Chapter Five
"He loves me!" Nina couldn't hold here excitement any longer and had rushed to Holly's house. She lay in bed (still – even though it was midday) smiling.
"I knew he did all along"
"You did?! Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"
"Well, whenever admitted it to me, I just guessed. He is my favourite cousin you know!"
"Anyhow," Nina sighed happily. "Everything has turned out fine after all"
"But you're forgetting the events happening tonight" Holly stepped out of bed.
"Oh those" Nina groaned. "You are coming aren't you?"
"Duh!" Holly rolled her eyes. "We're all coming!"
"Even Frodo?"
"Even Frodo" she smiled. "But don't get too smitten with him tonight, you said Portia knows you love him so don't make anything too obvious other wise she'll tell your father and that's the end of a perfectly good relationship"
"Yeah, I guess…" Nina sighed.
"Anyway, for some good news…" Holly grinned, "This afternoon I am moving into Brandyhall with Merry and Pippin!"
"Really?! So your mama did not object?"
"Of course she did" Holly snorted. "That's all she does! But Papa came to the rescue and said it was about time I got my own place, even though it was with my brother and Pippin"
"But I thought your mama wasn't too keen on Merry living with Pippin"
"She's not but we don't care. She's not keen on hardly anything!"
"Well at least your parents aren't down your throat over this suitor thing" Nina said as Holly walked into the privy closing the door to so that she could still hear her friend as she washed up.
"Oh yes, the famous Friado Broadbeam, I shall be speaking to him tonight" Holly called out from the other side of the door. "Is he handsome?"
"Yes" Nina admitted. "But not like Frodo. Not at all like Frodo"
"What is he like in general?"
Nina shrugged, though Holly could not see. "Seems nice…oh I do not know, I have yet to speak to him properly. I guess I was quite rude to him last night"
"I suppose that would be a good thing" Holly said, walking out of the privy, now dressed, drying her damp hair. "He would not want a rude wife!"
Nina smiled knowingly. "I could put him off, in case he was thinking of…you know, choosing me"
"Do I detect that my friend is scheming?" Holly eyed her.
"I could be; I suppose the influence comes from spending too much time with your Brandybucks and that Took!"
"Ah ha! Could be!" she laughed, putting down the towel and brushing her dark curls. "How do you intend to put him off?"
"Be completely rude to him, I guess" she shrugged. "I could use some help. That is, if he is thinking of marrying me"
"I'll get Merry and Pippin on it straight away!" Holly giggled again.
*****
The two hobbit friends walked to Brandyhall, carrying most of Holly's belongings and Nina struggled terribly, wondering what in Middle Earth Holly HADN'T packed.
Merry and Pippin were waiting outside for them both, smoking on pipes and laughing.
"Just when I thought I got rid of her, my baby sister has come to live with me again!" Merry laugh but then groaned as Holly chucked a case full of her belongings into his arms.
"That's it Meriadoc, be a gentlehobbit and carry these in for your sweet baby sister"
Pippin chuckled. "Good morning – or should I say good *afternoon*?"
"Good afternoon suits just fine Pip!" Holly chuckled, linking her arm with his as they walked into Brandyhall. "Home Sweet Home! What do you think Nina?"
Nina looked around. "It looks the same as it did last time I came Holly" Nina chuckled.
Pippin elbowed Nina lightly a couple of times with a grin.
"Master Baggins visited late last night"
Nina's heart stopped, but remained calm. "R…Really?" Ok, she had TRIED to remain calm.
"Yep!" Merry chuckled as Nina blushed dark cherry. "He told all – don't worry! Secrets safe with us!"
"Sam and Rose know too" Holly added.
"Oh, news travels fast" Nina commented.
"Hope you know what you are doing" Merry said, a little seriously. "If anybody else finds out…"
"I guess that's what makes this our own little adventure" Nina let out a giggle. "Wow, our adventure"
Merry shrugged. "You mean to say you are not worried?"
