘Papa was so pleased with my recitation he told me to forget the stitchery and dance in the sunshine,’ Ruby said.

 ‘Papa was there to hear recitations?’ Merry said with a groan. He was for it now. If the Thain had come to hear lessons and found his middle son missing...

 ‘Yes,’ Ruby said with a smirk. She thought they were too easy on Merry, probably just because he was named for the Master of Buckland, and was glad to think he’d have some consequences this time. ‘He said you evidently are not well-enough acquainted with work, that you take it so lightly, and so you must have more work to do to keep in practice. He told Telebold to double your work if you’re not finished by elevenses.’

 ‘But the Sun is nearly to nooning!’ Merry said in dismay.

 ‘You’ve half an hour until elevenses is served,’ Ruby said nonchalantly, but her observation fell on the air, for before she finished her brother had left her, running at best speed back to the Great Smials.

***

 ‘Shall I send out a search party?’ Berilac Brandybuck said.

Estella cast him an ironic glance. ‘And just where would you suggest they start searching?’

 ‘Better than sitting here fuming,’ the steward of Buckland said helpfully.

 ‘I am not fuming!’ Estella snapped. ‘My husband knew quite well the date of the wedding of the Mayor’s eldest son! He ought to have returned a week ago!’ She added under her breath, ‘I knew I should have gone to Rohan with him this time. Those Rohirrim!’

 ‘The souls of hospitality, isn’t that what you called them when you returned from the last visit?’ Berilac said, pouring Estella a soothing cup of tea.

 ‘Rohan is a pot of honey and Merry is a fly,’ Estella said. ‘Every time we visit, every time, they have this celebration or that festival or some important foal about to be born and of course we must put off leaving until afterwards. You  have to be firm with those people.’

 ‘Yes, I recall the last time you were only six weeks overdue on your return,’ Berilac said. ‘That was quite an improvement over the previous year.’

 ‘Well if Merry knows what’s good for him, he’ll be at Frodo Gardner’s wedding!’ Estella flared. Her restlessness would not be contained, and she swept out of the room, a whirlwind of irritated energy.

Berilac sighed and added more sugar to the tea he had started to prepare for Estella. He sipped meditatively. It would be a shame to let a good cup of tea go to waste. He wondered where Merry might be. Somewhere on the Road, on his way back from Rohan, undoubtedly. Worrier that he was, attending to every detail falling under his authority, surely Merry would not miss young Frodo’s wedding...

Chapter 2.  A Matter of Importance

Estella kept looking down the road as they loaded the coach. She half expected to see Merry ride up, grinning triumphantly. I’m never late!

But no Merry appeared, not even as the coach passed the North Gate and turned towards the Brandywine Bridge.

Miri happily gazed from one window while young Perry looked out of the other, both craning for a sight of their father. They watched in vain all that day. ‘Isn’t Father coming to the wedding?’ Perry asked as they pulled into the yard of the inn halfway to Bywater, ready for supper and bed after a day in the coach.

 ‘Of course he is!’ Estella said stoutly. She only hoped she was telling the truth.

***

At that moment Merry was riding wearily along the Great North Road, his head drooping and swaying with the motion of the pony, the clip-clop of the hoofs a hypnotic rhythm drawing him deeper into dream. A pleasant dream it was, too: he was arriving at the North Gate just as the coach with his family was passing out of Buckland. ‘You see,’ he laughed, tipping his hat to Estella. ‘My timing is impeccable, as always.’

 ‘As always,’ Estella said, her ire changing to laughter in a twinkling. ‘I thought the King of Rohan had managed to delay your departure so long you’d miss young Frodo’s wedding. I should have known better.’

 ‘You should have!’ Merry said, gratefully sliding down from the pony’s back. Ah, but it would be nice to relax in the coach. Perhaps he’d even be able to sleep a bit, and then of course there’d be the stopover halfway to Bywater. He’d sleep in a bed this night!

 ‘Don’t you think a bed would suit better than a saddle?’

 ‘Indeed,’ Merry answered, but something was wrong... He lifted his head as the dream dissolved, finding himself once more on the Road, too far from the Shire.

 ‘I say, Little Master, I hardly thought to find a Halfling half-asleep on a pony this day!’ the voice came again, and Merry looked up to see a peddler grinning at him from the seat of a cart.

 ‘Indeed,’ Merry repeated, stretching. ‘It’s a long way to the Shire.’

 ‘It is!’ the peddler said. He cocked his eye at the lowering Sun. ‘Be dark soon,’ he observed. ‘Would you like to share my fire and food? All I ask in return is a story... it can be lonely, travelling all the day.’

 ‘My thanks,’ Merry said with a grateful nod. He’d be all the fresher for the rest. Though he begrudged the delay, he recognised that he’d go on faster and his pony would as well, if they took a breather.

***

 ‘It looks as if we have enough to feed the entire Shire,’ Sam said, entering the kitchen where baskets of food were piled high.

 ‘Half the Shire, perhaps,’ Rose said, casting a critical eye over the bounty. ‘Enough to hold up our end. The Burrowses are responsible for the wedding breakfast, and I’m that glad of it!’

 ‘You can be sure that half of Bywater will be cooking and baking to meet the need,’ Sam said with a kiss for the flushed cheek. ‘Day after tomorrow; I can hardly believe it.’

 ‘Our little Frodo-lad, all grown up and soon to be married!’ Rose said, wiping away a treacherous tear. ‘Ah, Sam, I feel so old!’

 Sam smiled. ‘You’re as young as the day you came to our door with a basket of good things your mum had sent, because my Mum was feeling poorly,’ he said. ‘I’ve never forgot how your eyes sparkled, or the way your curls pulled loose from the braids, and how you tossed your head when the wind teased them.’

 ‘Mmmm,’ she said, leaning into him. Looking up with a twinkle in her eye, she murmured, ‘Samwise Gamgee, will you marry me?’

 ‘I thought you’d never ask!’ he murmured in reply. They shared a long kiss before the moment was shattered by Pippin-lad bouncing in the door.

 ‘I’m starving!’ he announced, though he had eaten enough at Cottons’ to make his Aunt Marigold roll her eyes and mutter about tweens’ appetites. ‘What’s for supper?’

 ‘Naught, until you take these baskets to the cool room,’ his mother informed him. ‘And no poaching! I’ve counted everything and if there’s anything missing, I’ll know!’

 ‘Yes’m,’ Pip smiled and took up two large baskets. The cool room was the deepest cellar, delved far under the Hill and always cold, even on the hottest day of summer. It was a good place for keeping food made ahead, why, milk stayed sweet there for up to a week!

Soon all the Gamgees were gathered at the supper table, laughing and talking.

 ‘Did you see your Daisy today?’ Mother Rose asked with a smile.

 ‘Course he did!’ Merry-lad shouted. ‘He can’t see her at all on the morrow, so he had to look into her eyes twice as long today to make up for it!’

 ‘Merry,’ Sam said mildly and the tween subsided.

 ‘Bad luck to see the bride the day before the wedding,’ Pip put in with a grin. ‘Will you miss her, Fro?’

 ‘Of course,’ Frodo said, placidly helping himself to more fried taters. ‘But we’ll make up for it after.’

 ‘Your rooms are all ready,’ Sam said. They’d built on to Bag End, digging two more rooms on the far side of the smial. There was a lovely sitting room with large windows to welcome the Sun and a bedroom across the corridor, snug under the Hill where it would make for cool sleeping on hot summer nights. When little Gardners began to arrive more bedrooms could be dug; there was plenty of room to expand Bag End on the side lacking neighbours. Frodo and his Daisy could be private in their sitting room or they could (and likely would, most days) take their meals with the family in the kitchen. Some day when the last of Sam and Rose’s brood left the nest, they’d take the little smial-added-on to the big smial, and Frodo’s family would occupy Bag End and look after them.

 ‘But you mayn’t look at them yet!’ Goldi said quickly. She was hurrying to finish sewing together the braided rug for the bedroom... Frodo’s brothers had excavated and braced and hammered and sawed and whitewashed, his parents had sought out furniture, his sisters had provided all the soft furnishings. Primrose had one more pillow to stuff and sew closed, and sister Daisy—imagine, two Daisies under one roof!—had finished the curtains only that day.

 ‘Of course not!’ Frodo said. ‘And spoil the surprise?’

 ‘That’s not the surprise,’ Merry-lad said, sharing a mischievous look with Pip. The two tweens had not come up with something sufficiently grand as yet, but there was one more day to work at it before the wedding day arrived.

***

Merigrin Took peered into the nesting box he’d fixed in the apple tree. His heart leaped with joy. Yes! A pair of blue tits had taken residence. They’d built the nest of intertwined moss, grass, leaves, and roots and lined it softly with hair and feathers. Merry recognised some of the hair: he’d offered to clean his sisters’ hairbrushes and hung the gleanings on twigs in the orchard.

The parents were nowhere to be seen, and there were no eggs in the nest or the mother would have been sitting on them. Merry had heard that blue tits were close sitters. He hoped they hadn’t built this cosy home only to abandon it. He slid out of the tree and climbed another, some distance away. He’d come back early on the morrow to see if the little birds had returned.

The day after tomorrow was the wedding, of course, but if no eggs appeared on the morrow, he'd creep out very early on the wedding day and be back before his family left for the wedding breakfast. No one would notice. He did not want to miss the laying of the eggs! It was a matter of some importance, as he’d been watching this particular box for three years now, hoping a family would take up residence. He couldn’t wait to see if these blue tits would lay the prodigious quantity of eggs he’d heard about from Ferdibrand Took.

***

Estella tucked her children into bed with a story, though she was only half-attending to what she said and as a result the hero-hobbit's pony changed from brown to dapple-grey halfway through.

 'It was a magical pony!' Miri said, her eyes wide with wonder. Grateful for the idea, Estella continued, managing to finish satisfactorily though her thoughts were on Merry. Where was he this night? They had one more day's journey to Bywater. How much did he have?

Chapter 3. Nearly elevenses

 ‘One more day to the wedding!’ Goldi caroled, an unlikely bird high in one of the apple trees of the old orchard.

 ‘Goldi! Come down at once! What do you think you’re about?’ Primrose scolded her older sister.

 ‘Come up, Prim!’ Goldi said. ‘The sky is so blue and the breeze so fresh, and...’

 ‘And Rosie-lass will be arriving this evening, and the sheets aren’t even on the line yet!’ Primrose said. ‘Mum sent me to find you to tell you she needs help with the washing.’

 ‘The washing should have been done hours ago,’ Goldi said, reluctantly climbing down, ‘and besides, it’s not my day to wash.’

 ‘No, but you’re fastest,’ Primrose said, stepping out of the way for Goldi’s jump to the ground. ‘Mum got stuck in the linen press this morning, seeking out blankets, and no one heard her rapping and calling for an hour or more!’

 ‘Dad will have to fix that sticky latch for certain now!’ Goldi said. She’d been trapped a time or two herself, as had a couple of the others. It had become a family joke, but with the Mayor’s busy schedule and all the demands of the upcoming wedding, neither Sam nor any of the boys had found time to see to the latch yet. Indeed, the family had grown so used to propping the door when entering the storage room to fetch linens that the faulty latch hardly ever came to mind.

***

 ‘Whatever are we going to do?’ Pip said, frustration creeping into his tone. ‘There must be something!’

 ‘I don’t know why it is I have to be the one to think of everything,’ Merry-lad grumbled. He flopped back on the soft grass at the top of the Hill, resting his head on his hands, looking down at the colourful pavilions rising on the Party Field.

 ‘I wish Faramir were here; he’d think of something, I’m sure,’ Pip said.

 ‘Well why don’t you take yourself off to the Great Smials and ask him?’ Merry-lad said in exasperation. ‘Honestly, Pip, I’m at my wits’ end. There’s no waggon to decorate, for they’re coming back here to live, no ponies with hoofs to paint or manes and tails to braid with bright ribbons, for the same reason...’

 ‘And our sisters won’t let us near the new rooms,’ Pip said glumly. ‘As if we’d pull a mean trick! We just want to give the newlyweds a surprise is all.’

 ‘Well, we’ll think of something,’ Merry said, though he did not feel as confident as he sounded. ‘Fas is due to ride in sometime today; perhaps he’ll have an idea. He’s standing up with Frodo at the wedding after all.’

 ‘Are you sure he’s coming?’ Pip asked. ‘What with Ellie so close to her time and all?’

 ‘Fastred is always as good as his word, you know that,’ Merry said sternly. ‘He said he’d come, months ago, when Day and Frodo set the wedding date, and he’ll come.’

 ‘I don’t know,’ Pip said slowly. ‘He’d be in awful trouble with Ellie if she had the babe while he was here and she was there.’

***

Miri did not fight for a seat by the window this day; as a matter of fact, she was unusually subdued all the morning. Estella watched her sensitive daughter with concern. At length she said, ‘What is it, dearest?’

Miri sighed but did not look up. ‘Papa’s going to miss the wedding,’ she said low, ‘and Mayor Sam will be so dreadfully disappointed. And he shouldn’t be disappointed on such an important day. Everything should be perfect!’

 ‘O child,’ Estella smiled. ‘No wedding is ever perfect! Didn’t you know it’s bad luck if something doesn’t go amiss on your wedding day?’

 ‘That’s why brothers or cousins arrange “surprises”,' Perry said, turning from the window. He winked at his little sister. ‘Just you wait and see what I’ve thought up for your wedding!’

 ‘You wouldn’t dare! Mother!’ Miri wailed.

 ‘You wouldn’t want to have bad luck, now, would you?’ Perry said reasonably.

 ‘Periadoc Brandybuck, you leave off teasing your sister this instant!’ Estella said.

The lad gave a shrug and turned back to the window. ‘I was only trying to help,’ he said.

***

 ‘And they’ve lined the nest box, built a regular nest there,’ Merigrim Took said.

 ‘Well that is good news!’ Ferdibrand said, steepling his fingers together. ‘Any eggs yet?’

 ‘No,’ Merry said. ‘No sign of the parents. D’you suppose they built the nest and then abandoned it?’

 ‘They’ve been known to do that,’ Ferdi said slowly. ‘Still,’ he said, ‘let’s not borrow trouble. Keep a watch on the box; if there’s to be eggs laid it’ll happen soon, I warrant. Might be the parents went out for a bite and came back after you left.’

 ‘Have you really had a blue tit perch on your finger?’ the lad said eagerly.

 ‘Ah, they are bold little birds, indeed,’ Ferdi said. ‘Quite tame if they have the chance to get used to you. Have you been keeping the netting full of nuts for them?’

 ‘Aye,’ Merry said. ‘They’re so amusing to watch! They’ll even hang upside down from the netting to get at the nuts!’

 ‘Little acrobats,’ Ferdi said, a far-away look on his face. Though he’d lost his sight some years before, he remembered being as fascinated by the antics of the little blue-and-yellow birds as the young son of the Thain. ‘Fearless, as well. Why, if a squirrel comes after the food they’ll hold tight until the last minute, even though the squirrel would as likely eat one of them.’

 ‘I’ve seen that!’ Merry said excitedly. ‘A squirrel came after the food and looked to be sizing up the birds there. I threw a stone at him and scared him off.’

 ‘What’s this? Talking about birds when you’re supposed to be studying?’ Pippin’s voice was heard from the doorway. Merigrin jerked upright, but Ferdibrand only laughed.

 ‘Corrupting the lad, I am,’ the chancellor said. ‘Wheedling him away from his work by talk of birds and such.’

