The spring came and went, its flowers bringing some joy into the lives of the occupants of Hobbiton, but it was quickly replaced by the heat of the summer. Diamond, Merry, and Pippin had kept a close watch on Frodo over the past few months.
It was the 24th day of Wedmath and Diamond, Pippin, Merry, Fatty, Estella, and Chrysie ran as fast as their legs would bear them. They could hear the angry shouts of Farmer Maggot off in the distance, but his dogs were close to their heels. Pippin and Merry were laughing heartily, for freedom lay just ahead at Buckleberry Ferry. Diamond could feel her heart pound as she continued to run faster than ever before. Merry and Pippin had now passed her and were hastily untying the ferry from the dock; they pushed away, now being free from the landing. The dogs growled maliciously from the shore. That had been close, but they all lived for the thrill of the chase.
They all laughed until their sides hurt as the ferry drifted lazily down the Brandywine River, knowing in their hearts that these times of merriment and joyfulness would not last. The time drew near when Frodo would move to his new house in Crickhollow, and anxiety about the move began to rest above all of their heads.
"How much longer Merry?" asked Pippin. "I am hungry!"
"You are always hungry, Pip," replied Merry as he pushed the pole down into the water. "It is only a little further."
"It is hard to believe that the entire summer has almost passed us by," observed Chrysie, sighing.
"I know, it seems like just yesterday that I took you two to Farmer Maggot's fields for the first time. Do you remember how I hurt my ankle and couldn't climb the tree, so you and Estella climbed it for me?" asked Diamond. "I haven't been to the tree in a long while, perhaps we should go soon once more before we leave."
Pippin gave Estella a nervous look, but Estella did not say anything about the initials, nor did she show that even knew they existed. Pippin was actually glad that Diamond had not discovered them, for he had almost come to regret putting them in such an obvious place. For some reason Estella and Chrysie always suggested taking the Ferry instead of the pass the leads by the old tree.
When they arrived at Brandy Hall, Estella prepared a large dinner for them, being the excellent cook that she was. Upon completion of the meal the conspirators began to discuss the most recent developments in their plans.
"I am so glad that you decided to come Chrysie! It would be so lonely since Estella has decided to remain here," said Diamond.
"Yes, well I could do for some adventure!" Chrysie responded lightheartedly.
"You two are taking this much to carelessly," scolded Merry. "The fate of many depend on Frodo making it safely to Rivendell."
"Ease up, Merry! This has been my dream since I was a little Hobbit-lass barely old enough to speak. You know that," said Diamond, a touch annoyed.
"From what Sam has told me recently, it shall not just be a little adventure. It is likely that one, if not many of us, shall not return," Merry countered solemnly. He looked pale, as if he had not wanted to tell them all. Everyone stopped talking and looked at Merry. He started again cautiously, "Diamond, please hear me out. I have been thinking often of late about the dangers of this journey, and I think that it would be much better if both you and Chrysie remained here with Estella and Fatty."
"What!" Diamond exploded. "How could you say that Merry Brandybuck? I have dreamed of this day all my life, and I shall not let you steal it away from me. You have no authority over me, or Chrysie, and you cannot force us to stay behind!"
"Diamond, please just listen to me."
"Nay, I shall not be left behind! Pippin, do you think I should stay as well?" Diamond asked, turning to him for support.
"I...I...I do not wish for you to be killed, Diamond, but nor do I wish to be separated from you," he said, unsure of what to say.
"She will be killed!" said Merry. "Is that what you want Pippin? For your dear friend to be lost in battle," said Merry, attempting to turn Pippin's support.
"I am capable of defending myself, Merry!" Diamond spit back angrily.
"Merry, I will stay if you think it is best," said Chrysie. "However, Diamond is right, she is more than capable of protecting herself, and if she is not you and Pippin shall be there with her."
Pippin sat stunned. He knew this day would come, for Merry had been hinting that he intended for Estella, Chrysie, and Diamond to stay behind for some time. Pippin thought for a moment, and in that split second he envisioned Diamond being struck dead and it startled him into the reality of the situation.
"You cannot go!" he shouted suddenly, surprising everyone.
"Not you too, Pippin," said Diamond, looking defeated.
"Diamond, I." he was cut off by Diamond's sharp anger.
"It has become clear that you truly do not care for me! None of you do! I shall stay here, if that is your desire, but I shall not be seen with any of you ever again! If I am not worthy to come, then I am not worthy of your friendship!" She cried, running from Brandy Hall at a quick pace, not stopping once to look back.
"If Pippin wishes for me to stay, then he does not love me. He doesn't want my company," Diamond thought in desperation.
She ran, crying heavily and did not stop until she reached the tree on the edge of Farmer Maggot's farm. When she got there she threw herself on the ground and she wept for her friends, because she feared they would not return, and she wept for herself, that she could not go with them. Lying there, she cried until she suddenly felt a hand touch her shoulder.