Nina shook her head slowly. "I don't really think about it"
"Lets get my belongs unpacked, I cannot wait to get everything sorted so I can start nagging at Pip and Merry!" Holly called out happily, poking her brother teasingly.
*****
"Nina Roper! What have I told you about sneaking out of the house early in the morning and not returning until the evening?! And tonight of all nights!" Lilla Roper called as her daughter walked through the front door.
"Sorry Mama" Nina said. "I was helping Holly move all her belongings into Brandyhall"
"And I suppose that is where your bothers have gone off too"
"Yes" Nina said, remembering Friagrin and Sogrin rushing through the doors of Brandyhall, eating everything in the kitchen and over cooking Pippin's tomatoes.
Lilla sighed. "Well, off to your room this instant. The Broadbeams are next door getting ready with Papa"
"Next door?!" Nina's heart stopped. "Bag End?!"
"Yes, anything wrong with that?"
"Oh no, no not at all" Nina said all too fast, her heart racing. Friado and Frodo in the same room, talking…
"Now, I want you to put on your pretty sky blue dress" Lilla opening up Nina's closet and took out the dress. "We have to make some impression"
"Mama?"
"Yes, dear?"
"If Friado chooses me…must I marry him?"
"Yes dear, of course you know that" Lilla rolled her eyes as if Nina had just blurted out some silly joke.
"But, I don't love him"
"Nina, I'm afraid that is not your choice darling. You must marry whomever your father chooses. Friado seems like a lovely gentle hobbit"
"Not the gentlest"
"Nina, dear, take your head out of the clouds. You cannot marry whom you wish and that if final"
"How did we get landed with this history Mama?"
Lilla sat beside her. "I told you when you were a child"
"But that was so long ago. Surely you do not expect me to remember"
"Well, it was hundreds of years ago. Claudia Roper. Her family is your Papa's ancestors. Claudia was some what like you Nina. Free spirited, happy with life…she fell in love at a very young age; she thought he was everything and above all, that he loved her. Her Papa disagreed, sensing this hobbit whom she insisted she loved was not all he seemed. And indeed, after he married Claudia, this hobbit robbed the Ropers blind of their wealth and money. Soon they were out onto the streets and Claudia was abused and tortured by her 'love' until her death. That is, she was tortured to death…as her Papa had always sensed from the beginning that this hobbit was no good, he vowed that from now on, for as long as the Roper family generation went on, that any daughter of the Roper must have her husband chosen by the father, as they knew best. That is how we got this history Nina. It's to keep us safe, keep us from any abusive hobbit. Don't you see…father's can sense these things...it's the safest way for you, Nissa and Portia"
Nina looked down. She knew that the moral of the story was indeed, a very good reason. But her feelings remained the same; she still believed it was like an auction.
"Oh," she just answered. Lilla kissed the top of her head.
"If you get chosen, you'll be the most prettiest bride…the wedding will be so spectacular that the Shire shall never forget it"
Nina just looked down whilst her mother got up and laid the dress on the bed and smoothed it out.
"You just enjoy tonight Nina" and she left, closing the door with a smile.
*****
"Wow" Nissa gasped as the Roper girls laid eyes on the party grounds.
"I told you your Papa had a few tricks up his sleeve" Lilla winked. "Oh, where are Friagrin and Sogrin?"
"There" Nissa pointed out a crowd of hobbits. "They're with Pippin, Merry, Sam, Rosie, Holly and Frodo"
Nina looked up and immediately spotted her brothers. "Shall I get them Mama?"
"Yes, Nina, please do so. Tell them to come straight to me. I shall be at the drinks table"
Nina rushed over to her favourite crowd and her heart bounced playfully in her chest when Frodo looked up at her and smiled.
"Um…Friagrin, Sogrin, Mama wants to see you immediately at the drinks table…"
Ugh!" Sogrin groaned as he and Friagrin walked slowly to the table.
"My Nina, you look lovely!" Holly blurted out. "Doesn't she Frodo?"
"Yes" Frodo smiled to her and Rose elbowed Holly knowingly.