 ‘Ferdi, you’re welcome to share all your knowledge of hunting and woodcraft, but not when Merry’s tutor has been looking for him all of half an hour.’

 ‘Telly didn’t look very hard then; we’ve been here the whole time, haven’t we Merry?’ Ferdi drawled. ‘And if you’d been at your desk, working away as you ought, you’d have known your son was here in the Thain’s study!’

 ‘I...’ Pippin said.

 ‘Shameful example you set for your sons, neglecting your work this way. Where have you been?’ Ferdi scolded.

 ‘Ferdi, I...’ Pippin said.

 ‘Merry-lad, you go on now and take yourself off. I do believe your tutor is looking for you, lad,’ Ferdi said.

 ‘Yessir,’ Merry said, and was off like a shot from the bow.

 ‘Ferdi!’ Pippin said.

Ferdi leaned back in his chair, put his hands flat on the desk, and stretched. ‘Yes, cousin?’ he said helpfully. ‘Was there something you wanted?’

***

Merry Brandybuck leaned forward to pat his pony on the neck. ‘You’re doing a fine job, lad,’ he said. ‘Keep it up and we’ll get to that wedding yet.’

He’d elected to take the western fork of the Great North-South Road. There was no way he’d arrive at Buckland before Estella set out for Hobbiton, and it would just add miles to the journey to take the eastern fork up to Bree and across to the Shire. No, though Estella would fret at his absence from Buckland when it was time for the Brandybucks to start out, she’d forgive him when he arrived in good time for the wedding, even if he had to ride up through Southfarthing to do so.

 ‘Not far now,’ he added, though of course it really was too far. He wasn’t going to tell the pony that, however. They’d had a good rest after dinner with the peddler, rising some time between middle night and dawn to continue their journey. Now the Sun was high in the sky, and he’d crossed Sarn Ford. If he rode on through day and night, with just short rests for the sake of the pony, he ought to arrive in good time.

Chapter 4. Just in Time for Tea

 ‘Nearly teatime and still nothing!’ Pippin Gamgee said in disgust, kicking hard at a stone. He yelped as the stone proved harder than his toes; larger than it looked, it was firmly lodged in the ground. With his next step he yelped again, grabbing at his knee and pulling it high, hopping about on one foot, an unlikely stork.

 ‘Whatever have you done with yourself now?’ Merry-lad snapped.

 ‘I think I broke my toes!’ Pip moaned.

 ‘Now that’s just lovely!’ Merry said in irritation. ‘Here we are without a surprise for Frodo and Day and you have to break your toes!’ He grabbed at Pip’s arm, steadying him. ‘Don’t go falling down and breaking something else!’

 ‘Seriously, Merry, I think I may have broken one or two of them,’ Pip said hoarsely.

 ‘Come, sit down,’ Merry said, steering Pip over to a large rock by the side of the road to Overhill. Pip hobbled to the rock, wincing and putting all his weight on the heel of the affected foot, keeping the toes from touching the ground.

The older brother sat the younger one down, saying, ‘Let me take a look.’ He knelt before Pip and took the heel of the injured foot in his hand. As he looked the toes over, Pip sucked in his breath.

 ‘I haven’t even touched them yet!’ Merry said.

 ‘It hurts!’ Pip said miserably.

 ‘Which one?’ Merry asked.

 ‘The three in the middle,’ Pip said, ‘and the big one hurts a bit as well.’

 ‘Ah,’ Merry said. He gently touched the affected toes while Pip hobbitfully suppressed another yelp. ‘Mmmm,’ he added.

 ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ Pip demanded.

 ‘I think you’ve broken at least two of them,’ Merry said. ‘They’re rather... crooked, and beginning to look larger... and it looks as if they’ll be turning a glorious shade of purple.’

 ‘How am I to dance at the wedding?’ Pip said in dismay.

 ‘I’d say, you aren’t,’ Merry said matter-of-factly, but at Pip’s crestfallen expression he patted his brother’s knee sympathetically. ‘It’s too bad, Pip, but you really ought to give up kicking at stones.’ Casting about for something encouraging to say, he added, ‘Mum will tuck you up and bring you good things to eat...’

 ‘Mum will put me on water rations for breaking my toes when everyone’s needed to get everything ready for the wedding.’ He groaned again. ‘On the morrow! O Merry, how could I have broken my toes the day before the wedding?’

 ‘Better than breaking them the morning of,’ Merry said philosophically, ‘Or worse, during the wedding—wouldn’t that spoil Frodo and Day’s celebration! As it is, we still have to plan the surprise, and now I’ll have to carry it off by myself somehow.’ He stood and helped Pip up, pulling his brother’s arm around his shoulders. ‘Come on, let’s get you back to Bag End.’ They hobbled slowly down the Hill to the lane leading to Bagshot Row. By the time they got to Bag End, Pip was white-faced and sweating and in no mood to properly appreciate his mother’s attention and concern.

***

Who’d have thought the wheel could come loose like that?’ the driver said, scratching his woolly pate. ‘You’re certain you’re all right, Mistress? None the worse for the shaking?’

 ‘We are well,’ Estella said as smoothly as she could. The children were none the worse, at any event. They’d thought it a great adventure, riding along smoothly and suddenly shaking and shimmying and canting dangerously to one side before sliding to a stop. They’d nearly overturned, Estella thought, and if the children had realised how near a thing it was... ah, but they wouldn’t. She’d see to that. ‘Quite the adventure, wasn’t it children?’

 ‘Can we do it again?’ Perry asked excitedly. ‘I’ve never had a coach ride like that before!’

And I hope I never will again, his mother thought, but she forced herself to smile brightly and say, ‘A once-in-a-lifetime experience, lad, so cherish it well.’

 ‘Are we going to miss the wedding?’ Miri said with a tragic face. Estella knew just what she was thinking. Poor Mayor Sam! For some reason the little girl had attached herself to Samwise on one of the Gamgees’ annual visits to Buckland and had been Sam’s special pet ever since. To his bemusement, Samwise had been elected “honorary uncle” with all the rights and privileges thereto, but also the responsibilities.

 ‘Of course we are not going to miss the wedding, dove!’ Estella said, bending down to her little daughter’s level. ‘Not if we have to walk the rest of the way!’

 ‘It won’t come to that, Mistress,’ the driver said hastily. ‘I’ll just walk to the next inn and come back with the cartwright and a few sturdy hobbits to lift the coach while we set the wheel back into place.’

 ‘You do that,’ Estella said firmly. ‘Don’t delay! We’ll just have a little picnic in the meadow there while we’re waiting.’

 ‘Yes Mistress,’ the driver said, and with a hasty bow he took himself off.

***

 ‘They’re here! They’re here!’ Tolman was shouting as he pelted down Bagshot Row ahead of the coach.

 ‘Fastred, and Leot and Rosie-lass!’ Mother Rose said, hurriedly wiping her hands on her apron and pushing a few stray curls behind her ears. ‘Girls, see to setting the table and the rest...’

 ‘We’ll take care of everything, Mum, you go greet Rosie,’ Goldilocks said cheerily. Since Rosie-lass and Elanor had moved to the new territory their mother had grieved in subtle ways. Goldi knew how eagerly Mother Rose looked forward to seeing Rosie-lass, at least. Elanor was near her time and was not expected for the wedding.

Through the open windows of the smial came Sam’s voice raised in greeting and Rose’s welcoming cries. ‘Rosie! O Rosie how good it is to see you! And this is little Ham! Ah, the darling!’

 ‘Leotred,’ Sam was heard to say. ‘I hope you had a smooth journey. Fas, good to see you!’

There was a great gasp from Rose, loud enough to be heard in the kitchen, and then she cried, ‘Ellie! O Ellie whatever are you doing here?’ Goldi and Prim put down the dishes they were carrying to the dining room and raced for the front door.

 ‘Ellie!’ they cried as they burst from the smial. Elanor was there, larger than life, looking like a ripe tomato on the vine ready to burst. Goldi and Prim joined their mother in hugging their eldest sister.

 ‘Ellie!’ Mother Rose scolded, stepping back. ‘You know you oughtn’t be travelling so close to your time...’

 ‘I am well, Mum, really I am!’ Elanor laughed. ‘Never felt better, as a matter of fact.’ She smiled up at Fastred as he slipped an arm around her.

 ‘There’s fever at Undertowers,’ Fastred said, ‘and I thought to leave her at Greenholm, but...’

 ‘There’s fever at Greenholm as well,’ Leotred put in. ‘The healer there said she’d be better off travelling to Hobbiton even if she had to pass her confinement here.’ As the head healer of Greenholm was Fastred and Leotred’s mother, it would have been hard to gainsay her. In point of fact, Leotred, a healer himself, had agreed.

 ‘So long as the fever isn’t going around Hobbiton, all is well,’ Ellie said. ‘It isn’t, I’m sure, or you would have postponed the wedding.’

 ‘The wedding is still on,’ Samwise said placidly, holding a wiggly little Elfstan.

 ‘Good!’ Elanor said. ‘I’m glad. If you postponed it, I might just be a bit busy...’

 ‘Ellie?’ her mother said in alarm.

Elanor laughed again. ‘Not to worry,’ she said. ‘I still have a good week or two of waiting.’ She twinkled up at her husband. ‘Of course,’ she added, ‘if I could only persuade my husband to haul me around the dance floor half the night I might be put out of my misery a bit sooner.’

 ‘We’ll see what we can do,’ Fastred said with a grin.

***

Merry Brandybuck was making good time, he thought as he walked along a green stretch, allowing his pony to snatch mouthfuls of grass. As a matter of fact, he was making such good time, and the grass was so green and fresh, the sun so bright and warm, he decided to sit down for a little rest. He slipped the bit out of the pony’s mouth so the beast could graze properly, hobbled the pony’s feet so he wouldn’t stray too far, and lay down by a chuckling stream. He’d rest a few moments, and then climb into the saddle again for a last push. From the angle of the Sun it was nearly teatime. He ought to reach Bywater sometime in the middle night, he thought. The sound of the water was so soothing, so restful after so many nights cut short... Before long his snores mingled with the comfortable tear-and-chomp of the grazing pony.

Chapter 5. All Through the Night

Very early next morning, about half way between middle night and the dawning, the Thain rose from his bed, dressed soundlessly by the meagre light of the watch lamp, and started to tiptoe from the room.

 ‘What do you think you’re doing?’ came a sleepy voice from the bed.

The shadowy Thain started in surprise. He turned to the bed and whispered, ‘My dearest, I did not want to disturb you.’

Diamond sat up, or at least she tried to sit up. Her mountainous middle proved too much of an obstacle. ‘Pippin, help!’ she said, just before dissolving into laughter.

Her husband crossed to the bed in an instant and was beside her, gently easing her into a sitting position and propping the pillows behind her so that she might sit in comfort. ‘There you are, my dear,’ he said tenderly. ‘And how are we all this morning?’

 ‘We danced half the night through,’ Diamond said with a hand on her protruding middle, ‘and hardly slept at all!’

 ‘Who needs to dance at a wedding?’ Pippin said, gently patting the bulge. ‘We can kick up our heels at our own convenience and never stir from home.’

 ‘O my love,’ Diamond said, laying her head against his shoulder. ‘How I wish I could come with you.’

 ‘Do you want me to stay, dearest?’ Pippin said softly, stroking the tumbled curls.

 ‘What?’ Diamond said, sitting abruptly upright. ‘And miss the wedding of Mayor Sam’s oldest boy?’ she scolded.

 ‘I hate to leave you, especially now,’ Pippin answered. ‘Sam will understand. Merry can do the honours.’

 ‘The babes are not going to be born this day,’ Diamond said firmly. She looked down at herself and wagged a stern finger. ‘Do you hear?’ she said to her middle. ‘Not today, of all days!’ Looking back to her husband, she added, ‘and if they disobey, well, I’ll send a fast rider to Hobbiton to fetch their father to deal with them!’

 ‘These are undoubtedly the last,’ Pippin said. ‘I wouldn’t want to chance missing their first song.’

 ‘You won’t, my love,’ Diamond said with a smile. She chuckled. ‘To think we thought I was past it!’

 ‘If it were just one babe, we could name it “Surprise”,’ Pippin said with a grin.

 ‘But it’s two... so that’s out of the question,’ Diamond said. ‘Thankfully!’

 ‘No, we could name the other “Prize”,’ Pippin replied with a thoughtful look. He stroked his chin. ‘I rather like the sound of that. “Prize” and “Surprise”.

 ‘Don’t you dare! They’re to have proper hobbit names!’ Diamond said, scandalised.

Pippin chuckled. ‘Like “Faramir” I suppose.’

 ‘Hah!’ Diamond said. ‘I was young and foolish then, and thought it best to give my wild pony his head in such matters.’

 ‘And now you have the reins firmly in hand,’ Pippin said, ‘and the pony bows to your every command.’

 ‘Ponies don’t bow,’ Diamond said.

 ‘Whatever you say, my dear,’ Pippin answered softly, kissing her fingertips.

 ‘Go on with you!’ Diamond said, snatching her hand away. ‘If you do not leave soon you’ll be late for the wedding breakfast, and that would never do, when you’re performing the ceremony! Have a lovely time at the wedding, and bring me back some food!’

 ‘What would you like?’ Pippin said, rising from the bed.

 ‘Anything... so long as it has no acquaintance with birds or eggs,’ his wife said. After Diamond had nearly died with the previous set of twins, Healer Woodruff had hit on a new theory for sustaining expectant mothers. Since chickens laid an egg a day with no apparent troubles, Woodruff had decided to feed prodigious quantities of eggs and fowl to her charges, hoping that the same benefits would be transmitted to the consumers. Diamond and the other expectant mothers at the Great Smials, despite their protests, were forced to eat heaps of eggs in every form and guise, and chicken, duck, pheasant, goose, partridge, and quail in as many ways as the cooks could devise to vary them. Woodruff was quite pleased with the result. In the past few years she had not lost a single mother and babe to the swelling sickness. Whether the expectant mothers were quite so pleased was beside the point.

 ‘Not a feather nor shell!’ Pippin promised. With a sweeping bow, he said, ‘Farewell, fair lady!’ and in the next moment was gone.

In the courtyard before the Great Smials stood many coaches and waggons, all rapidly filling with hobbits. Pimpernel walked out of one of the lesser entrances with Ferdibrand on her arm and their children following; it was easier than dealing with all those steps down from the Great Door. ‘Here we are, my love,’ she said. ‘Our coach is ready and waiting for us.’

 ‘Tell me of the sky,’ Ferdi said, stopping and turning his face upwards. ‘The air feels soft.’

 ‘It’s early,’ Nell said, squeezing his hand. ‘The stars are still dancing above; the Moon has nearly drunk his fill and smiles down in satisfaction from his high perch. The Sun has not even thrown her promise into the sky as of yet.’

 ‘Mmmm,’ Ferdi said, his eyes seeming to seek the heavens that he had not seen in some years. ‘I love this time of the day.’

 ‘Shall we go, my love?’ Nell said after a moment. The children waited silently.

Ferdi shook himself. ‘Ah, Nell my own, what are we waiting for? There’s a wedding to be celebrating!’

She placed her husband’s hand on the door handle and waited while he opened the door and handed her in. The children followed, piling into the coach, now chattering cheerily despite the early hour.

Pippin entered the first coach in the line, wherein his children were already seated and waiting. He looked about, counting noses in the torchlight from the courtyard. ‘All present and accounted for?’ he asked. ‘Where’s Merry?’

 ‘I think he said something about...’ Beregrin piped up helpfully.