Gazing up, she saw Horro Boffin standing over her. "Why do you weep Diamond? I hate to see you in pain," he said.
"It is none of your business!" she spat coldly, pushing his hand off of her shoulder.
" It was Meriadoc and Peregrin who did this to you wasn't it?" he said, hoping that he was correct. "I still do not see why you insist on being friends with them. They are not respectable hobbits, and they do not care for you."
"We fought that is all. You are mistaken, Horro," replied Diamond. "They are loyal, caring friends."
"And yet, they cause you great pain. I would never make you suffer."
"You do not understand. They are trying to protect me." As soon as Diamond said this, she realized she had just defended what she had sought to disprove only a short time ago.
"Protect you? Protect you from what?" he asked.
"From many things, some worse than others. They wish to shelter me from all the evils of this world, but they must realize I am no longer a child."
"You are no child indeed. You are a beautiful, responsible hobbit. If they were as caring as you claim I believe that they would have realized this by now. I wish to help you, but alas you speak in riddles, and I fear that I do not understand."
"I am sorry, Horro. It is not my secret to tell. I would be betraying confidences; I could never do that."
"And I must respect that Diamond," Horro began. "You probably do not wish to see this now, but I fear it is the reason I came looking for you."
"What are you talking about?" asked Diamond.
"You were bought, Diamond. I am sorry, but your friends must obviously think you too weak to deal with your father on your own," he said craftily, enjoying the situation greatly. "Do not lie! I can see through your pathetic scheme, Mr. Boffin. I challenge you now, that if there is any proof in what you have just said, bring it forth," said Diamond.
"As you wish," he said, reaching inside his coat pocket and taking out a scroll of rolled up parchment. He handed it to Diamond, and watched her read it. Diamond looked down at the parchment, and read what was handwritten in her father's own hand.
On this day, the 18th day of Afteryule, I do hereby agree to the release of Diamond of Long Cleeve from her former agreement. In compensation for the release I shall receive twice the price originally offered, and Diamond shall be bound to Frodo Baggins and Peregrin Took. Upon her coming of age she shall be bound to one, which one shall be decided at their own will, however, Diamond shall not know of this agreement until the time comes for the marriage to take place. No other offer can be made for her marriage, hence breaking this agreement and forfeiting the wealth.
If Diamond marries by her own consent before the agreement time is reached, she is released from this agreement, but only if the suitor is wealthy and acceptable.
Aradin Of Long Cleeve
Peregrin Took
Frodo Baggins
Diamond gasped audibly. "It cannot be," she said aloud. "They would never do this to me!"
"I apologize Diamond. They are not worthy of the beautiful Hobbit that you have become, but if you would have me I would offer you my hand in marriage. As the agreement states, it would free you, and I would never treat you in such a manner. You would be pampered, and always have a respectable name," said Horro, praying that his altered form of the agreement had fooled her. He had always been a master at penmanship, and he had forged his altered copy of the agreement with ease.
Diamond was about to answer him when Pippin ran up the path, clearly out of breath. "Diamond," he panted, "how happy I am to have found you. May I please speak with you alone?"
"Peregrin Took!" shouted Diamond, her anger raised beyond belief. "How could you do this to me? You are the most conniving, inconsiderate, rude, and backstabbing Hobbit that I have ever had the misfortune of knowing."
"What?" he asked, dumbstruck.
"Do not pretend to be innocent you fool. This is signed in your own hand," she screamed, shoving the paper at Pippin forcefully.
He read it quickly, his mouth dropping wide as he reached the end. "Diamond this is not the agreement that Frodo and I signed, I swear it to you. Ask your father. I do admit to buying your freedom, but that is all. We never asked for your hand in marriage! You did this!" Pippin shouted at Horro accusingly.
"Peregrin Took you are a fool! You have brought this upon yourself, and I am ashamed to have ever loved you. It is obvious now that you never returned the feelings as I once had thought. Had you shown just one sign of affection, and I might have believed you, but you did not. Now you shall not speak to my future husband in such a tone!" Diamond spat back.
"What?" asked Pippin, the phrases 'ashamed to have ever loved you' and 'future husband' ringing in his ears.
"Horro and I are to be married, hence breaking this horrid agreement of yours. Leave now, and never come into my sight again. Go on your stupid quest, and I hope that you do not live the night!" Diamond shouted before taking Horro by the hand, and walking off, leaving Pippin alone. He was hurt and angry, but most of all he was shocked. The one thing that he had wished with all his soul would not happen had been brought about, through trickery and deceit. Diamond was not the only one who's dreams had been stolen, and Pippin left for Brandy Hall with the intentions of never seeing the one he loved again.