"I hope you will both be dancing to my song" Holly said and everyone looked to her. She smiled at their sudden interest. "Yes, I have written a song, and your father says I can sing it tonight"
"Really?!" Merry nearly died from the excitement. "I had no idea you…"
"I keep myself to myself" Holly shrugged. "And I think I shall be writing more songs so I can sing them at the inn. That is, if people like this song I shall be singing tonight"
"I am sure they'll love it" Sam said. "It should allow for Mr Frodo and Miss Nina to at least, have one dance"
"Yes and I think the song will suit you both dearly" Holly added, smiling to her friend and her cousin who held hands, but keeping them well hidden from view.
As the party wore on, Nina and Frodo stood side by side, until the two could not bear the tension no more and Frodo pulled her behind a large tree and kissed her quite suddenly.
"Frodo" she sighed, leaning into his arms. "Finally, away from everyone…"
"Though I am afraid it cannot be long…"
Nina watched as Friado asked Portia to dance, and she smiled gracefully and accepted.
"I believe you met Friado today"
Frodo frowned. "Friado? Oh, The Broadbeams son. Yes, only for a while. I went to Brandyhall straight after he arrived."
"And how do you find him?"
"From what I saw, he seemed nice"
"But…?"
Frodo sighed. "What if he chooses you Nina?"
Nina went to open her mouth to reply, when Holly came out and dragged them back to the party.
"Come! Come!" she laughed. "I'm singing now!"
Frodo and Nina rolled their eyes but cheered her on as Meruda announced her.
As Holly stood up on a large block of wooden boxes to sing, Lilla pulled Nina away from Frodo and led her to Friado.
"Would you care to dance sweet Nina?" Friado smiled and Nina turned to Frodo who just stood there watching.
"Well…I…"
"Oh, Friado, you are so charming" Lilla cooed and patted Nina's cheek. "I would have any of my daughters marry a sweet gentle hobbit such as yourself"
Friado smiled, then led Nina into the mass of crowds of hobbits dancing. Nina's eyes kept wandering back to Frodo, who had walked back to Merry and Pippin.
When she turned to Friado, he was staring at her, darting brown eyes; not at all like Frodo's beautiful blue ones.
"My sweet dear, you certainly look like your mother"
"You look like your father, I guess" Nina replied, looking back to see where Frodo was.
"And if I had but one wish, it would be that I could hold those hazel green eyes in my palm and see your soul" he touched her cheek lightly and Nina shuddered.
"That is a disgusting wish, I'm sure" she commented, a little unfriendly at least.
She saw Nissa, Portia and her and Friado's parents watching from a few yards away, smiling.
"I do think my sisters are the prettiest in the family" Nina said aloud, "Especially Portia. She would get your heart; I'm sure, as she is more your age"
"Age is only a number" he commented and Nina winced. "And then there's Nissa, she would love to be married – and me? Well, marriage is definitely not on my list of choices!"
Somewhere in her mind, she smirked. Oh, please let this work…
Friado looked at Holly, who was singing beautifully on stage, watching Nina; probably wondering why she wasn't dancing with Frodo…
When the song ended, and Holly bowed to the cheers, she ran towards Frodo and pulled him for a dance as the next song started and Friado grabbed Nina for another dance.
"Holly…" Frodo frowned. "Aren't I supposed to be leading here?!"
Holly dragged him around, following Friado and Nina. "Just wait…" she said. As soon as she caught up with Friado and Nina, she tapped Friado on the shoulder.
"Hello, Holly Brandybuck" she shook his hand and Nina frowned but looked to Frodo.
"Ah! Beautiful singing Miss Holly"
"Yes, and congratulations on the engagement thing…well when you decide that is! May I cut in and have this dance with you?"
"Well…" Friado looked to Nina.
"Oh don't worry about Nina, she'll be fine. And Master Baggins here would gladly dance with her"
"Yes" Nina smiled, thanking Holly over and over in her mind.
"Ok" Friado smiled, leaving Nina and dancing with Holly. Frodo smiled and brought her closer to him.
