Chapter 7
During Pippin's absence, while he was in the Great Smials, Diamond continued her own emotional recovery. Weeks passed until spring had become summer. July was especially warm and the crops were good. She went back to her old habit of walking alone in the morning just after sunrise. She became re-acquianted with every rock and blade on Bramble Creek Farm. She and Prim cooled their toes in the shade of the old willow on hot afternoons; they ate fruit ripe and juicy sweet off the vine. In the evening they lazed and read and slept and told each other their secrets.
"Diamond, if I tell you something, will you keep it a secret?" Prim said one night as they lay on a blanket at sunset, staring up into the firey sky.
"I will," Diamond answered seriously.
"I am going to marry Meriadoc Brandybuck," she whispered conspiratorially.
Diamond was not surprised, everyone knew it was true, but she was happy. She sat up and took her cousin's hand. "I cannot think of two people who deserve each other more," she said and then added, "and I mean that in a nice way." Prim paused for a moment a little surprised by the comment, then, looking into Diamond's eyes she realized she was joking. They both laughed, Diamond unsteadily at first, but then it built up into a full body laugh. They laughed until tears streamed down their faces and were laughing still when Redmond came to find them some time later.
* * *
Since Redmond needed to go to see the Thain as a representative for the Hobbiton and Bywater farmers regarding market prices for corn, he invited Primula, Eddy and Diamond to accompany him. Diamond was nervous, she'd not seen Pippin in several weeks and she had never seen the Great Smials. Prim was delighted because she knew that Merry would be there. Eddy was indifferent. He was rarely excited about anything, however he had a job to do and intended to do it.
The morning they set out on was cool and grey. The lasses rode in the back while the lads rode up front. The ride was only fourteen miles or so, but an hour in it began to sprinkle and then an hour later it began to rain in earnest. By the time they arrived in Tuckborough, they were soaked to the bone and freezing. In order to dry off and clean up before his meeting with the Thain, Redmond took the party directly to their rooms at the Water Lily Inn. Great copper tubs filled with steaming hot water awaited the weary travellers as they were brought to their rooms.
"The Thain knew you'd be wet and wanted you to be well tended. There is a second bath in the gentlehobbits room, Sir," the porter said putting the bags in their respective rooms. Prim and Diamond took turns bathing. They also took turns primping before the mirror in their room. Each had neatly curled hair and brightly pinched cheeks. Diamond grew anxious as the time drew near and Prim laughed, took her hand and said,
"If I didn't know better, Diamond, I'd say you were nervous."
"I don't know if that's what this is. I feel a little sick, like there is a bird flapping in my stomach," Diamond stuttered.
"Why do you suppose you are nervous?" Prim asked slyly tying a great emerald bow into Diamond's golden locks.
"I can't imagine," Diamond said honestly.
"You'll figure it out soon enough," Prim laughed, hugging her cousin. "You look so beautiful," she said quietly as her cousin turned to face her.
"You look beautiful, Prim," Diamond said taking in the chestnut hair coiled in locks cascading to the middle of her cousin's back, the dark brown eyes, the tanned cheeks, and the dazzling smile. "Merry is a lucky lad," Diamond said finally brushing her cousin's cheek gently. When they were finished, they joined Redmond and Eddy in the great room downstairs. The two stood as the girls entered the room.
"I've never seen you looking so beautiful, Diamond. If you're not careful you'll start up all the elf rumours again that we'd finally laid to rest," Redmond said, his eyes proud. Then he saw Prim and sighed. "You're the picture of your mother at your age, Primula. I've never seen you looking so fair," he crowed. He took the girls by the arms and walked them out to the wagon with Eddy walking some paces behind.
* * *
At the Great Smials, Pippin and Merry were doing their own sort of primping. Always fond of a good soak, Pippin was splashing away in his tub.