 ‘...riding with Uncle Ferdi and Auntie Nell,’ Borogrin said. The twins often finished each other’s sentences, speaking as if with one voice, though one was quiet and thoughtful and the other invariably found mischief to stir up.

 ‘Ah, that’s right,’ Pippin said, ‘I remember now.’ Merigrin had said something to that effect the previous evening at early supper. ‘Well then.’ He stuck his head out of the coach and called to the driver. ‘Drive on! We’ve a wedding to celebrate!’

The Thain’s coach started with a jerk that soon smoothed out into a steady rolling along the road through Tuckborough, turning onto the New Road that led to Bywater. A cheer and then a song went up as the rest of the conveyances followed, a long line snaking its way through the predawn darkness.

***

At about the same hour the coach belonging to the Master of Buckland was just pulling up before the Green Dragon Inn in Bywater. The repair to the coach had proven more difficult than expected, and they had got a very late start indeed, driving through the night to reach Bywater so as not to miss the wedding breakfast which would start, now, in only a few hours. The coachhobbit alighted wearily and stuck his head in at the coach door. ‘Wait here a moment, Mistress,’ he said. ‘The night air’s a bit chilly, and I don’t want you standing about waiting for the innkeeper to waken.’

 ‘Thank you, Hays, that’s very thoughtful,’ Estella said, stifling a yawn.

Hays nodded, closed the coach door, and turned to the front door of the Dragon. It was bolted, of course, as had become more common among hobbits during the time of the Troubles and even after the ruffians had been thrown out of the Shire. He pounded on the door until he heard a sleepy voice saying, ‘Coming!’

The innkeeper opened at last, clad in nightshirt and nightcap, a candle in his hand. ‘What is it?’ he asked groggily. ‘What do you want at this hour?’

 ‘You have a room reserved for my Master and Mistress,’ the driver said.

 ‘We’re full up,’ the innkeeper said. ‘No rooms left.’

 ‘A room was reserved,’ the coachhobbit insisted.

 ‘What is the trouble, Hays?’ Estella said softly, stepping out of the coach that held her sleeping children.

The innkeeper’s eyes widened as he recognised her. ‘Mistress,’ he quavered. ‘I’m that sorry, but when you hadn’t arrived by midnight we thought perhaps you weren’t coming, and...’ How in the world could he say he’d given up the Brandybucks’ rooms to some of the hobbits crowded into the common room, sleeping on the tables and benches there, not to mention the floor?

Estella’s last hope sank. She had half-expected Merry to be here before her. But no, if he’d arrived and she and the children were not here, he would have ridden along the Road in search. She hoped he was merely delayed by those Rohirrim, and not... She took herself firmly in hand. Worrying did no good. If Merry were still missing on the morrow, knowing Pippin and Sam as she did she knew they’d take off as soon as Frodo and his Daisy were joined, in search of Merry though it be a search for the proverbial needle in a haystack. The Thain and Mayor would ride all the way to the Golden Hall if need be, and Estella vowed to be right behind them.

 ‘We have your room,’ the innkeeper’s wife said behind him, roused with her husband by the pounding on the door. With a quick glance out the window, seeing the fine coach and matched team of ponies in the brightly moonlit yard, realisation had struck quickly and she'd whirled to snap out swift instructions to the yawning tweens behind her. ‘Just come with me, Mistress, if you please.’ Her daughters were rapidly stripping the sheets from the big bed in the innkeeper’s private quarters as she spoke, making it up with fresh linens, fluffing the featherbed and plumping the pillows.

Hays carefully picked up one sleeping child. The innkeeper handed the candle to his wife and picked up the other. By the time the weary family of the Master of Buckland reached the room all was ready for them.

The innkeeper and his wife slept the remainder of the night wrapped up in blankets on the floor before the kitchen fire.

 Chapter 6. And What About...?

 ‘I’m so looking forward to the surprise you lads have cooked up,’ Mother Rose said as she piled more fluffy scrambled eggs on Merry-lad’s plate. ‘Will you not even give us a hint?’

 ‘Sh-h-h-h-h! Frodo’s coming!’ Tolman hissed, and Merry and Pip exchanged relieved glances. They wouldn’t have to talk about the surprise, which was a good thing seeing as how they didn’t have one as yet.

 ‘Are you nearly finished with your preparations?’ Goldi said in a conspiratorial tone.

 ‘Nearly,’ Merry said. ‘It’s a bit difficult with Pip laid up.’ Actually, they had yet to come up with a single idea as grand as their ambitions. It was looking more and more like Merry would have to sneak away from the wedding supper, cut a wide swath of wildflowers in the high meadow, and fill every vase and container in Bag End to turn the little bridal suite into a garden bower. It was the best that the two brothers could think of at this late date, and with Merry having to work alone.

Little Elfstan waved his spoon and chortled. ‘Come now,’ his young Auntie Daisy said sternly. ‘We’ve got to eat up our breakfastses so we can go down the Hill to the wedding breakfast!’

 ‘Frodo! You’d better come now, the eggs are getting cold and you know you won’t have much chance to eat later!’

 ‘Coming, Mum!’

 ‘He’s been too nervous to eat for days.’

 ‘He’s not nervous, he just wants to get it over with!’

 ‘Yes, he’s had his fill of teasing younger brothers...’

 ‘Pip’s not teasing much this morning! You’d think he’d hurt his head rather than his toes!’

Rosie sat in the rocking chair by the hearth, nursing tiny Ham and listening to the talk.

Frodo came whistling into the kitchen. ‘Don’t you look fine!’ his mother said. ‘You do us all proud.’

 ‘Well, the Thain’ll be wearing his fancy suit from Gondor,’ Frodo said. ‘Wouldn’t want my Daisy to pine after the wrong hobbit.’ All laughed, and Frodo sat down to his breakfast. He’d been off his feed the past few days, and Rose was grateful to see him tuck into generous helpings this morning.

 ‘Not nervous no more?’ Robin asked, corrected by Elanor’s whispered Any more!

 ‘Not nervous at all!’ Frodo said with his mouth full. He swallowed some tea to clear his mouth and continued. ‘The waiting was the worst part. This morning... I feel grand! What a glorious day!’ Indeed, the Sun was rubbing the red from her eyes and climbing from her bed, having already kicked off the bedcovers. There was not a cloud in the sky.

 ‘Waggon’s hitched,’ Sam said, coming in the door. ‘We had better get the dishes washed up quick, or leave ‘em.’

 ‘Leave them!’ Mother Rose said in horror. She jumped up from the table and began to clear away rapidly, saving Frodo’s place since he’d been last to sit down. The girls followed suit, all but Elanor whose least wish was everyone’s command, and Rosie in the rocker, of course.

It did not take long to wash up all the dishes, even Frodo’s at the very last, and then the family piled into the waggon. Fastred and Frodo took Pip between them and carried him out, ignoring his protests. ‘You’re too slow, hobbling along!’ Frodo laughed. ‘I’ll be old and grey before we get to the wedding at this rate!’

They drove down the Hill, through Hobbiton, and along to Bywater where many tables had been set in the market square. All along the way there were shouts of greeting and songs to bless the Gamgees on their way. When the Gamgees’ waggon reached the market square, Fastred jumped out and helped Elanor down, seating her while Frodo and Sam escorted Mother Rose to her chair. Fastred then bowed with elaborate courtesy to Frodo, who returned the compliment, and arm in arm the two walked to the centre of the head table, where Fastred pulled out one of the flower-decked chairs. ‘Sit here, and don’t move,’ he said out of the corner of his mouth.

 ‘Only if you promise I won’t be sitting alone for long,’ Frodo said.

 ‘I’ll fill the chair next to you somehow or other,’ Fastred said. ‘Trust me, I will.’ Frodo laughed.

True to his word, it was not long before Fastred returned, Daisy Burrows on his arm. ‘Miss Burrows, may I present Master Gardner?’ he said formally. ‘Master Gardner, this is Miss Burrows.’

 ‘Sit her down, you idiot,’ Frodo answered, hardly taking note of what he said, for Daisy filled his eyes and his heart in her beribboned dress and her head crowned with a garland of spring flowers. He held out a hand and Daisy took it, sitting down close beside him.

Tooks began to stream into the market square. The Thain, elegant in black and silver, greeted the happy couple and their families and sat himself down at the head table near Sam and Rose while his children scattered to greet various friends.

Goldilocks looked for Faramir in vain. Thain Peregrin had not sent his son on an errand on this day of all days, had he? Finally she heard his voice in a knot of Tooks and made her way towards him. Just before she reached him, she heard him say, ‘...but I think you are the prettiest lass here! No, really, there is none more lovely!’ She stopped short in shock, her bright smile fading.

Hodge Sandyman, who worked for the new owner of the Mill since his father Ted had sold it and moved away, saw and heard all. He was a decent young hobbit with a soft spot in his heart for Goldilocks. Now he hurried to her side, taking her hand and saying, ‘Goldi! I was waiting for you! Will you do me the honour of sitting with me at the breakfast?’

 ‘Hodge,’ she said, swallowing hard. He pretended not to see the tears in her eyes, but chattering merrily escorted her to a chair and seated her politely at a table already half-full of merry tweens.

Faramir, once his little sister Jonquil had been thoroughly reassured on the subject of her hat, looked around for Goldi. Ah, there she was! ...but the table where she sat had filled, and so he had to find another place. He couldn’t even sit nearby. Frustrated, he vowed to fill the place beside her at the wedding supper, not to mention the dancing afterwards. He found a seat at another table of tweens, only to be surrounded by hopeful hobbit lasses who were only too glad to entertain the son of the Thain.

This wedding breakfast went pretty much as they all do, with stories and songs and good wishes for the new family about to be formed. The main difference at this wedding, from other hobbit weddings, was the presence of an overlarge hobbit, tallest son of the Mayor, but the hobbits all knew him. He was Bergil, a guardsman of the King, informally adopted by Mayor Sam and his wife during their visit to Gondor some years back. As a “hobbit”, he was the only guardsman save the Thain allowed to enter the Shire under the King’s Edict. Of course he could not miss the wedding of his adopted brother. He ate and drank and sang as enthusiastically as any other hobbit.

Frodo and Daisy kept their hands firmly clasped, which meant that cooperation was needed for either of them to eat a bite. Daisy plied the fork, feeding Frodo rather more than herself, whilst Frodo skilfully used the knife as needed to cut the food into bite-sized pieces, or to butter the pieces of bread or spread the jam. In any event, the two ate as one.

Sam and Pippin talked together in an undertone about Merry’s absence. They reassured Estella that as soon as the festivities concluded they’d send hobbits on every road in search, and messengers to the Kingsmen guarding the Bounds, and to the Kings at Lake Evendim and in Rohan.

Fastred kept one eye on the Sun, and as she approached her zenith he rose, raising his glass, crying, ‘A toast!’ Others took up the cry, until all the merrymakers stood with glasses raised, save the happy couple. At last a silence fell, and into it Fastred dropped the ritual words. ‘Laugh long! Live long! Love forever!’

 ‘Hear, hear!’ Ferdibrand Took shouted, and all drank to Frodo and Daisy.

 Thain Peregrin waved an arm, the Sun glittering from his mail. ‘You are all invited to a wedding!’ he shouted. ‘Follow me!’ He pushed in his chair and began the long walk out of the market square, up the road through Hobbiton and on up the Hill to the Party Field, for Frodo and Daisy would be joined beneath the golden flowers of the mallorn tree.

A laughing group of tweens and unmarried adults swooped upon Daisy, bearing her up and carrying her away. The rest of the guests followed, even the infirm, who were lifted into waggons or onto pony-back for the short journey.

When the market square was empty of all save two, Fastred stood up from his chair again. ‘Frodo?’ he said cheerily. ‘Are you ready?’

 ‘Quite!’ Frodo answered. Arm in arm the two strolled after the crowd, snatches of song blowing back to them on the wind.

 ‘Everything’s gone smoothly thus far,’ Fastred observed as they walked along. ‘No mishaps yet. Perhaps Pip breaking his toes was all that was needed to make this wedding a success.’

 ‘Yes,’ Frodo said thoughtfully. ‘Perhaps we’ve already had the requisite mishap. At any rate I certainly hope they don’t drop Daisy on their way up the Hill.’

Chapter 7. As Long as Life Shall Last

When Merigrin Took reached the Bywater market square it was much too late. The tables were deserted, the chairs and benches pushed back. Crumpled serviettes lay where they had been thrown down, scattered over the tabletops. Half the plates had already been cleared away, and hobbits were methodically stacking the remainder and bearing them to the Green Dragon and the Ivy Bush for washing.

Meri sank down on a bench, wishing he were not too old for tears. He’d run and walked all the way from the Great Smials in hopes of reaching Bywater before the wedding breakfast ended, but it was a long way for a young hobbit on foot. He wondered what his father had said when he’d been discovered missing, and what his punishment should be. The fact that the mother bird was sitting in the nest, obviously sitting on eggs, was hardly compensation for this disaster.

He was aware of someone calling his name only when one of the workers nudged him. ‘Pay attention to your elders, boy!’ she said sharply, and with a courtesy to the tall hobbit standing before them she returned to the business of clearing away.

 ‘Meri?’ the Master of Buckland said, a quizzical look on his face. ‘What are you doing here alone?’ His pony nuzzled at his sleeve, and he absently stroked the velvety nose.

 ‘I got left behind,’ Meri said with a sniff. Truth be told, he was so very tired and footsore he wasn’t sure he could have walked to Hobbiton and then up the Hill, even had he been in time.

 ‘That’s easily remedied,’ Meriadoc said with a grin. ‘No use the both of us being in trouble. Come, I’ll give you a ride to the wedding.’

 ‘Thanks, “Uncle” Merry!’ Meri said, brightening. He jumped up, ignoring the stiffness in his feet, and Meriadoc lifted him to the saddle, settling behind him.

 ‘Here we go,’ Meriadoc said cheerily. He cocked his eye at the Sun. ‘Not much past noon,’ he added. ‘We might even catch up to them before the ceremony begins. Let us try, at any rate.’ He clucked his tongue and the pony moved out, his head bobbing wearily with the rhythm of his walk. Meriadoc made a chirping noise and the pony’s head lifted; he broke into a slow trot. ‘That’s it, lad,’ Meriadoc encouraged. ‘Not long now, and you can have a nice rest.’

They trotted through Bywater, down the stretch of road to Hobbiton, and through Hobbiton. As they reached the Hill they could see the last of the crowd ascending ahead of them. Seeing more of his own kind ahead, the pony pricked his ears and tackled the slope with a will.

They reached Frodo and Fastred, following the crowd. ‘Hullo!’ Fastred called in surprise. ‘What happened? We’re supposed to be the tail, you know.’

 ‘I know; sorry about that,’ Meriadoc said. He spoke softly to the pony, unfamiliar words though they sounded to Merigrin as if he ought to be able to understand them. Of course! Uncle Merry was always talking about the Rohirrim and how their language resembled hobbits’. A longing stirred within the teen, a resolve began to form within him. Someday he’d see Rohan and all its wonders! The pony nodded its head and moved past Frodo and Fastred, catching up the last of the waggons and ponies at the rear of the singing crowd. Merigrin heard Meriadoc join the song, and he lifted his own voice in the joyful chorus.

Hobbits were waiting at the top of the Hill to take the ponies. Meriadoc slid down and steadied Merigrin as he jumped from the saddle. ‘Thanks, Uncle Merry!’ the young Took said, and winding through the crowd he found his family and slipped into place with his brothers. Meriadoc grinned. If only it were so easy! Taller than the surrounding hobbits, he searched until he found Estella, and slipping through the throng he took his place at her side. Her eyes widened when she saw him, but she was precluded from speaking as Pippin raised his voice.

