Chapter Rating: G
1.1 Chapter 7: Mistaken Identity
December 14th S.R. 1419
A small pony-drawn wagon laden with furniture, books and boxes wound its way past the still waters of the small pool reflecting the buildings of Hobbiton. Iris Proudfoot sat on the passenger's side of the wagon, looking at the mixture of burned ruins and new buildings under constructions. She was an average-sized hobbit of around 40 years old, with green eyes and typical brown curly hair. As the wagon crossed over the Bywater Pool bridge and headed through Bywater, the driver slowed and hailed a local hobbit who was laying bricks at a construction site.
"Hello friend," the driver called. "Hello yourself," the worker replied. "What can I do fer ye?"
"Do you know where Mister Tandy Bofin lives? He's the Apothecary here."
"Sure, sure. See that large clearing where all the foundation work is? That's where the Apothecary used to be. You'll find Mister Bofin's place round back of it. It's a shed what's been converted into his business till we get round to finishing the buildings there. Go on round to the right and the road will take you there."
The driver thanked the hobbit, and did as he was bid. Soon a large shed with a hastily-constructed addition to its side appeared. The driver pulled up before the shanty and walked around to help Iris down from the wagon. She noted the little temporary sign on the plain wooden door: "Hobbiton Apothecary – Please Knock" So she did.
Presently a middle-aged hobbit wearing a white shop apron came to the door.
"Tandy! Good to see you again," Iris said.
"Cousin Iris! Come in, come in," Tandy said as he stepped outside. "I've been expecting you today. Got your letter yesterday. Driver – come on in and warm yourself by the fire. Come in."
The three crowded into the tiny shack. Tandy had added a fireplace between the original shack and the addition. A good amount of warmth was being generated by some well-tended coals on the grate. Iris sank into a chair by the fire. The driver pulled up a nearby barrel and sat on it.
"Can I get you something?" Tandy bustled about. "I've some tea and cheese and bread about."
"Thank ye kindly, Sir," replied the driver. "I'll have a spot of tea and maybe a bit o' cheese, if you don't mind. Then I'll be unloading the wagon. Got to be getting on back to the South Farthing as quick as can be. Me Misses don't like me being gone more than a couple o' days, you know. Jim Baindhole at yer service."
"Tandy Bolger at yours and your family's," politely replied Tandy. He disappeared into the addition, and returned with a tray of cheese and sliced bread and a small tea service.
After warming up and eating the light repast, the three went back outside to unload the wagon. Iris was moving in with her cousin on a temporary basis until the new Hobbiton Apothecary, Physician's Office and living quarters was built. Tandy had set aside the shack's addition for Iris to use as a Physician's room, but it also had to serve as her bedroom. The other half of the shed served as Tandy's bedroom and Apothecary.
The next afternoon Iris called on the Deputy Mayor at his office in Bag End. As she walked up the freshly-graded dirt road the sounds of construction could be heard from round the back of the Hill. An occasional song or whistling drifted on the cool winter breeze. Work continued on Bag Shot Row #3, Bag End and the New Row diggings.
Iris walked up the little pathway to Bag End's front door. It was freshly painted a brilliant forest green and had a new chain of tiny brass bells attached to its right post. She pulled the rocker, setting off a merry tinkle from the multiple bells. A young hobbitess answered the door. She was wiping her hands on a tea towel, fresh with flower all over the front of her apron.
"Good day, 'Mam," said Rosie. "Can I help you?"
"I'm looking for a Mister Frodo Baggins," Iris replied. "My name is Iris Proudfoot and I've come about the physician's job in Hobbiton."
"Oh my!" Rosie exclaimed, bringing Iris into the hallway. "Do come in! Frodo! Frodo! It's the new physician. Please forgive me. I'll go get him right away."
Iris was impressed with the size and quality of the hobbit hole. At one time it had been the most outstanding example of a smial in the entire region. It was evidently undergoing reconstruction right now, but she could see that it would one day return to its former glory. From out of a room off to her left a slightly thin hobbit approached. He appeared to be in his early 50's and was dressed impeccably in a rather formal chocolate brown coat and vest suit. His slightly greying raven hair circled his kindly face in a halo of large curls. But it was his eyes which caused Iris to look again. They were the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen.
"Frodo Baggins at your service," he said, offering his hand.
"Iris Proudfoot at yours and your family's," she replied, shaking his hand. She couldn't help but notice he was missing the ring finger. Probably some accident, she thought.
"May I take your coat?" Frodo said. "Please come into the study. We've been expecting you any day now. We're so grateful to have you come so quickly."
