Rose sat in the kitchen, mending Frodo's torn shirt sleeve. It would never be perfect but it had not been a best shirt for some time and at least it would do a turn. She knotted the thread and snipped it off short, then turned the sleeve the right way and inspected her work. It would do, although she felt it was not as good as Ivy Sandyman's stitching.

       She rose, avoiding Rufus who was snoozing on the rug at her feet. The children were all bathed and asleep, the hens shut away for the night and most of the lamps already snuffed. She filled the kettle and placed it on the stove, humming softly to herself as she moved around the large table. She would have a cup of tea and a sandwich, then go to bed.

       The sound of hooves in the lane was followed by the bang of the gate and a knock at the door. She hurried down the passage and opened the door, peering out into the darkness.

       "Mistress Gamgee? I have a Quick Post letter for you from Michel Delving - from your husband."

       "Is everything alright? Sam and Frodo..........?"

       "They're both well, mistress."

       "Come in, come in. I'm just about to make a pot of tea. I'll find the cake."

       The young hobbit stepped in and followed her to the kitchen. His eyes popped at the sight of the cake and the sandwiches; he had heard about Mistress Rose Gamgee's skills in the kitchen.

       "You must be hungry. When did you set off from Michel Delving?"

       "Mid-afternoon, mistress. Mayor Samwise asked me to deliver the letter urgently because he said you'd know what to do."

       Rose settled him at the table with plenty of food, bustled around making tea and then sat in the rocking chair and broke the familiar seal.

       My darling Rosie,    

       I'm sorry to land you with this task but I don't want Ivy Sandyman to hear this news from gossips, and you know how fast news travels in the Shire. She needs to be told properly and I know you'll do it. May will help, I'm sure.

       We decided to send Ted to Gondor - he was sullen and unco-operative and refused to say why he attacked us. The Shirriffs were taking him back to the Lockholes when he broke free and ran across the square. A goodwife was crossing the square with a faunt, a little lass of three or so, and Ted snatched the child and threatened to dash her brains out. He was demanding money and a fast pony and said he would strangle the child if we refused. As he fled towards Berry Lane, Pip threw his sword. It struck Ted in the neck and he fell dead instantly.

       Pip is rather shaken - we all are - and he hopes that Ivy and the children can forgive him, but he had to act quickly to save that child. We felt that Ted might harm the faunt even if we gave him what he wanted, and I think we were all remembering that case in Minas Anor last year.

       Can you please break the news to Ivy before the busybodies find out. I don't want her to hear an embroidered version from old Ma Proudfoot.

        Rose shuddered. While staying in Gondor there had been a case of child abduction and murder which had shocked the hobbits to the core. The child had not only been killed but interfered with in ways unknown in the Shire. They had not realised that such a thing was possible.

       Sorry to do this to you, my dearling, but you are the most capable hobbit lass who ever lived, and I know you'll help Ivy and the children through this. We'll be home tomorrow night, we'll bring the body with us. I suppose he can be buried in that deserted corner of the burial ground, next to Old Sandyman. Tell Ivy and the children that Pippin is sorry but he had to act quickly. Frodo was shaken but even he saw why Pip had to do it and of course his concern was for the little lass. He took her to the shops and bought her toys and sweets to help her forget. I hope this doesn't cause any setbacks for him.

       I love you and we'll see you tomorrow, sweetheart.

       Your Sam.

          "So he's gone, has he? Well I can't say I'm sorry. He was a nasty piece of work." She sniffed. "Only Ted Sandyman would think of snatching a child and threatening to kill her!"

       "I never knew anyone could be so cruel, Mistress Gamgee," said the lad. "Using a child as a shield like that!"

      "Such things are more common among Men - and orcs and those Ruffians were capable of anything. But I know Sam is most worried about Frodo. He would hate the thought of one hobbit killed by another - it was what he fought to prevent during the Battle of Bywater. But Pippin did the right thing, saving the child. Sounds as though Ted lost what few senses he had at the end." She accompanied the young lad to the door.

       "Will you tell Mrs Sandyman tonight?"

       She gazed down towards New Row, where all was dark, and shook her head. "They're all asleep now. They may as well sleep till morning. In my experience bad news keeps." She looked very serious for a moment, then her face transformed as she smiled. "You'll find a bed at the Shirriff's Post - and stabling for your pony. Do you know where it is?"

       "Yes, Mistress Gamgee. Thank you for your hospitality. I won't say a word about what happened. Good-night."

       "Good night, lad."