We are gathered here to witness the joining of two souls, two spirits, two hearts... two families into one that never existed before this moment.

Is there any here who can raise an objection to this union?

The Thain waited the requisite three breaths, sweeping the crowd with a keen glance, before he smiled.

Frodo hardly knew what was said. His eyes were fixed on Daisy’s. His hand held hers, o how right it felt in his grasp. He thought he could stand here forever, just looking and holding... She smiled up at him and lifted her chin proudly, speaking the responses clearly. He found himself standing straighter as well, wanting to shout the words, to laugh them in his delight.

...to seize each moment, to live to the fullest the love that's between us...

Just beyond him, Ferdibrand heard a sharp intake of breath. He knew that sound; his own Nell had made it often enough in their marriage. He squeezed his wife’s hand, released it, and stepped to the side. ‘Nell?’ he asked quietly, for this was his pet name for Sam’s eldest; his own wife was invariably “My Nell”.

 ‘I am well, Uncle Ferdi,’ she returned in a whisper, but couldn’t suppress another gasp.

...to refuse no joy set before us...

 ‘Perhaps we ought to lie you down, lass,’ he said so low that no one heard but Elanor. ‘In any event, the bright Sun is hurting my head. Would you show me to the smial?’

She was instantly solicitous, as he expected, taking his arm and leading him through the crowd.

...that each day might be a golden coin to add to the treasure trove of our love... Fastred, standing at the front of the crowd to witness the vows, did not see his wife leaving the Party Field with the Thain's chancellor.

...until I've drunk the last drop in the cup, and no more days remain to me... as long as life shall last, until I take my last breath of the sweet air.

There was a moment of silence when the vows were complete, a time for all the participants to ponder anew the depth of the meaning of the words.

Forever, Frodo whispered to his true-love.

Beyond forever, Daisy whispered back with a grin. She squeezed his hand and he returned the squeeze. He would never let her go.

'As long as life shall last...' the Thain repeated solemnly, then smiled. 'Ladies and gentlehobbits, allow me to present to you a new family of the Shire!'

Chapter 8. Perchance to Dream

Ferdi and Elanor heard the cheer rise behind them as they reached Bag End. ‘Well,’ the chancellor said. ‘That’s that!’

 ‘Indeed,’ Elanor said through her teeth. She stopped, an immovable rock as she braced her feet and puffed like a bellows.

 ‘Are you about to have the babe on the doorstep?’ Ferdi demanded, his hand tightening on her arm.

 ‘And if I am?’ Elanor managed.

 ‘Perhaps I ought to fetch a healer,’ Ferdi said hastily. ‘I’m sure there must be one in the crowd... Leot! He’s here with Rosie!’

Elanor smiled in spite of everything, Ferdi sounded so unlike himself, no longer coolly amused and in control of the situation. The cramping eased abruptly and she straightened, saying, ‘I am well, really I am, Uncle Ferdi! Honestly, there’s nothing to worry about. Elfstan certainly took his time to get here—three days before he decided to make his entrance—and there’s no reason for this one to be different.’

 ‘If you say so,’ Ferdi said dubiously. ‘Perhaps the long coach ride...’

 ‘I’m well,’ Elanor said firmly. ‘Though I do suspect I’ve spent too long standing about. All I need to do is lay myself down for a bit and I’ll be right as rain.’ She reached for the handle in the middle of the round green door and said, ‘I’ll be fine, Uncle Ferdi, if you’d like to get back to the celebration.’

 ‘Let me see you safely inside, Nell,’ Ferdi said. ‘My Nell will undoubtedly question me closely when I return to her side, and if she hears I left you on the doorstep my life will not be worth living for the rest of the day.’ He stood a little straighter. ‘Now,’ he said officiously, ‘what room are you and Fastred in?’

 ‘Seventh door on the right-hand side,’ Elanor said. She had asked for one of the “inside” bedrooms so that when little Elfstan needed to nap, he’d have peace and quiet with no windows to let in the noise of the festivities on the Party Field.

 ‘I’ll just see you to your room and find Leot,’ Ferdi said. ‘And when Fas has finished his dance with the bride I’ll send him to you as well.’

Elanor didn’t ask him if he could find his way back to the Party Field unaccompanied. Ferdi probably had the route by heart, every turn of the path, every step from the smial to the garden gate, for he’d made many visits to Bag End in the past “on a commission from the Thain”.

‘Very well,’ she acquiesced. She opened the door and took Ferdi’s arm once more. ‘I’m feeling better by the moment; they were false pangs, I’m sure, for I haven’t had another since...’

Fatal words, for another strong cramp seized her at that moment and she hugged herself with a gasp. ‘I think my water’s broken!’

 ‘Steady on,’ Ferdibrand said.

Exactly as he might to his pony, thought the remote part of Elanor that could find amusement even at a moment like this.

Whether Ferdi’s head was truly affected by the Sun, or he was rattled by the apparent immanence of birth, whatever the cause, he miscounted the doors in the hallway as they proceeded to the guest room. Truth be told, Elanor was a bit preoccupied and not paying best attention to the matter herself. Thus it was, neither noticed when Ferdi’s searching hand found the knob of the eighth door on the right-hand side, opened it, and propelled them into the room.

Elanor stumbled and the chancellor caught her rather awkwardly. ‘I’ve got you,’ he murmured reassuringly. He’d left hold of the door in the meantime, which swung itself to with the faintest click of the latch.

***

Frodo-lad danced the first dance with Mother Rose, smiling down into her face. When did he grow to be so tall? she mused to herself, taking her hand from his to dab at a threatening tear.

 ‘You look so much like your father,’ she whispered. ‘How I remember our wedding day, under that very tree!’

Frodo smiled at his mother and squeezed her hand, even as his eyes were caught by the brightness of Daisy's ribbons beyond them.

 Fastred came up to Daisy and her father at the end of the first dance, and Rus Burrows tightened his grip on his eldest daughter’s fingers for a second before releasing her. ‘Grace go with you, Daisy,’ he whispered.

 ‘O Dad!’ she said, sniffing back a tear that somehow did not dim the radiance of her countenance.

 ‘Come along,’ Fastred said with a smile, tucking her hand securely into his arm. ‘There’s someone waiting for you.’ The fiddler struck up a lively tune and they joined the whirl of dancers. When the music slowed, then stopped, Frodo was there.

 ‘I’ve tired her out for you,’ Fastred said. ‘She may not dance you under the table at this rate.’

 ‘I’m fresh as my namesake!’ Daisy laughed. ‘Just you watch! Frodo and I have been waiting so very long, we’ve stored up many a dance in anticipation of this day!’

 ‘Fresh as a daisy and twice as pretty,’ Frodo said, taking her hands. He nodded to the fiddler, who waved his bow in the air and struck up another tune.

Fastred took out his handkerchief to wipe his face and neck. ‘There’s a job well done,’ he said. ‘My part’s finished! Where’s Ellie? I promised her a dance!’

As he searched through the crowd, everyone he asked had “just seen” Elanor "lately". They kept directing him to another part of the Party Field. The last hobbit he asked said Ellie was in the company of Chancellor Ferdibrand, and Fastred relaxed. Ferdi would take good care of Ellie. In the meantime, he was famished! Elanor would be the first one to tell him to sit down and eat something after the labours of seeing Frodo safely joined to his Daisy.

Carrying his loaded plate to one of the tables, he had to dodge a group of young hobbits darting here and there, playing at “Ruffians” and “gathering” sweetmeats from the serving platters, ducking under the tables to eat their plunder. Perry Brandybuck seemed to be the leader of the game, and Fastred looked about for the Master of Buckland to let Merry know what his son was up to. He saw little Miri Brandybuck first, dancing solemnly with Mayor Sam, counting every step aloud whilst the Mayor carefully kept in step with the little lass.

 ‘Miri,’ he said.

 ‘O hullo, Fas,’ she answered, lifting her eyes from her feet for just a moment to acknowledge him.

 ‘Can you tell me where your father is?’ Fastred persisted.

Sam smiled. ‘He’s over there, at the last table,’ he said with a nod in the proper direction. ‘He said it would be quieter than sitting at the head table.’

 ‘You’re out of step!’ little Miri said severely, and Sam apologised and hastily amended his dancing.

 ‘I can see you’re busy,’ Fas said, managing to bow without upsetting his plate, and he took himself off towards the last table.

Merry and Estella were alone at this table; all the other merrymakers were dancing or eating and laughing at more crowded tables. He sat down near the Brandybucks, wondering if perhaps too much brandy had been added to the punch. The Master and Mistress of Buckland were leaning against each other. Estella was tucked under Merry’s arm, her eyes closed, and Merry’s head rested upon hers, and the both of them were sound asleep!

Chapter 9. A Little Later in the Day

 ‘There’s a fine kettle of fish for you,’ Ferdi said, running his hands once more around the perimeter of the door. ‘Hinges on the outside, latch not working—or working all too well, for it is latched good and proper and there’s no unlatching it.’

 ‘What are we going to do?’ Elanor whispered, and Ferdi could hear the tears in her voice. ‘No one to hear us; everyone’s on the Party Field.’ From where they stood not even the faintest tones of fiddle and drum came to them. There was no hope that shouts for help would be heard, not unless someone returned to the smial for some needed item.

She gasped and he reached for the sound of her, folding her in his arms. ‘There-there, lass,’ he said. ‘We’ll get through this.’

 ‘It’s so dark,’ she sobbed, and he felt her tense as another contraction seized her.

 ‘Where’s my brave girl gone, then?’ Ferdi asked.

 ‘I cannot, Uncle Ferdi,’ she gasped. ‘I cannot do this!’ She began to tremble violently as the contraction eased.

 ‘It seems that we are going to do this, whether or not it is something we can,’ Ferdi said. ‘Quick now, Nell, before the next pang, tell me where we are?’ When Ellie bowed her head against his shoulder and did not answer, he took a deep breath. ‘I smell... candle wax,’ he said. ‘Beeswax, and... spices,’ he added, ‘but not the sort in a pantry, more the sort you use to keep moths away and freshen...’

 ‘Linens,’ Elanor said softly.

 ‘A linen closet?’ Ferdi asked, and felt her nod against his shoulder. ‘Well then,’ he said, injecting heartiness into his tone, ‘this is a fine place to be, in truth! Much better for our purposes than a pantry, any road!’ He gave Elanor a gentle squeeze and leaned her against the recalcitrant door. ‘Here, you stay here a moment whilst I get things ready.’

He felt his way to one side, fetching up against the first set of shelves, keeping up a steady stream of encouraging chatter, asking questions about the contents of the room. Built by a hobbit who was fond of company, the “press” was of a fair size, with many shelves of coverlets and featherbeds, woollen blankets and extra pillows, tablecloths and serviettes, furniture covers and oilcloths and all the other necessities.

Ferdi denuded one deep shelf of its blankets, making a soft bed upon the floor that he covered with a large oilcloth and then a sheet. ‘Here we are, Nell,’ he said cheerily, finding his way back to the door partly by the sound of Elanor’s soft, helpless weeping. ‘A nice soft nest for the mother bird,’ he added, taking her in his arms again and walking her the few steps along the wall to the “bed”. ‘You just lay yourself down there,’ he said gently, easing her down and sitting himself beside her. ‘There-there,’ he soothed, holding her close as she sobbed.

When she caught her breath at the next contraction, Ferdi said, ‘All will be well, Nell, you’ll see.’

 ‘How many babes have you delivered?’ she sniffed when the contraction was over. ‘O Mum!’ she wailed softly as the next began.

 ‘Now-now,’ Ferdi said firmly. ‘I’ve a few babes of my own, you know, and I was with my Nell the entire time.’

 ‘But how many did you...’ Elanor said stubbornly, breaking off again.

 ‘Many’s the little one I’ve helped into the world,’ Ferdi said stoutly, neglecting to add that the births had involved ponies and not hobbits at all. ‘Come now, Nell, from the way you’re breathing I can tell you’re not far from having this babe. We’ve got to get your things off and make you comfortable.’

 ‘But...’ Nell protested.

Ferdi could imagine her furious blush; he rolled his eyes at the liberties he was taking. For his own benefit as well as hers, he said, ‘Let us make believe I’m a healer, shall we? That would make it all right. They do this sort of thing all the time, and there’s no shame in’t.’

Fumbling in the darkness, hampered by the contractions, Elanor removed her lower garments, handing them to Ferdi who folded them and put them aside. He covered her with another sheet and a light blanket, and when she whispered that she was still feeling chilled he added a featherbed on top. Settling beside her, he found her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

 ‘There, all cozy,’ he said. ‘You just let me know if you need aught.’ When she didn’t answer, he began to sing.

***

 ‘Well then Farry, why are you not dancing?’ Pippin said, coming upon his son suddenly.

Faramir jumped, then jammed his hands in his pockets and ducked his head. ‘Don’t feel like dancing,’ he mumbled.

 ‘What’s that? With so many fair maidens vying for your attention, and the music so lively and fine?'

It was true that gaggles of goggling girls huddled together, whispering and giggling and nudging one another whenever Faramir chanced to glance their way.

 ‘No one to dance with,’ the lad muttered miserably, and the Thain followed his eyes to a certain golden head that was bobbing and whirling in the midst of the dancers.

 ‘Ah,’ Pippin said with sudden insight. ‘Well then,’ he added, ‘go and dance with your sisters. For some reason Meri’s complaining of tender feet, and they’re too young to dance with any but a brother.’

 ‘Yes sir,’ Faramir said dutifully, and went off to dance first with one sister and then the other while the other fair maidens sighed and watched with wistful looks.

Duty accomplished, Farry sat out the next dance, a fast and furious affair which left the dancers gasping and laughing at the end. Goldilocks Gamgee practically fell into a chair, breathless, and Faramir saw his chance. He hurried to one of the tables of refreshments, scooping up a glass of punch; but when he returned, Hodge Sandyman had already provided a cool drink for Goldi and was fanning her as she sipped.

 ‘Good punch, eh, Master Took?’ Hodge said in a friendly way, raising his own glass to salute Faramir.

 ‘Indeed,’ Faramir said politely. Goldi pointedly looked in any direction but at him. Just as he’d gathered enough nerve to speak to her, the ringing of a bell cut through the sounds of the music and the fiddler quickly brought the current dance to a close.

 ‘Supper!’ came the call. ‘There’ll be more dancing by and by, but first, supper ‘neath sunset sky!’

Hodge looked at Goldi, half expecting her to jump up and take Farry's hand, to run to take their place in the line of hobbits that was forming for supper. She was looking at Hodge, however, with an expectant air. Would wonders never cease? With a polite nod to the son of the Thain, Hodge offered Goldi his arm and they joined the merrymakers on their way to the feast, leaving Faramir standing stupidly staring after them.

The laughing bride and groom led the procession to the long tables laid out in the open air, for the pavilions had not been needed against rain and with the Sun sinking lower their shade was not needed either. Torches were jammed into the ground at intervals, lamps stood along the length of the tables ready to be lit and lanterns hung from the Party Tree. The feast would continue after the Sun sought her bed, and then there would be dancing under the stars until the wee hours.

 ‘Where has Ferdi got himself to?’ Pimpernel fretted to her brother.

 ‘You know,’ Pippin answered thoughtfully, ‘the brightness of the Sun was bothering him earlier. I saw Elanor walking him back to Bag End.’