"Must remember to give Holly all of my possessions!" he joked. "She really knows how to help us out"
"Hmm…" Nina sighed and leaned her head on Frodo's shoulder.
"Is he nice?" he asked her.
"He's too charming, he believes too much in his looks rather than anything else. He's not you Frodo"
"And is there some chance he may pick you?" the worry in his eyes made Nina's heart melt. He did love her.
"No, I told him that I wasn't interested in marriage. I commented that Portia and Nissa would be better. That ought to have scared him off, good and proper!"
He kissed her soundly, not bothering if anyone saw.
The night went on, and Nina avoided her parents and sisters as much as possible. Friagrin and Sogrin had pulled various pranks on several guests with Pippin and Merry, whilst Sam and Rose spent the evening dancing together. Holly danced with various hobbit lads and smiled everytime Frodo and Nina danced.
By the near end of the evening, Nina almost forgot why they were there, until her father stood up on a table and hushed the guests.
"My dear hobbits, my wife and I would like to thank you for coming this night"
The guests cheered.
"And of course, you all know the reason…" Friado got up on the table. "This here is Friado Broadbeam, son of Friabo Broadbeam. A fine hobbit if ever there was one! And this night, he has had the privilege of choosing any of my beautiful daughters for a wife! This merry old evening shall get better my friends, for Friado has informed me of his choice and wishes to propose this very moment!"
The crowds cheered and Holly stood by Merry and Pippin, biting her nails nervously and staring at Nina and Frodo, stood not too far away; Nina's head on Frodo's shoulder.
"My new friends…" Friado began. "Thank you for this wonderful party; I cannot remember such a party of great magnificence. Hobbiton certainly is a marvellous place and I wish as soon as I am wed, to live peacefully here"
They all cheered again.
"I would like to announce – well propose to, the most beautiful Roper I have laid my eyes on this evening. All three girls are beautiful and fair, though this particular Roper caught my eye instantly"
The crowd went quiet, tension and suspense ran through all hobbits. Nina didn't think much of it, nor did Frodo. They knew between them that Portia or Nissa were the lucky ones.
"I would like to propose my choice and I hope we live happily ever after…my Nina…."
The crowd clapped and cheered and Frodo and Nina's heart stopped.
"No" she said in a silent plea. Frodo looked to her, helpless, his heart breaking.
She clung onto him but several members of the guests dragged on her arms, pulling her away from Frodo, towards Friado.
Her mother wept of joy and Nissa hugged her. Portia knew, she knew…
Her father kissed her cheek and told her he was proud. The Broadbeam's hugged and kissed her.
"My daughter you shall be!" Brealla Broadbeam cried happily.
Friado took he hand and kissed it, pulling her up onto the table for all to see. Nina saw Merry, Pippin, Sam and Rose with their mouths open shocked. Meanwhile, Holly was at the back of the crowds, her hand on Frodo's shoulder as he stared at Friado and Nina, his heart breaking before Nina's eyes.
"My sweet, gentle Nina…" Friado got down on one knee and the crowd gushed.
"I do not care how much you say that marriage is not of your choice, sweet, gentle Nina I love you…be my bride, be my everything"
She was about to open her mouth and protest. Shout out her refusal so all the Shire could hear. But Meruda stepped up and shook Friado's hand.
"She will be the best wife, I promise you that my lad! Bring the pony!"
Sogrin led the pony up to the table and set it beside it. He looked to his younger sister and saw the unhappiness gleam in her eyes. He smiled sympathetically as Friado mounted the pony and took Nina's hand, seating her in front of him.
"So, we take leave. Make wedding plans and find our new home! Thank you again my dear hobbits of Hobbiton!" The pony started trotting past the guests. Rose, Sam, Pippin and Merry watching in horror; Holly weeping silently and Frodo just stared at them. Nina's heart broke as he turned swiftly on his heel and ran into the shadows of the night.
"I shall make you happy sweet Nina" Friado kissed her cheek. "Happy"
Nina didn't listen. A single tear ran down her cheek, watching her gentlehobbit leave.
"Frodo. Oh, my sweet Frodo" she mouthed.