                                                                         ************

       As soon as it was light, Rose slipped down to New Row and pushed a note under Widow Rumble's door, asking if Gilly could step up to Bag End to keep an eye on the children. Within an hour Gilly had arrived. She was a sensible, somewhat bookish lass who taught at the new school, and she knew and liked the small Gamgees. Merry-lad and little Pip were in their high chairs and the three older ones were out collecting the eggs.

       It was already warm and Rose decided not to take her shawl. She walked quickly down the Hill and tapped on the door of Number Three. Young Sam opened the door and greeted her cheerfully through a mouthful of bread and jam.

       "Hello, Aunt Rose. Ma's in the kitchen."

       "Morning, my lad. Good thing I'm used to understanding young hobbits who talk with their mouths full!" She laughed and followed him along the passage.

       "Sorry. I'm just scoffing it down before going to help Da with the cows." Ned Shortburrow kept beef cattle on the pasture next to Tully Noakes' grazing lands.

       "I'm making bread pudding later. I'll send some over."

       Sam's eyes sparkled. "Thanks, Aunt Rose." He kissed her cheek, ruffled his sister's curls and dashed out, letting the door slam as he went.

       May sighed. "It's a wonder we have any hinges left! Hello, Rose dear. How are you.?"

       "I'm fine, but I've had some news from Michel Delving and I'd like your help." She explained what had happened while May tidied herself and brushed up her toes.

       "So he's dead? Well, I can't say I'll lose any sleep over him - and between you and me, I doubt Ivy will either. Glad to see the back of him, if you ask me!"

       As they opened the door of Number Three they found Teddy Sandyman emerging from next door, off to the Mill.

       "Ah! Teddy-lad, do you think you can come back inside? I have some news for your ma and I think you should be there when I deliver it."

       "Of course, Mistress Gamgee. Come in." He looked at her face. "It isn't good news, is it?"

       "No, dear, I'm afraid it isn't."

       Ivy was setting milk and bread on the table ready for the younger children's breakfast. Violet and Will were just about to sit down. Rose smiled reassuringly at the youngsters and led Ivy and her two older children through to the kitchen, May closing the door behind them.

       "What's he done now?" asked Ivy. "I can see from your faces that it isn't good news."

       Gently, Rose explained the situation. Ivy was shocked and appalled that Ted could have used a child as a hostage. Lily and Teddy were stunned.

       "He threatened to kill a child? He must have been mad!" Teddy whispered.

       Ivy sighed. "He never liked bairns - not even you. I never saw him hold any of you."

       "I know Pippin is worried that you will hate him for doing what he did....."

       "He musn't think that! He saved the child. Some actions are beyond the bounds, if you know what I mean, Mistress Rose, and what Ted did was so wrong........... Nothing can excuse that, I have to say."

       "I think Pippin might have thrown a stone or something if there had been one about, but the square at Michel Delving is always swept so clean that all he had was the sword."

       "Is he really dead?" came a whisper, and they glanced up to see Will and Violet peering round the door.

       "I'm afraid so, little ones," said Rose, holding out her hands to them.

       Teddy let out a deep breath. "Well I'm sorry ..........that I'm not sorry........if you know what I mean?"

       "Mister Pippin saved the baby?" asked Violet.

       "Yes, lovie, he did." Rose stroked Violet's cheek.

       "Da was very bad."

       "I think he was probably not right in the head. Best you think of it like that. The drink had affected his brain."

       "Will people blame us?" Lily asked.

       "Certainly not! You all suffered at his hands and no-one will blame you for his actions. I don't know a soul who blames you for any of his behaviour, and certainly Sam and Frodo don't. If anyone says anything like that in front of me they'll hear a few things to make their ears burn!"

       "No-one will blame you, Ivy," said May. "You are innocent in this. That's part of the problem - Ted would never take responsibility for anything he did, and I reckon he tried to tell you it was your fault?" She gave Ivy a shrewd look. "Thought so. Folk like that always do. We all make choices in this world, as the King says, and Ted made all the wrong ones."

       Rose agreed. "That sort of thinking is what the Ring did to Frodo, even after it was destroyed. Repeating the words of Sauron to make him think he was guilty. Don't you go allowing Ted's poison to affect the rest of your life - or the children's."

       Ivy pulled her children to her. "I can't honestly say I'm broken-hearted, and that makes me sorry in a way. He was the father of my children but he never showed them or me any real love. It's hard to go on loving someone when they keep hurting you."

       Rose gave Ivy a reassuring hug. "It must be.

       "I don't want Mister Pippin to be upset. He was lovely when he played with us. Will you tell him I still think he's nice?" said Violet, her lip trembling.