 ‘Perhaps I ought to go and see,’ Pimpernel said worriedly.

 ‘Don’t fret yourself, Nell, you know he wouldn’t like it,’ Pippin said. ‘He probably fell asleep, and will be all the better for the rest. If you miss the wedding supper on his account he’ll be terribly put out.’

 ‘But...’ Pimpernel said, hesitating.

 ‘Elanor hasn’t returned, not that I’ve noticed,’ Pippin said. ‘She’s probably sitting next to the sofa in the parlour, waiting for him to waken. Why, they probably heard the call to supper through the open windows just now, and will be joining us shortly.’

 ‘Ellie’s sitting with Ferdi?’ Fastred said, having come up in time to hear the last part of the conversation. ‘Good to know. I was beginning to wonder where she was. Is Ferdi having his head pains again?’

 ‘You know how bright sunlight troubles him,’ the Thain said. ‘I’ve often hoped it meant his eyes were somehow healing, if the light were making an impression, but...’

He looked so cast down that Pimpernel impulsively hugged him. ‘It’s all right, Pip,’ she said. ‘I’ll partner you to the feast since your Diamond isn’t here, and you may partner me since my Ferdi is ill.’

 ‘And who am I to partner?’ Fastred said. ‘My wife is sitting bedside watch and I am left bereft and alone!’

 ‘Come join us at the orphans’ table,’ Pippin said. ‘You can fill a plate for your wife and take it up to her afterwards.’

 ‘A goodly plan!’ Fastred said, then linking arms with the other two he began to sing, ‘A hobbit could never an orphan be, with half the Shire his family...!’

 ‘Here’s your papa!’ sang Primrose Gamgee, swooping down on them with little Elfstan. ‘I told you we’d find him!’

 ‘Pa!’ Elfstan chirped, reaching chubby arms.

 ‘My great boy!’ Fastred said, ‘come along with us, for it’s time to feast!’

 ‘No nap!’ the little one said firmly as his Auntie Prim set him down in the grass.

His father laughed. ‘Indeed not!’ he said. ‘It is a special day, for Uncle Fro’s got married, you see, and we’ll have to count the stars as they come out to see how many anniversaries he and Auntie Day will celebrate.’

 ‘We might have to stay up all the night to manage that!’ Pippin grinned.

 ‘Whee!’ the little one said in glee. ‘No bed!’ He turned and toddled as fast as his fat little legs could carry him towards the tables with their platters piled high with festive food. Laughing, the three big hobbits followed the little one to the feast.

Chapter 10. Sorting Out the Threads

Pip-lad nudged Merry-lad. No one was paying them any heed; the Thain was nearing the high point of a story about Frodo’s contribution in the Westmarch being added to the Shire. ‘Now or never,’ he hissed. ‘The Sun will be seeking her bed soon.’

 ‘You can count on me,’ Merry-lad said in return. He stood slowly to his feet, loathe to miss the end of the story though he’d heard it dozens of times. Under cover of a burst of cheers for Frodo and the other hobbits involved in the endeavor, he shook himself, picked up two empty pitchers and walked briskly in the direction of the cooks’ tent. The duty to arrange a surprise for Frodo and Day outweighed the pleasure of the story, after all.

Reaching the tent he put the pitchers down and ducked out the far side, walking back towards Bag End as if to fetch a forgotten item. He went in the front door and out the kitchen door, running through the smial in such haste he did not hear anything unusual.

***

 ‘Did you hear something?’ Ferdi said, sitting up abruptly. Elanor was in the throes of a powerful contraction and did not answer.

 ‘Hullo!’ Ferdi called. ‘Someone! Anyone!’

Elanor surprised him by giggling.

 ‘Contraction’s over?’ he asked unnecessarily.

 ‘You sound more affrighted than I am,’ she accused.

 ‘Undoubtedly,’ Ferdi said.

***

Merry-lad scooped up the hand scythe and buckets he’d left ready and filled with water outside the kitchen door and jogged to the end of the lane, around the side of the smial, through the old orchard to the meadow beyond. Flowers by the thousands were rioting in the afternoon sun.

He culled flowers by the handful, adding them to the buckets to keep them fresh, until both buckets were overflowing with bright blooms. Bearing his burden back to Bag End, he entered the kitchen and began pulling mugs, glasses and jam jars from the shelves, arranging a multitude of lovely small bouquets, each of which was added to a tray. When the tray was full he carried it to Fro and Day’s sitting room and began to place a blooming “vase” in every nook and cranny, going back to the kitchen to resume the task each time he emptied the tray.

When the sitting room resembled a garden he turned his attention to the bedroom. He’d made several journeys to the blooming meadow, and overall he was pleased with the result. However, he ran out of “vases” before he was half done in the bedroom. He spread the flowers out a bit more and retreated to the door to assess the effect. Pretty enough, but not profuse as he’d wished. He’d used all the canning jars in the pantries. Where could he find more containers?

He recalled a box of jars for canning he’d put in the linen press because there was no more room for them in a pantry; yes! He had just enough flowers left to fill another boxful of jars.

He glanced out the kitchen window at the sunset. The Sun had put on her prettiest gown to help Fro and Day celebrate their special day. The sky was a bright gold shading to pink; purple touched the gilded clouds. A soft breeze blew cheery song and laughter from the Party field. If he hurried he’d still be in time for a good part of the feast; why, they’d still have half a dozen courses yet to serve!

***

 ‘Are you coming, Merry?’ Pippin said in his cousin’s ear, a chuckle in his voice.

 ‘I’m right behind you, Pip,’ Merry gave his usual answer, though he didn’t waken.

 ‘You’ve missed half the feast, you know,’ Pippin went on. ‘Estella? Are you not hungry?’

 ‘Mmmm,’ Estella said, snuggling closer into Merry’s side.

 ‘Leave them be; they look exhausted!’ Pimpernel said. ‘We’ll have the cooks set aside their suppers. Perry and Miri are eating with my flock, so they’re well-looked-after. Let them sleep.’

 ‘Very well,’ Pippin said, straightening again. ‘I never realised being a guest at a wedding was such work!’

 ‘Hah!’ Pimpernel said. ‘It’ll be more work than you know! Sounds as if the speeches are starting again, and you haven’t told yet about the time you and Merry took Frodo-lad to...’

***

Goldi laughed when appropriate, ate what was set before her, told a joke or two of her own, but more than once found Hodge Sandyman studying her face with a serious look.

 ‘What is it?’ she said at last, turning to him with a mischievous glance. What she really wanted, of course, was to crawl back to Bag End, slide under her coverlet and hide her head under her pillow.

 ‘You haven’t looked at Farry Took the whole day,’ he said. ‘What’s wrong?’

 ‘Wrong?’ Goldi said. ‘There’s nothing wrong!’

  ‘Indeed there is,’ Hodge said. ‘The two of you walk with one step, finish each other’s sentences, speak volumes in a glance. Why, if he breathes in, you breathe out! And today of all days you’re not talking to each other?’ He levelled a serious look at her. ‘Goldi, your family has been very kind to me since my father and brother left; practically taken me in as one of their own. Tell me now, what’s the matter?’

 ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about,’ Goldi said huffily.

Hodge’s lips tightened and he shook his head. ‘Have it your own way,’ he said. ‘But I don’t think you’re being fair to the hobbit.’

 ‘Fair? What do you mean?’ Goldi said.

 ‘You haven’t looked at him at all, yet he’s looked at nothing else but you. He asked you to dance and you turned him away! I cannot believe...’

 ‘I was fatigued,’ Goldi said. ‘I’d nearly danced my toes off, that last fling, and I needed to sit down.’

 ‘Will you dance with him after supper?’ Hodge said.

 ‘I don’t know why you’re taking such an interest in my dancing partners all of a sudden,’ Goldi said, but behind them her brother Bilbo clapped Hodge on the shoulder and laughed.

 ‘Welcome to the family, Hodge,’ he shouted. ‘We can always use another brother to watch over these wayward sisters of ours.’

Two tables over, Farry sat still in shock. Welcome to the family? Had Goldi accepted Hodge's suit, though both were yet tweens? Was their handfasting the next festive occasion to be celebrated by the Gamgees?

Chapter 11. Shining Through

 ‘You’re getting close,’ Ferdi said encouragingly.

 ‘Am I?’ Elanor snapped, breathless. ‘I’d like to know how you can tell!’

 ‘My Nell always took my head off at this point in the birth,’ Ferdi said.

 ‘Hah!’ Elanor retorted. She wanted to add more, much more, and uncomplimentary in the bargain, but the chancellor’s fingers tightened on her arm and he cleared his throat uncertainly.

 ‘Nell,’ he said, and stopped.

 ‘Well? What is it?’ she gasped. ‘Spit it out, Uncle, I haven’t time for tea and chitchat!’

 ‘I need to check, to see...’ he said uncomfortably.

Elanor nearly smiled to hear the urbane chancellor stumbling over his words, even as she bristled at his meaning.

 ‘What I mean is, if the babe’s arriving someone’s got to be ready to catch...’

 ‘I know what you mean!’ she shouted, and then was blinking in the unaccustomed light, for they were no longer in pitch-darkness. It took a moment to realise that the door—the door! It was open!

Too late she cried, ‘The door, catch the— ’ and then the light was gone and her brother Merry was gasping her name.

 ‘Merry-lad?’ Ferdi said. ‘Is that you?’ He must be rattled, thought Elanor privately, for he’d never misjudged a voice in all the years she’d known him, and now he sounded so uncertain...

Merry-lad still held the bucket, half-full of water, that he’d brought with him to brace the door. He hadn’t bothered about a lamp. He’d just open the door, set down the bucket to hold it, and by the light from the corridor find the box of canning jars. It would have been a good plan had he not been startled nearly out of his wits by the sight that greeted his eyes as he stepped into the linen press.

 ‘Ellie?’ he repeated numbly. ‘What are you about?’

 ‘I’m about to have this babe!’ she said bad-temperedly, ‘and if only you’d held the door we’d...’ She broke off with a terrible moan, and Merry heard a confused flurry of movement.

 ‘I feel the head,’ Ferdi said, ‘the babe is coming indeed. Just a push or two and you’ll be done. Come Nell, push!’

 Merry heard his sister’s wordless answer, sounds he’d heard time and again from his mother just before a new Gamgee greeted the world, and then Ferdi was shouting, ‘I’ve got the babe! I’ve got...’

 ‘Is it a boy or a girl?’ Ellie whispered, hearing the mewling sound as the babe drew breath and sang its first song.

 ‘A girl, pretty as a picture,’ Ferdi answered after a pause. ‘Got all her fingers and furry toes, she has, and the sweetest little face, Nell, and a head full of curls.’ He laid the babe in her mother’s arms and added, ‘We’re nearly done now, lass, just the last bit to do and you may rest.’

Elanor hardly attended, for she was holding the wee bit and crooning.

Merry heard the soft pop of a stopper and smelt strong spirits, then Ferdi said, ‘There, tied off, cleansed the knife, now to cut the cord...’ his voice trailed off into muttering until he said brightly, ‘That’s done! Good thing I always have a little nip with me in case of emergencies.’ There was the sound of a sigh and he added, ‘Ah! There’s a bit of cheer. Would you like a nip, Ellie?’

To his shock, Merry heard his sister say, ‘Don’t mind if I do, Uncle Ferdi.’

 ‘Ellie?’ he said.

 ‘Would you like a nip as well, young Merry?’ Ferdi said cheerily. ‘We’re toasting your new niece!’

 ‘Hall’s finest,’ Ellie said after a sip, and giggled. All her cares had melted away and she felt grand, spirits or no spirits. But this was undoubtedly some of Brandy Hall’s best vintage.

 ‘I just wish I had some soap and water,’ Ferdi said. ‘We’ve made a bit of a mess, we have, and I’d like to have you a bit more comfortable.’

 ‘I... I... I have water,’ Merry said, belatedly remembering his bucket.

 ‘Well, then, lad, well come!’ Ferdi said, and Merry heard him arise from the pallet. In a moment Ferdi’s hand had found him and moved unerringly down his arm to take the handle of the bucket. ‘That’s just fine, Nell. We’ll get you all clean and cozy and then you may have a nice nap.’

 ‘We might even forgive you for letting the door close,’ Elanor added.

 ‘Oughtn’t we to call for help?’ Merry asked, still standing by the door. He had the greatest urge to bolt but of course there was nowhere to go.

 ‘O we’ve been doing that for hours,’ Ferdi said. ‘You’re the first to come. You may shout for help if you like, but I doubt anyone will hear.’

 ‘He is not welcome to shout for help,’ Elanor said. ‘He’ll disturb the baby.’

 ‘Too true, I’m afraid,’ Ferdi said. ‘Very well, then, Merry-lad, you may not shout for help, for it’s likely to do no good and might do some harm. They’ll be coming back from the celebration at some point and when we hear voices in the hallway we’ll give them a song.’

***

 ‘Give us a song!’ the Tooks were shouting, ‘Farry! A song! One more song!’ It was nearly midnight and the Thain had made his final speech, expressing all his fondest wishes for the newlyweds and bidding the crowd farewell, though more than a few would likely dance until the dawning if the musicians held out. It was a long trek back to Tookland. As it was, he’d be getting back to his Diamond about the same time of day he’d left her.

Faramir wished he could sink into the ground, but his father put a firm arm about his shoulders and propelled him to the top of the feast where the musicians stood.

 ‘Nothing for it,’ the Thain muttered in his son’s ear. ‘ ‘Tis bad luck to mourn at a wedding.’ He nodded at the fiddler and that grizzled hobbit struck up a joyful calling song. Fingers tightening on Farry’s shoulder, Pippin began to sing.

 Whereto fare ye this fine day?
Bright and early, First of May!

Somehow Farry managed to make the response.

To my wedding, so I say,
Drummer, drum and fiddler, play!

The guests began to clap and Daisy-Day picked up her skirts for a pretty twirl, then Frodo took her hands again and they led out the dancers. All the merry crowd joined in on the choruses as the Thain and his son sang the many verses of the sprightly old tune.

Leading Goldilocks down the line of clapping dancers, Hodge met Farry’s eye. The son of the Thain gave him a nod and pasted on a smile, and he waved back cheerily. ‘Maybe it was something he ate,’ he observed to Goldi. ‘He seems jolly enough now.’

 ‘Something he ate,’ she huffed under her breath. ‘He has no call to pull a long face, with the prettiest hobbit lass in the Shire dancing attendance upon him!’

Hodge stared at her in surprise. Farry hadn’t danced a single dance, save with his sisters, he’d partnered young Forget-me-not into dinner, and... In sudden realisation he said, ‘Goldi, that was his sister! She was grieved that her hat had been crushed in the coach, and he straightened it as best he could and put it on her and told her how lovely she looked!’

Goldi stopped short, and he had to tug her back into motion so that they wouldn’t spoil the dance. After being dragged a few steps she found their rhythm again, but continued to stare at him with a look of shock that was almost comical. ‘His sister?’ she said. Mixed emotions crossed her face, bemusement, wonder, laughter at foolish chance... all followed by regret. ‘I’ve been avoiding him all the day, because of... his sister?’

 ‘You have the right of it!’ Hodge said with an emphatic nod, then he lifted her hand for a twirl just before they took their place in the line, joining hands so that the next couple could pass under their archway. ‘So are you going to dance with him?’

 ‘This is the last dance that I could,’ Goldi mourned. ‘The Thain is leaving!’

 ‘Then as soon as this dance is over you’d better catch him before he leaves,’ Hodge said. He was not talking about the Thain.