He led her through a large living room and into a cozy study lined with books and featuring a roaring fire in the fireplace. As she sat down, the hobbitess returned from the kitchen, bearing a tray with a tea service and a plate of cookies.
"Thank you Rosie," Frodo smiled as Rose set the tray down on a small table and then disappeared again. "She's a wonderful lass and a great cook. Well… as I said, it's a pleasure to meet you. When did you arrive?"
"Yesterday," Iris replied. "I'm all settled in with my cousin, Tandy Bolger, down at his place in Hobbiton. Master Baggins, I want to thank you for agreeing to have me as the town's physician. I do hope this works out well for everyone. I've been a physician in the South Farthing for ten years now. But this is my first solo practice."
"Oh, Miss Proudfoot, it is Hobbiton and Bywater which will benefit the most from your presence. I am so thankful you replied so quickly too. Now, tell me what you need and I will try to arrange for it to get done."
"I've brought a good supply of dried herbs and medicines with me. However, I see it will probably not be enough to last through the winter and spring. Tandy tells me he needs to rebuild the medicinal garden. Am I correct in assuming you're already working on getting the plants from elsewhere in the Shire?"
"Yes," Frodo said. "Samwise Gamgee has already located sources throughout the Shire who are willing to donate cuttings for our new medical garden. He and Nibs Cotton are away on an agricultural survey right now. When they return I'm certain you will want to speak to them about the apothecary garden. But if we need additional medical supplies I can arrange to purchase some from Bree or elsewhere. Has Master Bolger told you the situation with not having a proper Physician's Office in Hobbiton yet? I hasten to add that construction of your new Physician's Office and living quarters is well underway. If you need more space than what your cousin has, I'm sure I can find somewhere to relocate you. Just let me know how we can help."
"Thank you for your kind offer, but Tandy's temporary house is adequate for a short-term solution," she replied. "I can work out of my medical bag through house calls for the time being. If I think of anything else I'll be sure to let you know."
Frodo was taken with her character and courage at having made the journey from the Southway up to Hobbiton on her own. She also showed a great willingness to do what was necessary to make things right. "Looks like we found the right person for this job," he thought.
It was a pleasant, if somewhat formal meeting. Frodo showed Iris his plans for the rebuilding of Hobbiton, pointing out the new business district and where her office would be. Iris was impressed with the evident thought which had gone into the detailed plans. "This might not be so bad," she thought.
"Mister Baggins?" Iris was asking as Rosie came into the room to clear off the tea tray. "What's the situation concerning any known medical emergencies in Hobbiton? I mean, do you know of anyone who needs my immediate help with an illness or injury?"
Rosie couldn't help but turn and stare at Frodo at that moment. She was hoping he would mention his own illnesses. Frodo gave her a warning glance, so Rosie continued her gathering of the tea items and then left the room. Iris had noticed the silent exchange, but decided to file it away in her memory until she knew more about this suddenly mysterious Mister Frodo Baggins.
Frodo told Iris about Will Whitfoot and Fredigar Bolger's incarceration at the Lockholes. They both could use a visit from the physician, to see if there was anything Iris could do to speed up their recovery. Iris promised to look in on the Mayor immediately.
"Miss Proudfoot," Frodo said as Iris stood up to leave, "would you care to share dinner with Rosie and me? We would be honored to have you as our guest."
Rose came into the study as she overheard the invitation. "Yes, we would be quite honored if you would join us. I've a lovely steak and kidney pie just out of the oven."
"Oh, no thank you," Iris said as she headed towards the hallway for her cloak. "I really couldn't impose on you and your wife."
"My wife?" Frodo was perplexed. Rosie started sniggered behind her hand. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I realize I haven't made a proper introduction. Miss Iris Proudfoot, please meet Miss Rose Cotton. Rose is a close friend who comes over to help me with Bag End occasionally. I am not married."
"Oh!" Iris blushed a furious red. "I am so sorry! I…I just assumed…I mean…oh dear."
They all burst into laughter. Frodo helped Iris with her cloak as Rosie headed back into the kitchen, chuckling and shaking her head.
"May I escort you back into town?" Frodo asked, grabbing his own grey-green traveling cloak. "It has gotten rather late and the sun has set already. Bag Shot Row is torn up with construction and I would not want you to get lost or take a misstep along the way. After all, we cannot have our new physician becoming injured her first day in town."
"Thank you again, Mister Baggins," Iris replied, still trying to regain her professional composure after such a social faux paux.
"Please, call me Frodo," he said as they walked back to Hobbiton.