"He loves me!" Nina couldn't hold here excitement any longer and had rushed to Holly's house. She lay in bed (still – even though it was midday) smiling.
"I knew he did all along"
"You did?! Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"
"Well, whenever admitted it to me, I just guessed. He is my favourite cousin you know!"
"Anyhow," Nina sighed happily. "Everything has turned out fine after all"
"But you're forgetting the events happening tonight" Holly stepped out of bed.
"Oh those" Nina groaned. "You are coming aren't you?"
"Duh!" Holly rolled her eyes. "We're all coming!"
"Even Frodo?"
"Even Frodo" she smiled. "But don't get too smitten with him tonight, you said Portia knows you love him so don't make anything too obvious other wise she'll tell your father and that's the end of a perfectly good relationship"
"Yeah, I guess…" Nina sighed.
"Anyway, for some good news…" Holly grinned, "This afternoon I am moving into Brandyhall with Merry and Pippin!"
"Really?! So your mama did not object?"
"Of course she did" Holly snorted. "That's all she does! But Papa came to the rescue and said it was about time I got my own place, even though it was with my brother and Pippin"
"But I thought your mama wasn't too keen on Merry living with Pippin"
"She's not but we don't care. She's not keen on hardly anything!"
"Well at least your parents aren't down your throat over this suitor thing" Nina said as Holly walked into the privy closing the door to so that she could still hear her friend as she washed up.
"Oh yes, the famous Friado Broadbeam, I shall be speaking to him tonight" Holly called out from the other side of the door. "Is he handsome?"
"Yes" Nina admitted. "But not like Frodo. Not at all like Frodo"
"What is he like in general?"
Nina shrugged, though Holly could not see. "Seems nice…oh I do not know, I have yet to speak to him properly. I guess I was quite rude to him last night"
"I suppose that would be a good thing" Holly said, walking out of the privy, now dressed, drying her damp hair. "He would not want a rude wife!"
Nina smiled knowingly. "I could put him off, in case he was thinking of…you know, choosing me"
"Do I detect that my friend is scheming?" Holly eyed her.
"I could be; I suppose the influence comes from spending too much time with your Brandybucks and that Took!"
"Ah ha! Could be!" she laughed, putting down the towel and brushing her dark curls. "How do you intend to put him off?"
"Be completely rude to him, I guess" she shrugged. "I could use some help. That is, if he is thinking of marrying me"
"I'll get Merry and Pippin on it straight away!" Holly giggled again.
*****
The two hobbit friends walked to Brandyhall, carrying most of Holly's belongings and Nina struggled terribly, wondering what in Middle Earth Holly HADN'T packed.
Merry and Pippin were waiting outside for them both, smoking on pipes and laughing.
"Just when I thought I got rid of her, my baby sister has come to live with me again!" Merry laugh but then groaned as Holly chucked a case full of her belongings into his arms.
"That's it Meriadoc, be a gentlehobbit and carry these in for your sweet baby sister"
Pippin chuckled. "Good morning – or should I say good *afternoon*?"
"Good afternoon suits just fine Pip!" Holly chuckled, linking her arm with his as they walked into Brandyhall. "Home Sweet Home! What do you think Nina?"
Nina looked around. "It looks the same as it did last time I came Holly" Nina chuckled.
Pippin elbowed Nina lightly a couple of times with a grin.
"Master Baggins visited late last night"
Nina's heart stopped, but remained calm. "R…Really?" Ok, she had TRIED to remain calm.
"Yep!" Merry chuckled as Nina blushed dark cherry. "He told all – don't worry! Secrets safe with us!"
"Sam and Rose know too" Holly added.
"Oh, news travels fast" Nina commented.
"Hope you know what you are doing" Merry said, a little seriously. "If anybody else finds out…"
"I guess that's what makes this our own little adventure" Nina let out a giggle. "Wow, our adventure"
Merry shrugged. "You mean to say you are not worried?"
Nina shook her head slowly. "I don't really think about it"
"Lets get my belongs unpacked, I cannot wait to get everything sorted so I can start nagging at Pip and Merry!" Holly called out happily, poking her brother teasingly.