Chapter 12. To Have and To Hold

As it turned out, the Thain did not leave immediately after the song ended. He was standing staring down at Merry and Estella when Pimpernel found him. He was wondering whether to waken them to say goodbye or to let them sleep.

 ‘Ready to go?’ he said, looking over at the touch on his arm.

 ‘Ferdi’s not anywhere to be found,’ Pimpernel said. She did not usually worry about her capable husband, but then, he didn’t often disappear for hours without first informing her. ‘Did he say aught to you?’

 ‘He left during the ceremony,’ Pippin said, thinking back, ‘with Elanor. I thought she took him back to Bag End.’

 ‘Mignonette went back to look, but the smial is empty,’ Pimpernel said. ‘I’m at my wit’s end, Pip. The children and I have looked everywhere.’

 ‘We could find Elanor and ask her where she left him,’ Pippin said.

 ‘That’s just the point. Fastred hasn’t seen her since the ceremony. Little Elfstan is sound asleep on Rose’s lap and no one’s seen his mother!’

 ‘Well now, disappearing hobbits,’ Pippin said. ‘Sounds almost like one of Bilbo’s stories, now, doesn’t it?’

 ‘This is no joking matter!’ Pimpernel snapped, following instantly with an apology. ‘I’m sorry, Pip, but Ferdi’s blind you know. What if he’s somehow lost himself?’

 ‘He’s never misplaced himself yet,’ Pippin said. ‘Rein yourself in, Nelly, or soon you’ll find yourself running down the Hill and diving into the Water to save him, when he’s likely fallen asleep in a corner somewheres.’

***

As a matter of fact, the occupants of the linen press were all sleeping peacefully. Hours of silence and darkness seem to have that effect on folk. They didn’t even hear the quick step of Mignonette as she hurried through Bag End, peering through every open doorway, or of Rose-Mum a bit later, murmuring to her grandson as she carried him to his bed. After tucking him into the old trundle she went to the kitchen to brew herself a cup of tea, pausing to shake her head in the doorway.

 ‘Careless lad, to have left all this muss,’ she clucked, seeing the piles of severed stems and stripped leaves upon her usually spotless table. ‘So that’s what they were up to!’

Stirring up the fire and setting the kettle to heat, she tiptoed to the end of the corridor, where Fro and Day’s rooms were, stopping short to breathe the fragrance of the flowers spilling from every conceivable perch. ‘Well,’ she said. ‘I forgive them the clutter in the kitchen, for this day’s work... though they still have to clear it all away before they seek their pillows!’

Hamfast and Bilbo came through the kitchen door, bearing Pip-lad between them. ‘Here we are!’ Bilbo carolled cheerily for all it was the middle of the night and they all ought to be deep in dream at this hour.

His mother hushed him with “The baby!” and the lads all fell instantly silent.

 ‘Where’s Merry-lad?’ Rose asked, and Pip shook his head.

 ‘He never came back to the party,’ he said. ‘I was waiting for him, but he never returned. I figure he wearied himself with his labours and fell asleep.’ He sat up straight, abruptly alarmed. ‘He did finish, didn’t he?’

 ‘Not quite,’ Rose said dryly, indicating the messy table. The lads quickly tidied away the clutter of stems and leaves, their mother scrubbed the tabletop, and all was ready for a last cup of tea before bed.

***

 ‘You thought...’ Farry said, bemused, and sitting straighter he looked at her in astonishment and growing indignation. ‘I’ve not even looked at another lass, and you know it, Goldilocks Gamgee.’

Goldi hung her head in shame. ‘I know it,’ she said, her eyes on the ground.

 ‘Now don’t be so hard on the lass,’ Hodge put in. He’d stayed in the background, but things did not seem to be going well.

 ‘What do you know about it?’ Faramir demanded rudely. ‘You’ve only spent the whole day with her, and...’

 ‘Now wait a moment,’ Hodge said, holding on to his temper. ‘It’s nothing to do with me! I...’

 ‘You’ve only been living with the Gamgees since your father left,’ Faramir said bitterly. ‘Have you been taking advantage of being on the spot, to gain Goldi’s affections?’

 ‘Taking advantage?’ Rosie-lass spoke up behind them, Leotred at her side. ‘Who’s been taking advantage?’

 ‘Off with ye now, you lads,’ Leot added sternly. ‘Stop bedevilling the girl! I’m sure you have better things to be doing.’ When they hesitated, he levelled his chin with his fiercest stare. ‘Off!’ he snapped.

Rather than cause a scene, Farry and Hodge slinked away, but before Farry could head in the direction of the coaches, Hodge seized his arm. ‘I’ve had just about enough of you and your misunderstandings,’ he said through his teeth.

 ‘Let go my arm,’ Farry said warningly.

 ‘Or what?’ Hodge said. ‘You’re going to flatten my nose for me? Wouldn’t that be a fine finish to the celebration, and the both of us on water rations to end the feast?’

 ‘Let go my arm,’ Farry said again, trying to pull away.

 ‘Not until I’ve talked some sense into you,’ Hodge said.

 ‘Who made you Goldi’s protector?’ Farry demanded.

Hodge actually laughed. ‘I think I liked it better when you thought we were handfasted,’ he said. ‘At least you were politer than you are now.’

 ‘My son, accused of rudeness?’ Pippin said behind them. ‘Farry, apologise, and come with me. Your Uncle Ferdi’s gone missing and your Aunt Nell is beside herself.’

 ‘Can I be of assistance, Sir?’ Hodge said at once. Faramir glared at him and he suppressed a chuckle as the Thain turned a cool look on his erring son.

 ‘We have not yet heard your apologies, Faramir,’ Pippin said mildly, and waited.

 ‘You haven’t even heard my side!’ Faramir protested.

Pippin raised an eyebrow, and Faramir looked away, muttering something under his breath, before thrusting out a hand in Hodge’s general direction. Hodge took the hand in a firm grasp and Faramir said formally, ‘I apologise for any rudeness you might have perceived.’

 ‘Apology accepted,’ Hodge said. ‘Now what’s this about Chancellor Ferdibrand gone missing?’

It was not long before nearly all the merrymakers were spreading out, carrying lanterns, walking in all directions and calling.

***

 ‘Ah, there you are!’ Rose-Mum said as Frodo and Daisy, hand in hand, slipped in through the kitchen door. ‘I thought you might dance the night away!’

 ‘The music seems to have stopped for the nonce,’ Frodo said, giving Daisy’s hand a squeeze. ‘We were walking in the Old Orchard, listening to the music and looking at the stars, but when the music stopped we decided to come in.’

 ‘Would you like a cup of tea?’ Rose said, pouring out before hearing the answer. ‘Sam ought to be here soon, and I don’t know who else...’

 ‘That would be lovely,’ Daisy said, taking a seat on the bench. Her wildflower wreath was awry on her head, her best dress was creased and wrinkled, she had just danced through the longest day of her life, and she looked radiant. Frodo fixed her tea just as she liked it and the two sipped, fingers twined together on the table.

 ‘The Thain will probably come in for a cup of tea before he leaves,’ Rose said, continuing her thought, ‘and it’s possible the Master and Mistress of Buckland as well.’ She frowned at the tabletop. ‘They will probably insist on sitting with us in the kitchen, here, rather than the parlour or the dining room...’

 ‘You’ll want a company cloth on the table then,’ Daisy said, springing to her feet as if she were fresh as her namesake. ‘I’ll fetch it, Mother Rose!’

 ‘I’ll come with you,’ Frodo said, instantly at her side, and the two left the kitchen as one.

 ‘Probably going to steal kisses in the passageway,’ Bilbo said with a grin.

  ‘It’s a lovely surprise you and Merry-lad worked out,’ Rose whispered to Pip-lad, remembering that he hadn’t seen the fruit of Merry’s labours. ‘I’m sure they’ll be touched to the heart.’

 ‘He did finish, then?’ Pip whispered back with a look of relief.

 ‘All but the clearing away,’ Rose whispered.

 ‘And we took care of that,’ Bilbo said softly, ‘so all is well! I hope they’re surprised!’

In the corridor, Frodo and Daisy were sharing a long kiss before the door to the linen press. ‘We don’t have to do this right this minute, you know,’ she murmured with a smile when the kiss finally ended.

 ‘There’s no time like the present,’ he replied, after which he emphasised his words with yet another lingering kiss, which was rather spoilt by Day’s giggle. ‘I suppose we ought to share a last cup of tea with the family before we retire,’ he said reluctantly.

 ‘That’s one of the things I love about you,’ Daisy whispered, gazing into his eyes. ‘You always know the proper thing to do. Why,’ she said again, after brushing his lips with hers once more, ‘I wouldn’t be surprised to find myself married to the Mayor some day!’

 ‘I’m just a plain gardener,’ Frodo protested, but she shook her head with a fond smile.

 ‘Seems to me some other Mayor said the same thing once,’ the new Mrs Gardner teased, then leaned her head against his shoulder. ‘Still,’ she added, ‘you could be the rubbish collector for all I care.’

  ‘Mmmm,’ was all Frodo answered, but hearing a burst of laughter from the kitchen he was recalled to the duty at hand. With a long sigh he opened the door to the linen press. ‘The tablecloths are on the right-hand side,’ he said. ‘You hold the door and...’

He broke off, seeing the untidy pile of linens and blankets against the far wall. ‘What in the name of...?’ he said, stepping into the room.

Daisy, seeing the blankets heave and hearing a sound mystifyingly resembling a new-born babe announcing mealtime, followed him. She forgot all about the door, which swung closed behind them, plunging the little room once more into darkness.

Chapter 13. Two's Company, Eight's a Crowd* 

 ‘And just how long do you think it’ll take them to fetch a tablecloth?’ Pip-lad asked brightly. ‘They’ve been gone long enough to fetch half a dozen by now.’

 ‘You don’t suppose...’ Bilbo said slowly.

 ‘Well if they were careless enough to let the door close, they’ve got peace and quiet for the first time all day,’ Hamfast said with a mischievous grin.

 ‘Dark, though,’ Pip-lad put in. ‘They didn’t take a candle with them.’

 ‘Do you think they need a rescue?’ Bilbo said.

 ‘A rescue!’ Hamfast said. ‘Just think, if we left them there all night, what a story they’d have to tell their grands!’ The lads all laughed at that idea, and Mother Rose’s lips twitched in spite of herself.

 ‘Now lads,’ she remonstrated, but she picked up a night-candle from the shelf and lighted it. ‘I’ll just go make sure nothing’s amiss.’

She was in time to see Frodo step into the room and Daisy follow him, neglecting, of course, to secure the door, which swung closed behind them before Rose could call a warning reminder. She shook her head and huffed softly to herself, heedless! ...but it was the end of a long day, after all, and they were probably not thinking about mundane things like sticking doors. ‘I had better let them out,’ she said, ‘and get that tablecloth before Thain and Master step in!’

Outside the door she paused, puzzled. There was a babble of voices coming from the little room, more than two hobbits from the sound.

She opened the door, finding Frodo and Daisy standing just inside. The light from the candle in her hand illuminated some of her best blankets lying in an untidy heap on the floor, Merry-lad sitting to one side of the heap and Chancellor Ferdibrand on the other! ‘What in the world is going on here?’ she demanded.

 ‘Just the question I was asking,’ Frodo said.

Merry-lad gave a sleepy grin and said, ‘Surprise!’

 ‘What surprise?’ Rose said, stepping into the room. The door swung to behind her, but with the ease of long practice she stuck one foot back to catch it before it could latch. ‘Merry-lad, what’re you on about? I saw your surprise...’ She caught herself before she could spill the secret. After all, Frodo and Day hadn’t seen their “garden bower” yet.

 ‘Steady, lass; let me help you sit up,’ Ferdi said, fiddling with the blankets, and then Rose was gasping and stepping forward, door forgotten, seeing Elanor emerge with a tiny bundle in her arms.

 ‘Ellie?’ she gasped. No one seemed to mind that the door had shut, for all had eyes only for the little babe. Her rosebud mouth opened in a wide yawn before the large eyes winked to stare in wonder at the light.

 ‘Meet your new granddaughter,’ Elanor said, beaming, pulling the blanket back to show off the head full of curls.

  ‘Oooh, she’s precious!’ Rose exclaimed, thrusting the candle at Daisy and stumbling forward, to kneel by her daughter and take up the bundle. ‘Welcome to the world, dearest,’ she said tremulously. Her first granddaughter! The babe made a soft cooing noise as she stared into Rose’s face.

 ‘Such a lovely surprise,’ Daisy said, passing the candle to Frodo and going to kneel on Elanor’s other side. ‘To gain a husband and a niece in the same day!’

***

 ‘I went all the way to the bottom of the Hill,’ one of the searchers was saying. ‘No sign. The road is empty and quiet as...’ He glanced at Nell’s stricken face and refrained from finishing his sentence.

 ‘No sign that anyone fell into the Water?’ a shirriff said bluntly. Nell gave a sob, and Pippin’s arm tightened around her.

 ‘The Mill is dark and quiet; no one’s there at all,’ the searcher said.

 ‘Miller went up the road with those who were searching towards Overhill,’ the shirriff said. ‘He’s not come back yet.’

Fastred came up, looking sober. ‘We haven’t found anything around the side of the Hill,’ he said, ‘past the Old Orchard and into the meadow, save signs that someone had been cutting flowers there.’

 ‘Would Ferdi...?’ Pippin said, and Nell nodded.

 ‘He might,’ she said. ‘He knows the Hill like the fur on his foot. He’d often cut flowers for the girls when we’d picnic in the orchard. He might have thought to gather some for Daisy after he finished his resting, and that way he’d still avoid the noise of the party.’

 ‘There’s a nasty drop-off just past the meadow,’ the shirriff said. ‘If he stepped too far...’

 ‘I’ll go and get some rope,’ Sam said hastily. ‘Got a coil hanging just inside the kitchen door, as a matter of fact. I’ll be right back.’

***

In the corner of one of the pavilions, quite forgotten (for their children had also fallen asleep and been picked up by the coach hobbit and laid in the coach, ready for departure), Merry and Estella slumbered on.

***

Sam stepped into the kitchen, finding the three lads sipping tea at the table. ‘Why aren’t you out searching?’ he asked sternly.

 ‘Searching?’ Hamfast said, standing up quickly.

Fastred came up behind Sam in the doorway. ‘I’ll just tell Ellie what we’re about,’ he said, ‘and be right with you.’ He walked across the kitchen and started down the hallway.

 ‘Where’s your mother?’ Sam said, picking up the coil of rope from its peg.

 ‘She just went to the linen press,’ Pip-lad said. ‘She ought to have been back by now.’

 ‘She knows better than to forget that door,’ Sam said, ‘though I ought to have fixed it long before now.’

 ‘Well she hasn’t been back,’ Bilbo said. ‘Nor have Frodo and Daisy.’

Sam didn’t hear this part as he was already across the kitchen and in the hallway. Fastred turned back from the door to his and Ellie’s room, a puzzled look on his face. ‘She’s not there,’ he said. ‘Just little Elfstan, fast asleep.’

Samwise yanked open the door to the linen press, to stand blinking in astonishment at the sight that met his eyes.

 ‘What in the world...?’ he said, and all the hobbits in the room finished with him, ‘...is going on here?’

 ‘It’s rather a long story,’ Merry-lad said, getting to his feet.

 ‘There you are, Mayor Sam!’ Ferdi said brightly. ‘I was wondering when you would show up. You’re late!’

 ‘Late?’ Sam said, bemused.