       "Yes, my petal, I will.

       "We all do," Ivy declared firmly. "He did what was right, and one day he'll be a very great Thain."

       "Mister Pippin had to do something," said Will quietly. "You never knew what Da would do next. He got angry with me once, just before we left Bree, and his eyes went funny....... like it wasn't him any more. It scared me."

       Lily sighed. "I never remember one moment of affection from him. He hated the fact that Ma taught me to read and write, he sneered at everything I did and everything I wore. I never heard one word of praise in all my life."

       "Nor me," agreed Teddy. "I see Master Sam and Mister Baggins, or Cousin Jeb with the little uns, and wish that's how he could have been.

       "We should tell Jeb. Do you think you can tell him, Teddy dear, or shall I come with you?"

       "I'll do it, Ma. You stay here. Mistress Gamgee, do you think they'll bury him in Hobbiton?"

       "Yes, lad. Sam and Frodo are bringing him back today. They've ordered a coffin and I daresay he'll be buried next to his father, in that corner of the burial ground."

       "I'll have to save up some money........," Ivy began but was forestalled by Rose.

       "That's the last thing you'll have to worry about. I imagine Frodo will see to the cost - or Thain Paladin."

       "Everyone's been so kind, 'specially after Ted's caused so much trouble......"

       "Exactly!" said Rose triumphantly. "Ted caused all the trouble. Not you. Not the children."

       "That's one good thing he did - gave me four wonderful children. 'Course, they don't take after him really. More like my side of the family - and Ted's ma. I heard she was a nice woman. Widow Rumble says she was very kind but she was worn down being married to Old Sandyman."

       "I should think she would be!" Rose stood up and fluffed her skirts."I suppose I'd better get home or Gilly will think she's dealing with a riot!"

       Teddy hurried off to the Mill to deliver the news and Rose went back up the Hill to Bag End.

                                                                         ************

       Frodo and Sam arrived home that evening and left Ted's body at the Shirriff's Post for the night. There was no room in Ivy's smial and Frodo thought a coffin in the house with Violet and Will was unsuitable. At supper, Rose was thankful to see that Frodo's appetite was unaffected and he was not deep in melancholy thought. She and Sam tried not to hover or watch him too closely, knowing he hated too much fussing.

       "Don't worry, Rose. I'm not about to collapse and go back to being a drooping wet blanket." He twinkled at her.

       "Drat it, how do you do that? You always seem to know what I'm thinking!"

       "Talent! I'm sorry that it happened, but I don't see what else Pip could have done in the circumstances. We didn't dare go too near in case he swung the child against the wall, which he threatened to do. When we saw him making for the lane we knew he'd be out of sight with a few steps and Pip obviously felt he had to take action immediately. I hope it doesn't affect him, although I think with the baby and Diamond to take his mind off it and Paladin praising him, he won't think about it too much. Aragorn will feel it was the right thing, I'm sure."

       "I was surprised that it was Pip. I would have been less so if Merry had done it," said Sam.

       "Our tiny Took has grown up. He told me that leaders must sometimes make difficult decisions and take actions they wouldn't ask anyone else to do - obviously all those chats with Aragorn have taught him a lot. He took a life to save a life, and an innocent life just beginning too. He also said that you cannot bargain with someone like that or give in to blackmail because others will do it if they see that it works. My little baby Pip will one day be the finest Thain the Shire has ever produced."

       "I'm thankful you're being so reasonable about it. Shows you have your thoughts in proper order now." Rose poured more tea.

       Frodo gave a wry little smile. "You mean I'm not teetering on the brink of insanity as I was after the Quest?"

       "You were not teetering on the brink of anything!"

       "Oh yes I was. Denethor and Gollum were not the only ones who were - to use Pip's charming Tookish phrase - several shelves short of a pantry. I think I was terrified that if any hobbits were killed by their kin it would mean the Quest had all been for nothing, and I couldn't bear to contemplate that. This situation isn't quite the same."

       "Certainly isn't," said Sam. "We can't have people unable to walk around in safety. If we'd given in to Ted, what sort of message would that have sent to others like the Bracegirdle brothers? They'd be the first to try something similar."

       Rose beamed at her menfolk. She had been terrified that Frodo would be seriously affected and was so relieved she could barely speak. To hide her emotions she rose and turned to the stove, composing herself before returning with more of Frodo's favourite garlic mushrooms.

       "I think Ivy may want to see the body - otherwise she may not really believe he's gone."