"Pippin, if you don't want to be soaking wet when they get here, you'd better get out now!" his mother called from down the hall. He had not needed to tell her that he was taken with this Diamond she'd heard about. His looks and blushes whenever her name was mentioned told her all she needed to know.
"Merry. Go and get that lad out of the tub before he's wrinkled as a prune and not fit to be seen by company," she sighed bustling Merry down the hall to Pippin's bath room.
"Pi-ppin," Merry wailed, pounding in the door, "Come out or I'll come in and get you. With the maids!" he shouted. Inside the bathroom he heard Pippin screech and heard a great slosh of water as he leapt out of the tub. It was only a matter of minutes before Pippin came out the room drying his hair with a towel. It was still dripping and hung in waves around his face.
"You don't want to meet company looking like that do you?" his mother asked when he finally made and appearance downstairs. "Go back up and put on your best white shirt and your dark teal velvet jacket," she directed, scooting him back up the stairs. While he was redressing, the bell rang and a servant opened the doors. The Heathertoes and Diamond were drawn in quickly to shut out the wind still blowing drafts outside. They were greeted graciously by the Thain and Mrs. Took who led them into the drawing room for tea. Their cloaks were taken to be dried by the fire in the kitchen and they were given drafts of warm cider to fight off the chill.
"Blowing up quite a storm out there," the Thain said, "how about you and I take our business into the study and join the others to have tea?" Redmond nodded and he and Eddy followed Paladin out the door and across the hall to his study. Pearl, Pervinca and Pimpernal sat on a long couch with their mother while Diamond and Prim sat across from them on a smaller sofa.
The Took sisters were all very attractive. All had hair in various shades of red from Pervinca's carrot orange, to Pearl's deep auburn. Pearl, the eldest, was married and had children of her own. The youngest, Pervinca, who was only five years older than Pippin, had his same bright green, mischievous eyes. Prim spoke well and answered all of Eglantine's questions fully and with enthusiasm. But Diamond remained quiet. She spoke only when spoken to and did so with a minimal response. The conversation continued but Eglantine's thoughts were turned toward Diamond. She was beautiful Eglantine granted, but did not seem to be the cheerful, happy lass that Pippin was usually besotted by. Still, she had heard the name Diamond time and again in the last few weeks and thought she had better get to know the girl. Of course she knew about the fortunes of the Long-Cleeves and was certain Diamond's dullness was due to her relative poverty and exile.
It was not long before the door was opened and in tripped Merry with Pippin limping in on his heels. Out in the hall they'd both been nervous to enter, but finally Pippin gathered enough strength to push Merry through the door.
"Excuse us," Merry apologized pushing Pippin out from behind him. Merry smiled brightly at Prim and walked to her side, "It has been ages since I … we saw you Primula, it is a great pleasure to see you again," he said formally taking her hand and touching his forehead to it. Pearl and Eglantine both smiled and Pimpernal chortled out loud. Merry gave her a sneer and then stood beside Prim who looked up at him with loving eyes. As he had walked to Prim's side, Merry had left Pippin alone at the door. It was then that he saw Diamond sitting in his own drawing room looking even more beautiful than he had remembered. He was quiet and nodded politely to both her and Prim but did not speak. His mother was shocked. She'd never seen anything that could stay Pippin's tongue. She continued the conversation with Prim and Pearl while the others sat in silence. Pervinca and Pimpernal soon grew restless, there was too much talk about the neighbors and none of it interesting.
"Mother may we go to our rooms?" Pervinca asked, rising from the couch.
"You may," their mother ascented. Pervinca rose and went out with her sister, Pimpernal, closing the door behind them.
"I suppose I should check on the tea to see how it is coming along," Eglantine said, "Pearl could you help me with the tea?" Pearl looked up, surprised, since her mother rarely asked for her help. But she soon realized the purpose of the request and stood to go. Diamond stood as well and moved to one of the eastern windows.