 ‘Late to greet our granddaughter,’ Rose said, rising with a bundle in her arms. ‘Look what Ellie’s been busy about while we’ve been at the party!’

 ‘Ellie?’ Fastred said behind Sam. ‘What...?’ He stepped into the room and pushed past Sam, Daisy, Frodo, and Rose to reach his wife. ‘You had the babe?’ he said incredulously. ‘In the closet?’

 ‘Well it wasn’t my first choice,’ Ellie said, gathering her sheltering blanket more closely around herself.

Silently, the door eased itself closed behind Sam, only to be jerked open by Pippin. ‘Sam?’ he said. ‘I thought you went to get some rope, and were coming right back.’ He blinked at the crowded room. ‘What’s this?’ he said. ‘Did you decide to carry on with the party in here?’

 ‘Hullo, Pip,’ Ferdi said casually. ‘Is it time to go?’

*Title courtesy of FantasyFan. Thanks!

Chapter 14. After the Ball Was Over

It was not long before Elanor was tucked up in bed, Fastred curled beside her, both exploring their new daughter’s charms as Mother Rose softly closed the door to their room after promising a tray with tea and sustenance.

 ‘Look at her fingers! The tiny fingernails!’ Elanor said in wonder.

 ‘And the eyelashes,’ Fastred murmured, hoping the little eyes would open, but no, it was not to be for the nonce. The babe slept, her brow furrowed in her intense concentration.

Daisy and Frodo shared a cup of tea with the family before retiring to their garden bower. They were not to be heard from again until the morning light peeped through the windows of the smial.

The Thain sat at the kitchen table with his chancellor, who seemed none the worse for his ordeal. Indeed, Ferdibrand was talking and laughing and eating at the same time while Pimpernel was up and down, fetching him things before he even thought to ask for them.

Primrose Gamgee was packing up a hamper of good things.

 ‘No chicken, now,’ Pippin said.

 ‘Not a trace of feather or egg,’ Prim said, settling a cloth over all and tucking it in all around.

The Thain toasted her with his teacup and a wink. ‘Good lass,’ he said. ‘Very thoughtful.’

Primrose laughed. ‘The healer at Undertowers had Ellie eating fowl and eggs until she complained she was beginning to cluck like a chicken! I wonder if she’ll even look at eggs the same way ever again!’

 ‘Well she’s still got to eat them,’ Rose said firmly, taking a golden custard out of the oven.

 ‘That looks fit to eat,’ Pippin said approvingly, and Rose immediately plopped a goodly portion into a bowl, poured over rich cream and set all before him.

 ‘There you are,’ she said, ‘and you’re to eat every bite before you get into that coach!’

 ‘Yes’m,’ Pippin said obediently, as he might’ve in the days when he’d visited as a tween, eating up newlywed Rose’s good cooking and making her complain that he’d empty all the pantries in Bag End. He dug his spoon into the custard, filled his mouth, closed his eyes and sighed. ‘Sam,’ he said, ‘if you don’t go for Mayor again, you could always remove to the Smials.’ He opened one eye in a raffish manner. ‘Be sure to bring Rose with you.’

 ‘Hah!’ Rose said, swiftly completing Ellie’s tray. ‘Less talking, more eating, Master Took!’ She picked up the tray and swept out of the kitchen, followed by Samwise with the teapot and the intention of holding the babe one more time before her proud parents blew out the light.

 ‘Mmm,’ Ellie said as the tray was settled in her lap. ‘I’m so ravenous, even eggs look good right now.’

 ‘This is custard,’ Rose said, ‘your grandmother’s recipe, and none better in the whole of the Shire!’

Sam poured out tea and offered to hold the baby whilst Ellie and Fastred ate and drank. The little one did not wake, but slumbered peacefully in her grandfather’s arms.

 ‘We have a name picked out already,’ Elanor said after the first hunger was satisfied.

 ‘Already?’ Rose said in surprise.

 ‘Oh, yes, we had names picked out, whether boy or girl,’ Fastred said, his arm stealing around Elanor’s shoulders. They shared a fond look, then looked back to Samwise. ‘We knew just whom we wanted to remember, you see?’

 ‘And who would that be?’ Sam asked, stepping forward with teapot in one hand, babe securely and comfortably crooked in the other arm, to refresh their mugs of tea.

Ellie waited until her father was finished, sipped at her tea, and said, ‘Her name is Primula.’ She smiled shyly into her father’s eyes. ‘Had she been a boy the name would have been Drogo.’

 ‘Mr. Frodo’s parents,’ Rose breathed. She took the teapot from Sam and put it on the tray, turning back to give her husband a hug.

Sam took out his handkerchief and dabbed at his eyes, cleared his throat, and said, ‘Well now, that’s just fine.’ He met his daughter’s smile with one of his own and added, ‘I remember Mr. Bilbo telling Mr. Frodo that he could honour his parents when he came to naming his own little ones, when he was all grown up and had a family of his own.’ His eyes clouded and showers threatened once again. He blinked hard, staring down into his granddaughter’s sweet face until the Sun came out again.

At last, he managed to say, ‘Mr. Frodo would be right pleased to know there’s a little one named for his mum.’

 ‘It’s a lovely name,’ Rose agreed, releasing her husband and stepping forward to take the tray. ‘Now all of you get some sleep! Elfstan will be up early, and once he discovers the fairies have left a little sister in the night, there’ll be no rest for anyone!’

Sam reluctantly surrendered the bundle to her parents and went back to the kitchen, finding Pippin ready to leave. ‘A fine party, Sam!’ the Thain said. ‘Just enough mishaps to ensure a long and happy marriage for Fro and Day!’

 ‘But not enough to mar the joy of the day,’ Pimpernel put in, taking Ferdi’s arm. He smiled in the direction of her voice, and she laid a kiss upon his cheek.

 ‘All’s well that ends well,’ he said cheerily. ‘And I did not miss the entire party, seeing as how you saved me the best of the food! All I missed was the noise.’

 ‘And my brother’s speeches,’ Pimpernel put in.

 ‘Exactly,’ Ferdi said with satisfaction, and all in the kitchen laughed.

 ‘And we have a nice long ride back, with a coach full of sleeping children,’ Pimpernel said.

 ‘Mmm,’ Ferdi said, waggling his eyebrows as his smile grew wider. ‘Just think of the possibilities. Alone, for all practical purposes, with the prettiest lass in the Shire.’

 ‘Go on with you,’ Pimpernel said with a smile. Ferdi could do no wrong in her eyes, so relieved was she to have him safe and sound and by her side once more.

The Brandybucks’ coachhobbit appeared in the doorway as the Tooks were saying their farewells.

 ‘Beg pardon, sirs,’ he said, bowing to Mayor and Thain.

 ‘Yes?’ Pippin said. ‘Is there some sort of problem?’

The driver cleared his throat. ‘It’s just that... my master gave orders that we were to depart at midnight and drive straight through, so as to be on time for Mister Berilac’s birthday celebration,’ he said apologetically. ‘But it’s an hour past that, and more, and I’ve not found either Master or Mistress.’

 ‘Not another search,’ Pimpernel said, but Pippin laughed.

 ‘I’ll tell you where they are,’ he said. ‘Better yet, I’ll show you!’ He turned to Mistress Rose. ‘If you wouldn’t mind packing another hamper or two for the travellers,’ he said, ‘I think they’ll bless you when hunger wakens them partway to Buckland.’

Merry scarcely roused as Pippin urged him up from his chair. The younger cousin pulled the older one’s arm round his shoulders as Samwise gently lifted Estella in his arms. She did not waken. The driver led the way to the waiting coach, and Pippin helped Merry in.

 ‘You oughtn’t be so free with the punch, next wedding, cousin,’ he said kindly. ‘You’ll have a big head in the morning.’

 ‘Lovely wedding,’ Merry said vaguely to Pippin. ‘Very nice indeed, Samwise.’

Sam reached into the coach to settle Estella on the seat next to Merry. She slid down until her head was resting in her husband’s lap, then sighed. ‘Well,’ Sam said doubtfully. ‘They look comfortable enough.’ To Merry he said, ‘You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed the celebration.’

 ‘Very nice indeed,’ Merry repeated, and then his head fell back and he began to snore softly.

 ‘Well, then, all loaded up and ready to go,’ Pippin said to the driver. ‘Safe journey, and give my regards and best wishes to Mister Berilac.’

 ‘Yes, Sir, thank you, Sir,’ the driver said with a bow for the Thain, and with another for the Mayor he added, ‘Congratulations, sir, on the wedding and all.’

Sam thanked him. They watched him climb up on the box and take up the reins. He clucked to the ponies and they moved out smoothly, hardly jarring the occupants of the coach, Merry's pony tied on behind.

 ‘Well then,’ Sam said. ‘I’ll see you to your coach.’

 ‘And then see yourself to your bed, I hope,’ Pippin said. He cocked his ear to hear the music that had resumed when the search ended. ‘They’ll dance the night through, it sounds like.’

 ‘Or as long as the musicians hold out,’ Sam agreed. ‘And we’ll trundle them home in wheelbarrows in the morning.’

 ‘Better get a good night’s sleep then,’ Pippin chuckled. Arm in arm, Thain and Mayor walked slowly to the Thain’s coach at the head of the long line of Tookish vehicles, all loaded and ready for the return journey.

 ‘Thank you, Sam,’ Pippin said, stepping lightly into the coach. ‘I hope we can do this again sometime soon.’

 ‘Give me some time to recover from this wedding before we plan another,’ Sam said. Looking into the coach, he added, ‘It appears you’re missing someone.’

Pippin’s good humour evaporated. ‘Faramir,’ he said grimly. ‘The lad knew we were leaving. I only hope he isn’t getting himself into trouble. He was exchanging insults with the miller’s boy earlier.’

 ‘Hodge?’ Sam said. ‘He’s got too much sense to brawl. Good head on his shoulders, that one. He just might end up running the Mill one day. I’ve got my eye on him.’

 ‘Oh?’ Pippin said, raising an eyebrow. ‘Another wedding in the offing?’

 ‘Too early to tell,’ Sam said cryptically. ‘Here now!’ he called, raising his voice when he saw one of his sons talking to the inhabitants waiting in another coach. ‘Robin! Run off and see if you can find Faramir Took, will you?’

 ‘Yes, Dad!’ Robin said smartly, and with a quick “good-bye” to his friends he was off.

Chapter 15. Departure

At last the Thain tapped out his pipe, glanced up at the stars, and said, ‘For mercy’s sake, we might as well take up residence at this rate.’

 ‘I’m sorry,’ Sam said. ‘I could call for another search if you wish.’

 ‘No, Sam,’ Pippin said, laying a hand on the other’s shoulder. ‘You’ve had enough to do this day without a wayward son of the Thain to worry after. I’ll go and find him.’ He nodded to the driver, who got down again from the box and moved to the heads of the lead ponies. ‘You go on back to Bag End, see that everything’s set to rights there and your little ones are tucked up. I’ll pop my head in the door when I’ve collared my wandering boy.’

He skirted the Party Field, guessing rightly that Robin had gone in search there, amongst the thinning crowd of merrymakers. Passing Bag End, he followed the little lane round the corner of the Hill, towards the Old Orchard.

***

When the search was disbanded with the welcome news that Chancellor Ferdibrand had been found safe, Farry went to where the coaches and waggons of the Tooks were lining up. No one was in the Thain’s coach as of yet, and the driver told him that his father was taking a last sip of something up at the Mayor’s. Farry brightened. He might yet have a chance to make things right with Goldi.

He found her with Hodge, watching the torch-lit dancers rather than dancing themselves. As a matter of fact, Hodge was just saying to Goldi, ‘I had better get you back to the smial. It’s past middle night, and Rose-Mum said that all you girls ought to be in by...’

 ‘I’ll walk her back,’ Faramir broke in, ‘if it’s all right with you, that is, Hodge,’ he added.

The miller’s son looked from one to the other, finally saying, ‘If Goldi doesn’t mind.’

Farry held his breath for the girl looked unaccountably solemn before she smiled and held out her hand. ‘I’ll gladly walk back with you, Faramir,’ she said formally. No friendly “Hairy-Farry” or jab on the arm, Farry thought, vaguely disturbed.

They walked up towards the smial by the back way, but instead of turning right towards the kitchen door Goldi pulled Farry to the left, walking down the end of the lane to the Old Orchard. Goldi let go Farry’s hand and ran lightly to their favourite tree, climbing into the branches.

 ‘Goldi!’ Farry cried. ‘What are you on about? I’m supposed to take you home!’

 ‘Seems as if I can think better up here,’ Goldi replied, her eyes on the stars peeping through the treetop. She breathed deeply of the night-scented air. Farry climbed up after, settling on his usual limb. ‘Isn’t it marvellous?’

 ‘It is, but...’ Farry began.

 ‘O Farry, don’t be so serious!’ Goldi scolded. ‘All is well with the world, nothing bad happened today and a great deal of good.’

 ‘But I have something serious to say,’ Farry said determinedly, getting up his courage. It was now or never... for what better time than in the leafy green of a tree with the Moon and stars smiling down.

 ‘Farry, don’t,’ Goldi said, putting up a shadowy hand.

But he forged ahead, saying, ‘We could be handfasted, you know. Even though we’re too young to marry, it would be a promise for the future, and...’

 ‘Farry, no,’ Goldi said, breaking in, stunning him to silence. He thought she’d jump at the idea, seeing how she worried at the attention of all those other lasses... and their ambitious mothers.

 ‘What... what do you mean?’ he stammered.

He could hear the sad smile in her voice as she answered. ‘Why, Farry, before today I’d have jumped at the idea, you know? ...never thinking of how we so oft quarrel...’

 ‘We make it up,’ he protested.

She went on as if he hadn’t spoken, ‘...of how we hurt each other without thinking, how...’

 ‘We’re learning,’ he said desperately. ‘My da is always on about “heedless tweens” and how I ought to be more thoughtful and I am trying, Goldi, really...’

 ‘It wouldn’t be right,’ she said, sad but firm. ‘My Dad and Mum are always cautioning us to think things through, to heed the consequences, to consider the cost, to look to the future. If we were handfasted now it would be for life, Farry, and I’m not sure...’

 ‘Goldi!’ he cried in an agony of feeling.

 ‘O Farry,’ she said, and he contained himself with an effort. He did not want her pity.

 ‘It’s all right, Goldi,’ he said bravely. ‘You can have all the time you want to think things through.’

She smiled and extended a hand, and Faramir took it, though he wanted so much more.

 ‘I knew I could count on you,’ she said. ‘And no matter what happens...’

Farry had a dreadful feeling he knew what she was going to say next.

 ‘We’ll always be friends, won’t we?’

He swallowed hard at this death knell to his hopes. ‘Of course,’ he said, forcing himself to speak lightly, almost cheerily. ‘How not?’

Goldi shook his hand, released it, jumped down from the tree, catching and tearing the skirt of her frock in the process. She bit off an exclamation, then said ruefully, ‘Guess I didn’t heed the consequences very well, just now.’

 ‘I’ll walk you home,’ Farry said, jumping down beside her.

 ‘No, please, I’d like to have some time to myself,’ Goldi said. ‘Hodge has shadowed me all the day.’ When he would have protested she added in a tone that brooked no contradiction. ‘It’s my own orchard, just around the Hill from my own door. What could happen?’

Lots of things, Farry thought. But she was right. It was the Shire, after all, forever dull and settled and unexciting.

She held out her hand once more. ‘Good night, Master Took,’ she said formally.