*****
"Nina Roper! What have I told you about sneaking out of the house early in the morning and not returning until the evening?! And tonight of all nights!" Lilla Roper called as her daughter walked through the front door.
"Sorry Mama" Nina said. "I was helping Holly move all her belongings into Brandyhall"
"And I suppose that is where your bothers have gone off too"
"Yes" Nina said, remembering Friagrin and Sogrin rushing through the doors of Brandyhall, eating everything in the kitchen and over cooking Pippin's tomatoes.
Lilla sighed. "Well, off to your room this instant. The Broadbeams are next door getting ready with Papa"
"Next door?!" Nina's heart stopped. "Bag End?!"
"Yes, anything wrong with that?"
"Oh no, no not at all" Nina said all too fast, her heart racing. Friado and Frodo in the same room, talking…
"Now, I want you to put on your pretty sky blue dress" Lilla opening up Nina's closet and took out the dress. "We have to make some impression"
"Mama?"
"Yes, dear?"
"If Friado chooses me…must I marry him?"
"Yes dear, of course you know that" Lilla rolled her eyes as if Nina had just blurted out some silly joke.
"But, I don't love him"
"Nina, I'm afraid that is not your choice darling. You must marry whomever your father chooses. Friado seems like a lovely gentle hobbit"
"Not the gentlest"
"Nina, dear, take your head out of the clouds. You cannot marry whom you wish and that if final"
"How did we get landed with this history Mama?"
Lilla sat beside her. "I told you when you were a child"
"But that was so long ago. Surely you do not expect me to remember"
"Well, it was hundreds of years ago. Claudia Roper. Her family is your Papa's ancestors. Claudia was some what like you Nina. Free spirited, happy with life…she fell in love at a very young age; she thought he was everything and above all, that he loved her. Her Papa disagreed, sensing this hobbit whom she insisted she loved was not all he seemed. And indeed, after he married Claudia, this hobbit robbed the Ropers blind of their wealth and money. Soon they were out onto the streets and Claudia was abused and tortured by her 'love' until her death. That is, she was tortured to death…as her Papa had always sensed from the beginning that this hobbit was no good, he vowed that from now on, for as long as the Roper family generation went on, that any daughter of the Roper must have her husband chosen by the father, as they knew best. That is how we got this history Nina. It's to keep us safe, keep us from any abusive hobbit. Don't you see…father's can sense these things...it's the safest way for you, Nissa and Portia"
Nina looked down. She knew that the moral of the story was indeed, a very good reason. But her feelings remained the same; she still believed it was like an auction.
"Oh," she just answered. Lilla kissed the top of her head.
"If you get chosen, you'll be the most prettiest bride…the wedding will be so spectacular that the Shire shall never forget it"
Nina just looked down whilst her mother got up and laid the dress on the bed and smoothed it out.
"You just enjoy tonight Nina" and she left, closing the door with a smile.
*****
"Wow" Nissa gasped as the Roper girls laid eyes on the party grounds.
"I told you your Papa had a few tricks up his sleeve" Lilla winked. "Oh, where are Friagrin and Sogrin?"
"There" Nissa pointed out a crowd of hobbits. "They're with Pippin, Merry, Sam, Rosie, Holly and Frodo"
Nina looked up and immediately spotted her brothers. "Shall I get them Mama?"
"Yes, Nina, please do so. Tell them to come straight to me. I shall be at the drinks table"
Nina rushed over to her favourite crowd and her heart bounced playfully in her chest when Frodo looked up at her and smiled.
"Um…Friagrin, Sogrin, Mama wants to see you immediately at the drinks table…"
Ugh!" Sogrin groaned as he and Friagrin walked slowly to the table.
"My Nina, you look lovely!" Holly blurted out. "Doesn't she Frodo?"
"Yes" Frodo smiled to her and Rose elbowed Holly knowingly.