       "That should be alright - we packed the coffin with bags of ice and we've left it in the cellar at the Shirriff's Post," said Sam. "I'll go with her in the morning and make sure he looks reasonable."

       "The Michel Delving healer laid him out properly so he should be," Frodo reasoned, then turned his attention to the mushrooms.

                                                                         ************

       The next morning Ivy Sandyman arrived early with her family. Teddy surprised her by saying he would accompany he down to Hobbiton to view the body and help make final arrangements for the funeral. Frodo offered to keep the younger children entertained while they were gone and Lily went to help Rose with some chores.

       Ivy stared dispassionately into the face of the hobbit who had been her husband for over twenty years, and realised that in many ways he had been a stranger all their married life. She glanced sideways at her eldest son. His face was impassive but she knew he was finding this a difficult moment. This was the first dead body he had seen, it was his father, and seeing him dead would bring home the fact that there would never be a reconciliation. No matter how badly Ted had treated the children, they always hoped that one day a miracle would happen. She patted the lad and tucked her arm through his.

       "Come along, lad. We've seen enough. I had to see him otherwise I might not have truly believed it. Master Samwise, what happens now?"

       "We're thinking the funeral should be tomorrow, Mrs Sandyman, what with the hot weather and all. Is there anyone else you need us to notify? You've sent word to your sister and to your brother in Bywater?"

       "Yes, they'll come - to support me, not out of any respect for Ted. None of my family ever had any time for him, I'm afraid."

       Sam sighed. "I tried to be friends with him. I know he didn't like me, or Frodo, but we both tried to make him see that we objected to his behaviour but we wanted to be friends with him. He didn't see it - wouldn't see it."

       "He was allus self-pitying and full of imaginary grievances. He hated my father and used to forbid me to see him but I wasn't going to give up my family. Used to sneak off when I could. If he found out, I paid for it.Allus wanted to bully us. Made him feel powerful, givin' orders to the little 'uns and playing the lord and master wi' me."

       "I know Frodo always hoped he'd change and become a better person but there's no helping some people."

       Teddy shook his head. "Do you know the saddest thing, Master Sam? He had no friends. There's no friends to see him buried."

       "We'll be there, lad. He may not have liked us but we'll not see you and your Ma go through this without friends. Jeb will come, and your Aunt Moss." Sam gave Teddy a hug. "You're being a great help and comfort to your Ma."

       Teddy smiled gratefully and leaned into the embrace. "I'm sorry I'll never have the chance to ask him why he did these things."

       "Sometimes there's no explanation, Teddy-lad. All that bitterness inside him just festered over the years until he couldn't distinguish right from wrong. He wasn't evil, just bitter and not quite right in the head, and as Frodo says, he deserves our pity."

                                                                         ************

       They buried Ted in the corner of Hobbiton burial ground, next to the grave of Old Sandyman. Moss and Gull travelled from Budge Ford and Ivy's brother, Hardi Broadfoot was there with his wife. He had always been rather shy and self-effacing, something which had increased since he was seriously wounded during the Battle of Bywater, when he lost a large chunk of his leg muscle. Sam managed to prise some words out of him and he grumbled quietly about Ted leading his sister 'a dog's life.' Sam spoke a few quiet words as he sprinkled earth on the coffin, watched approvingly by Frodo and Rose. When all was done they turned and left that peaceful place and walked back up the Hill to where May was minding all the children and doing her best to keep them away from the food Rose had prepared.

       Hardi was open-mouthed at the inside of Bag End, and in awe of the portraits on the dining-room wall, showing the King and Queen. He thanked the residents of Bag End for looking after his sister and helping them to recover from their trials.

       After what Bilbo always referred to as the 'bun scramble' Rose took the ladies on a tour of the smial while the menfolk sat in the garden with ale and pipes. All the children were curiously examining Plodly the tortoise and offering him dandelion leaves, which he adored, while Rufus played idly with the cord of Frodo's dressing gown which had been draped over the washing-line. The day wound down until Sam offered to drive Ivy's relations to the Bywater Road, having secured rooms at the Ivy Bush for Moss and her family. Her brother lived just outside the village, where he made a reasonable living as a potter. It was Moss who spoke for the rest as she sat beside Sam while they rattled towards Bywater.

       "I allus said it would end in death, but I was afeared it would be Ivy or one of the children. Well, I can't say as I'm sorry. Only thing I'm sorry for is that it took nearly twenty-five years for her to leave him! Still, he's gone where he can't hurt them again, and I hope now she can be happy."

       "I'll drink to that," Sam thought, nodding sagely to himself as he watched the road ahead through the gap between Bill's pricked ears.