1.1 Chapter 7: Mistaken Identity
December 14th S.R. 1419
A small pony-drawn wagon laden with furniture, books and boxes wound its way past the still waters of the small pool reflecting the buildings of Hobbiton. Iris Proudfoot sat on the passenger's side of the wagon, looking at the mixture of burned ruins and new buildings under constructions. She was an average-sized hobbit of around 40 years old, with green eyes and typical brown curly hair. As the wagon crossed over the Bywater Pool bridge and headed through Bywater, the driver slowed and hailed a local hobbit who was laying bricks at a construction site.
"Hello friend," the driver called. "Hello yourself," the worker replied. "What can I do fer ye?"
"Do you know where Mister Tandy Bofin lives? He's the Apothecary here."
"Sure, sure. See that large clearing where all the foundation work is? That's where the Apothecary used to be. You'll find Mister Bofin's place round back of it. It's a shed what's been converted into his business till we get round to finishing the buildings there. Go on round to the right and the road will take you there."
The driver thanked the hobbit, and did as he was bid. Soon a large shed with a hastily-constructed addition to its side appeared. The driver pulled up before the shanty and walked around to help Iris down from the wagon. She noted the little temporary sign on the plain wooden door: "Hobbiton Apothecary – Please Knock" So she did.
Presently a middle-aged hobbit wearing a white shop apron came to the door.
"Tandy! Good to see you again," Iris said.
"Cousin Iris! Come in, come in," Tandy said as he stepped outside. "I've been expecting you today. Got your letter yesterday. Driver – come on in and warm yourself by the fire. Come in."
The three crowded into the tiny shack. Tandy had added a fireplace between the original shack and the addition. A good amount of warmth was being generated by some well-tended coals on the grate. Iris sank into a chair by the fire. The driver pulled up a nearby barrel and sat on it.
"Can I get you something?" Tandy bustled about. "I've some tea and cheese and bread about."
"Thank ye kindly, Sir," replied the driver. "I'll have a spot of tea and maybe a bit o' cheese, if you don't mind. Then I'll be unloading the wagon. Got to be getting on back to the South Farthing as quick as can be. Me Misses don't like me being gone more than a couple o' days, you know. Jim Baindhole at yer service."
"Tandy Bolger at yours and your family's," politely replied Tandy. He disappeared into the addition, and returned with a tray of cheese and sliced bread and a small tea service.
After warming up and eating the light repast, the three went back outside to unload the wagon. Iris was moving in with her cousin on a temporary basis until the new Hobbiton Apothecary, Physician's Office and living quarters was built. Tandy had set aside the shack's addition for Iris to use as a Physician's room, but it also had to serve as her bedroom. The other half of the shed served as Tandy's bedroom and Apothecary.
The next afternoon Iris called on the Deputy Mayor at his office in Bag End. As she walked up the freshly-graded dirt road the sounds of construction could be heard from round the back of the Hill. An occasional song or whistling drifted on the cool winter breeze. Work continued on Bag Shot Row #3, Bag End and the New Row diggings.
Iris walked up the little pathway to Bag End's front door. It was freshly painted a brilliant forest green and had a new chain of tiny brass bells attached to its right post. She pulled the rocker, setting off a merry tinkle from the multiple bells. A young hobbitess answered the door. She was wiping her hands on a tea towel, fresh with flower all over the front of her apron.
"Good day, 'Mam," said Rosie. "Can I help you?"
"I'm looking for a Mister Frodo Baggins," Iris replied. "My name is Iris Proudfoot and I've come about the physician's job in Hobbiton."
"Oh my!" Rosie exclaimed, bringing Iris into the hallway. "Do come in! Frodo! Frodo! It's the new physician. Please forgive me. I'll go get him right away."
Iris was impressed with the size and quality of the hobbit hole. At one time it had been the most outstanding example of a smial in the entire region. It was evidently undergoing reconstruction right now, but she could see that it would one day return to its former glory. From out of a room off to her left a slightly thin hobbit approached. He appeared to be in his early 50's and was dressed impeccably in a rather formal chocolate brown coat and vest suit. His slightly greying raven hair circled his kindly face in a halo of large curls. But it was his eyes which caused Iris to look again. They were the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen.
"Frodo Baggins at your service," he said, offering his hand.
"Iris Proudfoot at yours and your family's," she replied, shaking his hand. She couldn't help but notice he was missing the ring finger. Probably some accident, she thought.
"May I take your coat?" Frodo said. "Please come into the study. We've been expecting you any day now. We're so grateful to have you come so quickly."