 ‘Good night, Miss Gamgee,’ he replied.

She leaned forward to lay a gentle kiss on his cheek. Farry stood as if turned to stone. The old tree had witnessed their first kiss, and now it stood silent witness to their last.

With a sudden blush, though in the darkness no one but Goldi knew it, she giggled, drew her hand from his, picked up her skirts and hurried out of the Old Orchard.

Farry sank down with his back against their favourite tree and buried his face in his hands. He’d end like old Thain Ferumbras, he decided. He’d never marry; he’d have no heirs. His brother would have to be Thain after him, or a nephew, or a cousin.

Here his father found him some time later. ‘Farry?’ he said questioningly, then strode forward in alarm. ‘Farry, is it you?’ he asked the huddled hobbit. ‘Are you injured?’

 ‘I am well,’ Farry said, lifting his head, but the moonlight betrayed him, glistening from his face.

 ‘What is it, Son?’ Pippin said, settling beside him on the cooling grass. The joyful music coming from the Party Field played in jarring contrast to his son’s grief.

 ‘She doesn’t want me,’ Farry whispered. Pippin did not have to ask the name of the lass.

 ‘What did she say?’ he said.

 ‘She wants to be friends. Just friends,’ Faramir said, his voice breaking on the last word.

Pippin smiled slightly. ‘She’s young yet, Farry,’ he said, his eyes taking on a faraway look. ‘Why, I didn’t speak to your mother until she was thirty, or thereabouts.’

 ‘But you loved her for years before that,’ Faramir protested.

 ‘Aye, and her parents knew,’ Pippin said. ‘But she was too young. Had I spoken too soon, she’d have turned me away.’

Faramir nodded miserably.

 ‘Farry,’ Pippin said quietly. ‘You’ve had a butterfly light on your finger.’

Used to his father’s sudden changes of topic, but wondering what in the world the hobbit was on about now, Faramir said only, ‘Yes, Sir.’

 ‘What would happen were you to take hold of that delicate creature, close your fingers tight so that it couldn’t get away?’

 ‘It would die,’ Faramir said. ‘It would beat its wings to pieces against my hand and lose all its colour and beauty.’

Pippin was silent for a long moment before he spoke again. ‘Love is like that,’ he said. ‘You cannot capture love and hold tight to it until the time is right, for you’ll likely crush it instead of keeping it safe.’

Farry nodded, for he saw his father expected some sort of response, though he didn’t quite understand.

 ‘Farry,’ Pippin said, and stopped.

 ‘Yes, Sir?’ Faramir said obediently.

Pippin spoke slowly, choosing his words with care. ‘When the time is right, you will speak, and she’ll answer. And if you two are meant for a match, it will come to pass. I have no objection, and I’ve managed to talk Mayor and Mistress Gamgee around to where they’ll give the two of you a chance. But if it is not to be, then you must let it go, let her go, with your blessing. If you truly love her...’

Stung, Farry blurted, ‘But I do!’

Pippin nodded. ‘If you truly love her, you’ll let her go, if that is what she wants in the end. And you’ll remain friends, and never grieve her with your own regret.’

 ‘But...’ Farry said, and then his shoulders slumped. ‘I’ll try.’

 ‘I know you will,’ Pippin said softly. ‘I’ve raised you to be nothing if not courageous and honourable.’ He put an arm about the tween’s shoulders. ‘Come along now,’ he said. ‘We’re keeping all the rest of the Tooks waiting.’

They walked slowly back to the line of coaches. Seeing them, the drivers climbed up on the boxes once more, preparatory to departing. Pippin called out thanks to his own driver and followed Faramir into the coach. Farry settled in the corner that had been left for him and stared out the window.

The coach started with a jerk, wakening Forget-me-not. ‘Where’s Merry?’ she said sleepily, noticing at once the absence of her twin, then yawned and settled back. ‘O yes, probably riding back with Auntie Nell and Uncle Ferdi.’

 ‘Probably,’ Pippin said, but he stuck his head out the window anyway and hailed the driver, who pulled the ponies to a stop, the long line of Tooks halting behind them. ‘Half a moment!’ he called, ‘just want to make sure we’ve got everyone!’

 ‘Yes, Sir,’ the driver replied, finding it hard to suppress a sigh. It would be dawn by the time they reached Tuckborough, at this rate.

Pippin jumped out and walked down the line to Ferdi’s coach, stepping up and looking in. The children were all asleep, and Pimpernel broke from Ferdi’s embrace, hastily brushed at her clothes to straighten them, and said rather breathlessly, ‘Did you need something?’

 ‘Is Merry here?’ Pippin said, getting right to business.

 ‘I thought he went back to Buckland already,’ Ferdi said irritably. ‘And what would he be doing here in any event?’

 ‘No, my Merry,’ Pippin said, and in further explanation added, ‘Merigrin. You know, the lad you’re leading astray from his duties in pursuit of birds and such.’

 ‘Nell, my own, is young Merigrin huddled amongst the rest of the litter of pups?’ Ferdi said.

Pimpernel made a quick survey, careful not to waken any of the sleeping young ones, and answered softly, ‘No, he’s not with us. Could he be in one of the other coaches?’

 ‘He didn’t check with me first,’ Pippin said. ‘Half a moment whilst I see if he’s been left on the Party Field.’

 ‘Take all the time you need,’ Ferdi said, ‘and knock first if you come back with any more questions!’

 ‘Indeed,’ Pippin said dryly. ‘Good night.’

He chuckled, hearing Ferdi retort softly, and good riddance... now where were we, my dearest treasure, my own?

It was a good thing he thought to check, for he found his errant youngster sound asleep on one of the benches near the ravaged food tables. With a little effort, he was able to lift the teen in his arms. He carried the sleeping lad back to his coach, lifted him in, arranged him on the floor on a soft nest of blankets—the children were all spread out in various attitudes of sleep, leaving no room for their father, it seemed.

He eased the door closed, engaged the latch securely so that none might fall out in the course of the dark ride homewards, and climbed up on the box next to the driver. ‘Home, Jamis,’ he said.

 ‘Yes, Sir, thank you, Sir,’ the driver replied, saluting with his whip. He spoke to the ponies and the long line of Tooks moved out, down the Hill, and finally, headed home.

***
Don't go away! There's at least one more chapter to come!

Chapter 16. About a Fortnight Later

Ferdibrand sat unmoving, absolutely silent, until Merigrin returned to his side. He felt a hand, cold with excitement, touch his arm, and then a breath whispered in his ear. ‘They’ve hatched!’

He turned his head, feeling an ear press obligingly close to his lips. ‘How many?’ he breathed. The ear pulled back and he awaited the whispered answer.

 ‘At least a dozen!’ Mergrin hissed in triumph.

 Lovely! his lips formed, and he received an answering squeeze on his arm. The two conspirators sat for a long time, Merigrin whispering a description of the tiny parents’ antics as they flitted in and out of the nest box with food for the hatchlings. Somehow it didn’t matter that they were missing their own second breakfast.

 ***

 ‘How was the wedding?’ Doderic Brandybuck asked that morning at breakfast in the great room at Brandy Hall. He’d returned very late the previous night from a fortnight in Bree, hammering out a trading agreement between Buckland and Breeland.

 ‘Lovely, absolutely lovely,’ the Master of Buckland said. ‘Wouldn’t you say so, Estella?’

 ‘One of the loveliest weddings I’ve been happy to attend,’ she agreed with a smile at her husband. Truly, he’d been so very well rested upon their return... and so had she. They had not been at all exhausted as was usually the case—often it took an entire week to recover from an all-day-and-most-of-the-night affair. Of course, it had been a bit of a surprise to awaken halfway to Buckland, with no memory of getting into the coach and feeling as hungry as if they’d missed the entire wedding feast. The hampers of excellent food and drink made up for what they’d been lacking, and it was a merry party that rode, singing, the rest of the way to Brandy Hall.

***

 ‘Spots,’ Elanor said flatly.

Fastred looked up from the papers he was perusing and took another sip of his tea. ‘Spots?’ he asked in an encouraging tone.

 ‘See for yourself,’ Elanor said.

Elfstan peeped from behind her skirts and grinned at his father’s exclamation, then toddled to the table. Elanor lifted him to his high seat and he picked up his spoon and banged it impressively. ‘Me dot ‘pots!’ he announced proudly.

Fastred looked his son from head to foot. Every inch of tiny hobbit skin was covered with a magnificent profusion of red spots. Though the fever had left Undertowers and Greenholm the week before—on receiving the news they’d packed up tot, new babe, bags and baggage and returned to the Westmarch—evidently a fresh outbreak was under way.

 ‘You certainly have got spots,’ he observed dryly. To Elanor he said, ‘Are they dangerous to the babe?’

 ‘No,’ she sighed. ‘She’ll be quite out of sorts for a week or two, but there’s no danger, and at least she’ll get them out of the way and never have to suffer these particular spots again.’

 ‘Ah, well,’ Fastred sighed. ‘At least the outbreak came after we’d left Bag End.’

 ‘Frodo and I had the spots at the same time as children,’ Elanor mused. ‘I don’t know about Day...’ She tied a cloth around Elfstan’s neck and buttered a slice of bread for him. Since she’d just nursed little Primula, she ought to have enough time for a leisurely breakfast.

 ‘Well let us hope she already had them, for if the Shire is breaking out with spots, they’re sure to hit Hobbiton sooner or later, and what a miserable way to spend those precious early days...’ Fastred said.

Elanor dropped a kiss upon his head and took her place at the breakfast table. ‘That’s one of the things I love about you,’ she said with a grin. ‘ “Precious early days” indeed! Were our early days precious?’

 ‘Of course,’ he replied promptly. ‘They haven’t stopped being precious, either.’

Little Elfstan chortled and banged his spoon as his parents shared a kiss, and then his mother took the top off his boiled egg for him and they settled to their breakfast with a will.

***

Merry-lad leaned his forehead against the door in frustration. He’d been knocking and calling forever, it seemed, and no one had heard him. After early breakfast most of the family had scattered to their chores. Sam-Dad had slept in, having returned late from officiating at the Lily Festival over in Waymeet, and would likely join the family at second breakfast...

...which Merry-lad was as likely to miss, the way things were going. He could not believe that no one had heard or heeded his pounding. Indeed, his fists felt bruised from the exercise, and he was hoarse in the bargain.

How could he have been so stupid as to let the door to the linen press close behind him? He ought to have learned his lesson, ought to have. He gave a snort of disgust. Why, when he got out of here, he’d fix the latch himself! It couldn’t be that hard to figure out.

The door suddenly jerked open and he sprawled into the hallway, gazing up into Goldi’s astonished face. ‘Whatever were you doing in there?’ she gasped.

 ‘I was stuck,’ he rasped. ‘I know, I ought to have propped the door, but I thought I could just reach for the linens on the near shelf and be out again before the door closed...’

 ‘Stuck?’ Goldi asked in surprise. ‘Has the latch broken again?’

 ‘Broken again?’ Merry-lad echoed hoarsely.

Goldi reached for the knob and fiddled it back and forth. She and Merry-lad watched the smooth action of the latch in response to the knob. ‘It seems to be in order,’ she said dubiously. ‘I suppose Dad could look at it again, but it’s been working since he fixed it, day after the wedding.’

Day after the wedding Merry-lad had spent the day on the Party Field, pretending to help and cadging leftover delicacies as they were being packed away by the volunteer cooks.

 ‘Don’t bother Dad about it,’ he said hastily. ‘It seems to be in working order now. I must have just let the door slam too hard, is all.’

 ‘Well, that could be,’ Goldi said, then brightened as Hodge came from the kitchen.

 ‘What’s keeping you?’ he said. ‘Breakfast’s on, and Rose-Mum sent me to find out where everyone is!’

 ‘We’re on our way,’ Goldi said. Hodge extended a hand downwards and helped Merry-lad up, and the three of them linked arms and walked singing all the way to the kitchen.

***

Pippin stared at his plate for a moment before looking up and nodding. ‘You may clear away,’ he said.

 ‘What is it, dear?’ Diamond said softly. O but it felt good again to be just herself and not carrying the weight of two little ones. To be able to eat breakfast, a decent hobbit-sized breakfast, and not feel uncomfortably full after half-a-dozen bites! She sighed. It was sheer luxury. Pippin, on the other hand... ‘You’ve done more thinking than eating this morning.’

 ‘It’s Faramir,’ he said, pouring her and then himself another cup of tea. ‘All he’s done since we returned from the wedding is drag himself about the Smials with a face as long as a rainy day.’

 ‘Yes, well,’ Diamond said. ‘She is too young, you know. We have to give it time.’

 ‘Yes, and if only we could give Farry something to do with all the time he has to fill,’ Pippin said. ‘He does his duties, but his heart’s not in it, and he spends his free time moping...’

 ‘And now he’s gone off his feed,’ Diamond said, always a topic near to her heart.

 ‘Well we cannot have that!’ Pippin said, his eyes crinkling with amusement. ‘We need to give the lad a new interest, a new lease on life, something to look forward to...’

 ‘We could send him to Gondor again,’ Diamond said slowly.

 ‘Who would we send with him? After the last time, Ferdi swore he’d never...’

 ‘Ah well, who can blame him? After what happened the last trip? Of course, Farry’s older now, and not as headstrong...’ Diamond mused.

 ‘The good citizens of Minas Tirith will be happy about that, I warrant,’ Pippin said dryly, adding, ‘We could send Regi, I suppose.’

 ‘O no, not Regi, he’s earned a rest. What about Everard?’ Diamond said. ‘They could stop at the Glittering Caves on the way. He corresponds with Gimli, you know, about mining techniques and digging and delving.’

 ‘Practically a dwarf himself,’ Pippin muttered, but his wife only laughed.

 ‘Send Robin Bolger along; he has a level head and he always knows the truth when he hears it,’ she said. ‘That’s an invaluable skill when travelling in foreign parts.’

 ‘So, Farry, Ev’ard, and Robin, all to go to Gondor,’ Pippin said. He pushed himself back from the table. ‘Faramir will be so well occupied he won’t have time to mope.’

 ‘And by the time he gets back, he’ll have gained some perspective, and the lass will have had some time to think, and to grow,’ Diamond said in satisfaction. ‘Hopefully she’ll miss him, and welcome him back with more promising feelings than she sent him away.’

 ‘Welcome who back?’ Forget-me-not said, breezing into the room. ‘I couldn’t find Merry anywhere, I’m sorry to say.’

 ‘Well we saved you some breakfast,’ Diamond said, easily side-stepping her daughter’s question. ‘Merry, however, will have to go hungry until elevenses.’

 ‘He’s probably forgotten all about eating, watching some bird or other stuffing themselves,’ Forget-me-not said, sitting down and applying herself to the cheese and mushroom omelette, crispy bacon, flaky scones and stewed tomatoes that the deferential servant set before her.

Of course she had the right of it.

***

 ‘What was that, Sam?’ Mistress Rose called. Samwise must have been more tired than she thought; the family was half-through with second breakfast and he’d not yet made his appearance.

He called something indistinguishable down the long hallway from the bedroom.

‘Excuse me, children,’ she said, rising from her chair. ‘I’ll just go to see what your father wants.’

As she reached the bedroom, she didn’t need to hear what he was saying. The evidence was there before her, both her husband and his reflection in the glass.

 ‘Sam?’ she said in wonderment.

He shook his head, staring at his image. ‘Spots,’ he said. ‘Look at ‘em! A regular garden of blooms.’

She nodded, her eyes taking in the sight. Faintly she agreed, ‘Spots...’