Once he had left the room, Merry sat quickly beside Prim on the couch and took her hand in his again. "I've missed you these last weeks," he said gently pressing his lips against the back of her hand while she placed her other hand on his head and curled her fingers in his hair. He looked up and met her eyes and they proceeded to engage in the quiet and intimate talk of lovers, oblivious to anyone else.
Pippin stood by the door a moment longer and then moved slowly toward Diamond. They were both trembling. Since Pippin's realization of his true feelings for Diamond, and her own growing feelings for him, they had not seen nor spoken to one another. He paused near her and she turned towards him away from the window. He looked steadily at her as she slowly raised her eyes to meet his. Framed in the window, her hair shone like the sun itself, tousled and curled against her cheeks and neck. Her skin was pale and smooth, like fresh cream, but her cheeks were tinged with a warm, pink blush. Her eyes were pools of longing and regret, but also of hope and even happiness. For his part, his copper locks, still damp, rested on each side of Pippin's pale face. His eyes glinted like emeralds and upon his lips was the trace of a smile. The intensity between them burned so fiercely that after only a few seconds both had to turn away. She spoke first, motioning to his leg, which, although it was no longer wrapped, he seemed to be favouring.
"Does it still hurt much?" she asked shyly sitting down on the long bench by the window.
"Not much," he replied, his voice quiet and unsteady. She met his eyes briefly again before looking away.
"Thank you for coming to find me, Pippin," she said finally. It was the first time he could remember her using his nickname. He liked the way it sounded from her lips. He smiled at her, and to his delight, she returned the smile. He sat quickly, shaken by the dazzling smile directed at him. He looked out the window.
"I suppose I should've watched where I was going a little better," he laughed, beginning to feel relaxed in her company. She smiled at him again and they laughed together for a moment. He had never heard her laugh, and it pleased him immensely. They sat, looking out the window together for some time until he spoke again.
"When are you heading back to Bramble Creek?"
"Tomorrow morning as long as the weather holds out. But those clouds do look like rain," she answered.
"So soon? Then for once I shall hope for rain," he joked. They sat side by side not speaking for some time until Paladin and Redmond returned to the room. The two couples separated as the older hobbits entered and everyone was called for tea.
The wind and rain had died down, and the sun had even put in a brief, but shining, appearance. The air was sweet and clean. The Thain suggested that perhaps Farmer Heathertoes would enjoy a tour of the Great Smials and the surround. All were eager to go out of doors after being cooped up for the better part of the day. Of course Pippin was unable to go, due to his leg, so Diamond was elected to keep him company in the drawing room. As the others dressed for the walk, Eddy entered the drawing room where Pippin sat alone, his leg on a stool, sipping tea. Eddy took his chance to complete the task he'd been given by his mother.
"Master Took, Pippin, might I have a word with you?"
" 'Course Eddy, come on in and put a leg up," Pippin laughed motioning to the chair beside him.
"I'll stand I think if its all the same to you," Eddy replied nervously. Pippin nodded and began to get a bit nervous himself. He propped himself up a bit higher as Eddy paced for a moment around the floor.
"I … What are your intentions towards Diamond?" he finally said, relieved to have gotten the words out. Pippin stifled a smile, looking at the large lad he thought better of it. He nodded thoughtfully and replied using the most formal language he could,
"Though I haven't yet told her, I will tell you, as it seems I must or suffer the consequences. I am very fond of Diamond." Eddy nodded and seemed to take in the information slowly. Then he turned to Pippin and said,
"I love her, too. But it is plain that she prefers you though, beggin' your pardon, I can't see why." Pippin resisted the urge to smile again knowing there was a battle being fought before him. It was the battle to prove himself worthy of the lass he loved to the representative of her family. He contemplated which approach would be the best with this particular foe, then he spoke,
"It is clear to me that you feel I am unworthy of your cousin. I can see that. What is it that you deem unworthy about me?" Eddy seemed thoughtful again and finally replied,
"She's a delicate and fragile thing. I don't know that you'll treat her with the kindness and tenderness she deserves. You tend to be a little - thoughtless, a little rough."
