Chapter 9 – Good Advice

Mrs Took didn't return after 1 month nor 2, the last week of the third month was passing when she arrived home. The long, lazy summer days had gone and the first chill of winter was in the air. Robin had been busy and the demise of summer had hardly registered in her. Since her mother had been back though she had had more time to herself again. She stood now in her garden watching the brown and golden leaves falling from the trees, swirling in the October wind. Her heart had not healed and her thoughts were turned constantly towards Hobbiton. She had received many letters from Frodo but each one had remained sealed. She could not bring herself to read them, as she knew her heart would falter and she would be back in his arms.

She had seen Pip many times and had also been to stay in Buckland with Meriadoc. On the outside she continued to live her life as she had done before meeting Frodo, nobody knew of the anguish she was feeling inside. She turned from the garden, walking back into her warm comfortable home.

"And how are you my darling" Pippin was on one of his many visits to Robins and he sat with her now by the fire.

"I am very well" she answered smiling "Though I wish it was not winter, I do not like the cold"

She looked out of the window at the gray dusk settling over Tookland.

Another 2 months had passed and December had crept into the Shire. Robin had received two more letters from Frodo but they had again gone unheeded. Robin tried not to speak to Pip about Frodo and Pip never mentioned him to her. Pip wasn't stupid though, he could see that she still held feelings for him though he did respect her wishes and the name of Frodo Baggins was not mentioned.

"Would you like tea?" shouted Robin from the kitchen

"Tea would be great" answered Pip.

Robin came bustling in with a tea tray setting it down between them.

"So how are you really?" Pip asked looking intently at Robin

"Fine" she replied sternly "I wish you would stop asking. In fact I feel so fine that I mean to take a little trip if the weather brightens"

"A trip to where?" Pippin looked bemused

Robin busied herself with the tea things, not looking up she said "To see Elanor actually. I haven't seen her yet and I did promise Rose I would go. Nearly 6 months old she will be now and I bet she's grown, bless me if I know Rosie there will be plenty more to come, always fond of kids she were. And of course I would love to see Sam again…"

"Robin"

"…I bet he makes a wonderful father…"

"Robin" Pip grabbed her hand to make her look up. There were tears in her eyes. "Robin are you sure it would be a good idea? I know you are still grieving, maybe you should wait until Elanor is older and can be brought here"

"No Pip" she replied strongly "I must go"

Pip shook in disagreement "I'm sorry Robin. I have stood by this year and respected each decision you have made and been there for you when you needed me but I will have to be harsh with you now. You tore apart any hope Frodo had left for mortal kind when you wrote that letter. I do not doubt that in your mind it was the right thing to do but what is done cannot be undone. Do not hurt him more and do not tempt yourself." Pips face was stern.

Robin looked away "I heed what you say cousin and maybe you are right. Though answer me this; if I am to stay away will I nurse a broken heart for the rest of my life or do I go and make up the hurt I have caused and ease my own heart in the doing?" Robin's voice was angry.

"Was it not your counsel that staying away would help heal your heart? Did you think he would just forget about you? Believe me Robin, I have seen Frodo weep" Pip was getting irate in his turn.

"And you think I don't?" Robin was shouting now "I have cried myself to sleep every night for 6 months and the reason I have not spoke of this is because it would be too selfish of me. He cannot know that I love him" She stopped, realising what she had said.

"Pippin please just let me do this one thing" her voice was quiet now "I will not ask anything of you again."

"I cannot deny that I think you are wrong…again." Pip took Robins hand and looked into her eyes. "I greatly care for you Robin, more than you know" His look was tender but he suddenly turned from her walking towards the door. " I will have your horse made ready, do not ask me for anymore" With that he was gone.

Robin was troubled, she did not like to upset Pip. He was her closest friend and she had grown up respecting his opinions and usually following his advice. But she was determined now to do this. Secretly deep down she hoped that Frodo had forgot (or forgiven) her and that would make her feel better. She did not even consider that he still cared for her, Pip's words were far from her mind.

Robin arrived at the stables of the Great Smials at 1 hour after lunch, without rest she guessed she would reach Bywater by dinner that evening. The Ostler had Hazel bridled in the yard.

"Did Master Peregrin leave a message for me?" she asked the Hobbit

"No Miss Robin, 'fraid not. He just says to 'ave 'Azel ready. He weren't 'alf in a funny mood though, all quiet like, not like the master at all. I says to old Eric…"

"Thank you" interrupted Robin "But I must be off. Please tell Peregrin that I will call on my way home" Robin mounted quickly turning the pony for the gate. She did not notice the shadowy figure of a Hobbit watching her from the stable door.

Pip gazed followed Robin as she left the yard. He hoped that she was doing the right thing he couldn't bear to see her with a broken heart.