He led her through a large living room and into a cozy study lined with books and featuring a roaring fire in the fireplace. As she sat down, the hobbitess returned from the kitchen, bearing a tray with a tea service and a plate of cookies.
"Thank you Rosie," Frodo smiled as Rose set the tray down on a small table and then disappeared again. "She's a wonderful lass and a great cook. Well… as I said, it's a pleasure to meet you. When did you arrive?"
"Yesterday," Iris replied. "I'm all settled in with my cousin, Tandy Bolger, down at his place in Hobbiton. Master Baggins, I want to thank you for agreeing to have me as the town's physician. I do hope this works out well for everyone. I've been a physician in the South Farthing for ten years now. But this is my first solo practice."
"Oh, Miss Proudfoot, it is Hobbiton and Bywater which will benefit the most from your presence. I am so thankful you replied so quickly too. Now, tell me what you need and I will try to arrange for it to get done."
"I've brought a good supply of dried herbs and medicines with me. However, I see it will probably not be enough to last through the winter and spring. Tandy tells me he needs to rebuild the medicinal garden. Am I correct in assuming you're already working on getting the plants from elsewhere in the Shire?"
"Yes," Frodo said. "Samwise Gamgee has already located sources throughout the Shire who are willing to donate cuttings for our new medical garden. He and Nibs Cotton are away on an agricultural survey right now. When they return I'm certain you will want to speak to them about the apothecary garden. But if we need additional medical supplies I can arrange to purchase some from Bree or elsewhere. Has Master Bolger told you the situation with not having a proper Physician's Office in Hobbiton yet? I hasten to add that construction of your new Physician's Office and living quarters is well underway. If you need more space than what your cousin has, I'm sure I can find somewhere to relocate you. Just let me know how we can help."
"Thank you for your kind offer, but Tandy's temporary house is adequate for a short-term solution," she replied. "I can work out of my medical bag through house calls for the time being. If I think of anything else I'll be sure to let you know."
Frodo was taken with her character and courage at having made the journey from the Southway up to Hobbiton on her own. She also showed a great willingness to do what was necessary to make things right. "Looks like we found the right person for this job," he thought.
It was a pleasant, if somewhat formal meeting. Frodo showed Iris his plans for the rebuilding of Hobbiton, pointing out the new business district and where her office would be. Iris was impressed with the evident thought which had gone into the detailed plans. "This might not be so bad," she thought.
"Mister Baggins?" Iris was asking as Rosie came into the room to clear off the tea tray. "What's the situation concerning any known medical emergencies in Hobbiton? I mean, do you know of anyone who needs my immediate help with an illness or injury?"
Rosie couldn't help but turn and stare at Frodo at that moment. She was hoping he would mention his own illnesses. Frodo gave her a warning glance, so Rosie continued her gathering of the tea items and then left the room. Iris had noticed the silent exchange, but decided to file it away in her memory until she knew more about this suddenly mysterious Mister Frodo Baggins.
Frodo told Iris about Will Whitfoot and Fredigar Bolger's incarceration at the Lockholes. They both could use a visit from the physician, to see if there was anything Iris could do to speed up their recovery. Iris promised to look in on the Mayor immediately.
"Miss Proudfoot," Frodo said as Iris stood up to leave, "would you care to share dinner with Rosie and me? We would be honored to have you as our guest."
Rose came into the study as she overheard the invitation. "Yes, we would be quite honored if you would join us. I've a lovely steak and kidney pie just out of the oven."
"Oh, no thank you," Iris said as she headed towards the hallway for her cloak. "I really couldn't impose on you and your wife."
"My wife?" Frodo was perplexed. Rosie started sniggered behind her hand. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I realize I haven't made a proper introduction. Miss Iris Proudfoot, please meet Miss Rose Cotton. Rose is a close friend who comes over to help me with Bag End occasionally. I am not married."
"Oh!" Iris blushed a furious red. "I am so sorry! I…I just assumed…I mean…oh dear."
They all burst into laughter. Frodo helped Iris with her cloak as Rosie headed back into the kitchen, chuckling and shaking her head.
"May I escort you back into town?" Frodo asked, grabbing his own grey-green traveling cloak. "It has gotten rather late and the sun has set already. Bag Shot Row is torn up with construction and I would not want you to get lost or take a misstep along the way. After all, we cannot have our new physician becoming injured her first day in town."
"Thank you again, Mister Baggins," Iris replied, still trying to regain her professional composure after such a social faux paux.
"Please, call me Frodo," he said as they walked back to Hobbiton.