Pippin was amazed at the loyalties and passions Diamond was able to inspire in people, himself included. He nodded soberly and inquired, "Are these your fears, or the fears of Mr. and Mrs. Heathertoes, might I ask?"
"Both, I should think, since we all want what's best for Diamond," Eddy replied, equally soberly. Pippin sat in contemplation for a few minutes more before he spoke in tempered tones.
"I believe I have a great deal to offer Diamond should she, and as I say I haven't even asked her, consent to be my wife at some point in the future. My reputation as a scoundrel is exaggerated in part due to my own reckless behavior. However, I will be Thain one day, as tradition dictates, and I can assure you as Thain, I will be respected by the people of the Shire."
"But will you deserve that respect? Or will it just come with the office of Thain?"
Eddy asked pausing to look out the window. He knew little enough about Shire politics, but knew enough about people to ask the pertinent questions. Pippin sat for a while, pondering, while out in the hall the walking party was collecting.
"I hope I shall deserve it," he said quietly, and seriously, looking to the carpet under his feet. "I hope that I may act in such a way that I will be deserving of the title. The title of Thain," he paused a second, "and the title of husband," he finished, meeting Eddy's eyes with a steady stare. Eddy stared back for a moment and then seemed accepting of the words. He nodded to Pippin as he made his way to the door,
"I hope so, too," he said just as seriously. And with that, he was gone. Pippin was left alone to reflect on what had been said. He had told another person about his feelings for Diamond without telling her about them first. And he had thought seriously about his future for what was, probably, the first time. He was beginning to worry that he would not live up to either job when Diamond entered the room. She closed the door behind her shyly and made her way to the chair near his bringing a fresh pot of tea and some honeycakes. She sat across from him. Her eyes darted up to meet his and then trailed off to look at something safer. His heart yearned for her in such a way as it never had before. He wanted so much to tell her of his feelings for her. To tell her of the love that had been blooming inside of him. How he longed to touch her cheek and stroke her hair. But he was afraid and he felt false. There was something he was keeping from her. Something she deserved to know before he asked for anything. But he was loath to bring it up. Not only for her, but also for himself. Going into certain danger had seemed exciting and adventurous when Merry had suggested it several months ago. But now that he had something to live for, something to stay for, he dreaded going. Still, it might be an opportunity for him to prove himself worthy of this precious jewel that he had been so fortunate to find.
"What were you and Edgar talking about?" she asked curiously as she poured herself a second cup of tea. Outside the wind had calmed and the sun was again peeking from behind the billowing clouds.
"Not much, just lad stuff," Pippin stuttered, surprised by the question and at a loss for an answer. The clouds were lightening to a glowing white from their former dark grey, signaling a change in the weather. Pippin mourned the coming of the sun since it would hasten Diamond's departure. They sat companionably talking about this and that, nothing of any importance until finally Pippin took Diamond's hand in his and spoke in a quiet and serious voice, "Diamond, I need tell you something, important." Her hand shook in his but she gripped his hand back and their eyes met. Pippin swallowed hard and spoke,
"We didn't get off to a very happy start," at this she smiled sweetly and nodded in agreement, "but I believe we have come to an understanding of late, since the tunnels," he said pausing to catch his breath and collect his thoughts. But before he could speak again she interrupted and said,
"I am very fond of you Peregrin Took, very fond." Now she had intended to tell him she loved him, but when it came time to say the words, she could not do it. He stopped and looked at her, watching the tears trailing from her glistening blue eyes. Tears sprang quickly from Pippin's eyes as well and he pressed his lips firmly against her hand. Though she had not said the words he longed to hear, he was pleased she felt anything at all for him.When he raised his head he had recovered himself enough to tell her,
"I love you more than I have words to tell."