"I hope you will both be dancing to my song" Holly said and everyone looked to her. She smiled at their sudden interest. "Yes, I have written a song, and your father says I can sing it tonight"
"Really?!" Merry nearly died from the excitement. "I had no idea you…"
"I keep myself to myself" Holly shrugged. "And I think I shall be writing more songs so I can sing them at the inn. That is, if people like this song I shall be singing tonight"
"I am sure they'll love it" Sam said. "It should allow for Mr Frodo and Miss Nina to at least, have one dance"
"Yes and I think the song will suit you both dearly" Holly added, smiling to her friend and her cousin who held hands, but keeping them well hidden from view.
As the party wore on, Nina and Frodo stood side by side, until the two could not bear the tension no more and Frodo pulled her behind a large tree and kissed her quite suddenly.
"Frodo" she sighed, leaning into his arms. "Finally, away from everyone…"
"Though I am afraid it cannot be long…"
Nina watched as Friado asked Portia to dance, and she smiled gracefully and accepted.
"I believe you met Friado today"
Frodo frowned. "Friado? Oh, The Broadbeams son. Yes, only for a while. I went to Brandyhall straight after he arrived."
"And how do you find him?"
"From what I saw, he seemed nice"
"But…?"
Frodo sighed. "What if he chooses you Nina?"
Nina went to open her mouth to reply, when Holly came out and dragged them back to the party.
"Come! Come!" she laughed. "I'm singing now!"
Frodo and Nina rolled their eyes but cheered her on as Meruda announced her.
As Holly stood up on a large block of wooden boxes to sing, Lilla pulled Nina away from Frodo and led her to Friado.
"Would you care to dance sweet Nina?" Friado smiled and Nina turned to Frodo who just stood there watching.
"Well…I…"
"Oh, Friado, you are so charming" Lilla cooed and patted Nina's cheek. "I would have any of my daughters marry a sweet gentle hobbit such as yourself"
Friado smiled, then led Nina into the mass of crowds of hobbits dancing. Nina's eyes kept wandering back to Frodo, who had walked back to Merry and Pippin.
When she turned to Friado, he was staring at her, darting brown eyes; not at all like Frodo's beautiful blue ones.
"My sweet dear, you certainly look like your mother"
"You look like your father, I guess" Nina replied, looking back to see where Frodo was.
"And if I had but one wish, it would be that I could hold those hazel green eyes in my palm and see your soul" he touched her cheek lightly and Nina shuddered.
"That is a disgusting wish, I'm sure" she commented, a little unfriendly at least.
She saw Nissa, Portia and her and Friado's parents watching from a few yards away, smiling.
"I do think my sisters are the prettiest in the family" Nina said aloud, "Especially Portia. She would get your heart; I'm sure, as she is more your age"
"Age is only a number" he commented and Nina winced. "And then there's Nissa, she would love to be married – and me? Well, marriage is definitely not on my list of choices!"
Somewhere in her mind, she smirked. Oh, please let this work…
Friado looked at Holly, who was singing beautifully on stage, watching Nina; probably wondering why she wasn't dancing with Frodo…
When the song ended, and Holly bowed to the cheers, she ran towards Frodo and pulled him for a dance as the next song started and Friado grabbed Nina for another dance.
"Holly…" Frodo frowned. "Aren't I supposed to be leading here?!"
Holly dragged him around, following Friado and Nina. "Just wait…" she said. As soon as she caught up with Friado and Nina, she tapped Friado on the shoulder.
"Hello, Holly Brandybuck" she shook his hand and Nina frowned but looked to Frodo.
"Ah! Beautiful singing Miss Holly"
"Yes, and congratulations on the engagement thing…well when you decide that is! May I cut in and have this dance with you?"
"Well…" Friado looked to Nina.
"Oh don't worry about Nina, she'll be fine. And Master Baggins here would gladly dance with her"
"Yes" Nina smiled, thanking Holly over and over in her mind.
"Ok" Friado smiled, leaving Nina and dancing with Holly. Frodo smiled and brought her closer to him.
