Ch 5 Great Smials

Welcome, Welcome! Please accept my apologies. I didn't mean to make you wait, my friend. What? You wish to hear more of my story? I'm flattered. Very well, I will continue.

Let's see, where was I? Oh, yes. Holmes and I were going with the Thain to his home. It was a somewhat cloudy day, when we left. I enjoyed the trip, as it gave me a chance to see a part of the Shire I hadn't seen before. My two traveling companions told me the rich history of the land we were traveling through. They told me of the settling of the Shire, and of the ones who gave it life.

It was toward the evening of the second day that we came within sight of our destination. I could see the welcoming lights of the Great Smials as we grew near. I could see that Peregrin was happy to be back home.

As we approached the door, a hobbit lass bade us enter. Holmes and I entered, and were introduced to Diamond Took. She had a straightforward manner, which I admired. I could imagine the two of them working as a team. There was no doubt the two belonged together.

"How was your trip, Dr. Watson?" Diamond asked as she took my wrap. "I have dinner ready, Peregrin. Please take our guests to the kitchen, dear. I'll be with you shortly. I am going to make sure your rooms are aired, and that the fire is lit. Please excuse me." With that, she gave us a smile and a wink to Peregrin. Both Holmes and I saw the blush that came into Peregrin's face, and smiled at the Thain.

After dinner, Holmes asked Pippin to show him where he normally kept his wand. We went into the study, and he showed Holmes the wardrobe where the wand was usually setting. Holmes scrutinized the door, the inside of the wardrobe, and the floor around it. "Was this ever locked?" asked Holmes. "No, it was always open. I had no reason to lock it. Everyone knew it was here, of course. There was no reason to keep it hidden. It doesn't mean anything to anyone else," replied the Thain.

"How many are staying here?" asked Holmes. Pippin thought for a moment, then said, "I believe, including you and Dr. Watson, there should be 27. I can check with Diamond, if you wish." "No, I will take your word. Are all of them relations?" asked Holmes. Peregrin laughed and said, "No. There are actually 15 relations, Diamond, you, Dr. Watson, and myself. The other 8 are those who work for us. Do you need to know what their jobs are?" "No," laughed Holmes. "I don't need to know that. Are all the workers known to you personally?" "Yes. I never hire anyone out of the Shire, unless they are known to us."

"Do you know all the relations personally? I realize this is a rather strange question, but I assure you it is important." Holmes was looking at Pippin when he asked the question. The Thain looked rather surprised, but thought for a moment before answering. "Yes, I know everyone who is staying here. I personally invited all of them to stay here."