She bowed her head, ashamed she could not say those words that poured so easily from Pippin's lips. But then he had probably heard them and said them his whole life. They sat hand in hand until the others returned. When Merry entered the drawing room Pippin stood and motioned him to go out of the room with him. Meanwhile Prim went to sit beside Diamond. Diamond could barely control her emotions as she whispered to Prim in the corner, who in her turn hugged her cousin with all her might. Out in the hall Merry looked expectantly at Pippin.
"It appears you were right, Merry. How is it you knew before I did," he said half-jokingly, tears threatening to rise again.
"I know you better then anyone in Middle Earth, you fool," Merry said, throwing an arm around his younger cousin's shoulder. Pippin looked at Merry brightly at first, then his eyes clouded over.
"I didn't tell her about …, about Frodo and what we are going to do," Pippin whispered sadly.
"I haven't told Prim either," Merry said regretfully, "Maybe we can pick a good time and place."
"Like after we return?" Pippin laughed.
"I think they'd notice before then. For one thing the Shire will be a lot quieter without you in it!" Merry said pulling Pippin's head into his chest. Pippin beat on his back playfully until Merry let him go. They straightened their clothes and then Merry took both of Pippin's shoulders in his hands and looked his cousin square in the eye.
"We'll tell them before we go, we'll have to. But we'll have to pick a good time."
"Perhaps we'll have time before we go to get things - settled with the lasses," Pippin reasoned.
"Who knows when we'll be off, though I suspect it might be soon. Frodo has been visiting every nook and corner of the Shire since the spring."
"I suppose it would be wrong to … back out now. Frodo needs us."
"He does," Merry agreed.
"We may even be of some help before we're through," Pippin suggested.
"When are you ever of help, Pip?" Merry laughed. "By the way, I had a most interesting conversation with Edgar Heathertoes…"
"So did I," Pippin added and they laughed as they rejoined the others. It began to be late and so, sooner than many would've liked, there were good-byes all around. Merry and Pippin lingered in the lane long after the wagon had pulled away.
"I guess we'll see them in September, we'll be there for the birthday party," Pippin offered.
"Yes, but I remind you: don't be surprised if that is the last we see of them and the Shire for some time. Maybe …" Merry replied, "Better not to think of it. We'll see them soon enough."
On the wagon, Prim and Diamond took one long look back as the wagon pulled away. The Great Smials dwindled from sight until it looked like any other hillock in Green-Hill country. The landscape undulated around them in the gathering darkness as their cart made its way back to the inn. Once back at the Water Lily, they washed up, ate a large supper in the Great Room and the two lasses retired early. In their room, eyes tired with sleep and hearts weary with joy, they got into their beds and turned down the lamps. In the firelight they each sighed dreamily.
"Meridoc Brandybuck is a fine lad, Primula. He is handsome and very brave. He saved your father's farm last spring almost single-handedly. He rallied the others and did enough work for three hobbits," Diamond praised, her eyelids flickering slowly over her blue eyes.
"And Peregrin Took has brought out a happiness in you that I never thought I'd see. There must be something wonderful lurking beneath that rather foolish exterior to have won a heart such as yours," Prim replied honestly. However she softened her words, when she saw the hurt in Diamond's eyes, by adding, "But he is a good lad, an honest lad and since he loves you he cannot be so very foolish, in fact, I am beginning to think him rather wise." Diamond smiled and laughed a little, accepting Prim's words the way they were intended, as an apology. The two lasses smiled at each other across the room.
"But Diamond, sometimes I feel that Merry says rather less than he is thinking. I think he's keeping a secret."
"What secret could he possibly have that he would need to keep from you?"
"I don't know. I suppose it could just be my imagination tricking me," Prim sighed rolling over to go to sleep. Diamond looked into the fire and recalled the last look she had of Pippin, his hand raised in good-bye, his hair shining in the reborn sun, a smile dancing playfully on his lips. Her heart thundered in her chest and she smiled, drifting off into the blissful sleep of one loved beyond words.