"Must remember to give Holly all of my possessions!" he joked. "She really knows how to help us out"
"Hmm…" Nina sighed and leaned her head on Frodo's shoulder.
"Is he nice?" he asked her.
"He's too charming, he believes too much in his looks rather than anything else. He's not you Frodo"
"And is there some chance he may pick you?" the worry in his eyes made Nina's heart melt. He did love her.
"No, I told him that I wasn't interested in marriage. I commented that Portia and Nissa would be better. That ought to have scared him off, good and proper!"
He kissed her soundly, not bothering if anyone saw.
The night went on, and Nina avoided her parents and sisters as much as possible. Friagrin and Sogrin had pulled various pranks on several guests with Pippin and Merry, whilst Sam and Rose spent the evening dancing together. Holly danced with various hobbit lads and smiled everytime Frodo and Nina danced.
By the near end of the evening, Nina almost forgot why they were there, until her father stood up on a table and hushed the guests.
"My dear hobbits, my wife and I would like to thank you for coming this night"
The guests cheered.
"And of course, you all know the reason…" Friado got up on the table. "This here is Friado Broadbeam, son of Friabo Broadbeam. A fine hobbit if ever there was one! And this night, he has had the privilege of choosing any of my beautiful daughters for a wife! This merry old evening shall get better my friends, for Friado has informed me of his choice and wishes to propose this very moment!"
The crowds cheered and Holly stood by Merry and Pippin, biting her nails nervously and staring at Nina and Frodo, stood not too far away; Nina's head on Frodo's shoulder.
"My new friends…" Friado began. "Thank you for this wonderful party; I cannot remember such a party of great magnificence. Hobbiton certainly is a marvellous place and I wish as soon as I am wed, to live peacefully here"
They all cheered again.
"I would like to announce – well propose to, the most beautiful Roper I have laid my eyes on this evening. All three girls are beautiful and fair, though this particular Roper caught my eye instantly"
The crowd went quiet, tension and suspense ran through all hobbits. Nina didn't think much of it, nor did Frodo. They knew between them that Portia or Nissa were the lucky ones.
"I would like to propose my choice and I hope we live happily ever after…my Nina…."
The crowd clapped and cheered and Frodo and Nina's heart stopped.
"No" she said in a silent plea. Frodo looked to her, helpless, his heart breaking.
She clung onto him but several members of the guests dragged on her arms, pulling her away from Frodo, towards Friado.
Her mother wept of joy and Nissa hugged her. Portia knew, she knew…
Her father kissed her cheek and told her he was proud. The Broadbeam's hugged and kissed her.
"My daughter you shall be!" Brealla Broadbeam cried happily.
Friado took he hand and kissed it, pulling her up onto the table for all to see. Nina saw Merry, Pippin, Sam and Rose with their mouths open shocked. Meanwhile, Holly was at the back of the crowds, her hand on Frodo's shoulder as he stared at Friado and Nina, his heart breaking before Nina's eyes.
"My sweet, gentle Nina…" Friado got down on one knee and the crowd gushed.
"I do not care how much you say that marriage is not of your choice, sweet, gentle Nina I love you…be my bride, be my everything"
She was about to open her mouth and protest. Shout out her refusal so all the Shire could hear. But Meruda stepped up and shook Friado's hand.
"She will be the best wife, I promise you that my lad! Bring the pony!"
Sogrin led the pony up to the table and set it beside it. He looked to his younger sister and saw the unhappiness gleam in her eyes. He smiled sympathetically as Friado mounted the pony and took Nina's hand, seating her in front of him.
"So, we take leave. Make wedding plans and find our new home! Thank you again my dear hobbits of Hobbiton!" The pony started trotting past the guests. Rose, Sam, Pippin and Merry watching in horror; Holly weeping silently and Frodo just stared at them. Nina's heart broke as he turned swiftly on his heel and ran into the shadows of the night.
"I shall make you happy sweet Nina" Friado kissed her cheek. "Happy"
Nina didn't listen. A single tear ran down her cheek, watching her gentlehobbit leave.
"Frodo. Oh, my sweet Frodo" she mouthed.