PeachPawz: Thanks for the kind words. Subtle hints are harder to write, but is fun.

Ch 7 Breakfast

Holmes and I met the rest of the residents of the Smials at breakfast. As Pippin entered the dining area with Diamond, the cook came over to them. She talked to Diamond, who then left to go the kitchen with her. Pippin came over to Holmes and I was sitting.

"Is there a problem?" asked Holmes.

"Yes, the cook said there were two breakfasts missing. The cooks set up the breakfast dishes so that there would be no delay in serving."

"Would anyone get during the early hours and perhaps eat before anyone else?" asked Holmes.

"No. Everyone knows that if they do get hungry during the night, they can go and get anything they wish. We let everyone know what we are serving for the various meals, so they are aware of the food that is needed."

"I see. Would it be possible for me to examine the kitchen, after breakfast, of course? I would not want to get in the way of the cooks," replied Holmes.

"Certainly. I will let the kitchen help know. If you wish to talk to any of them, you may use my study. I am going to be out most of the day, as I want to check the fields." With that, the Thain went to eat, leaving Holmes and I with Diamond who had returned from the kitchen.

"Thank you for being here," she said. "I know that Pippin is more worried than he lets on. He does not let anyone else see that side of him. All they see is the mischievous hobbit he was when he was younger. I see the responsible Thain he has grown into."

"Please feel free to ask any questions you wish. I will do my best to answer them."

"Thank you. Perhaps you would be so kind as to give me some idea of just who is staying here. Peregrin has told me that there were 17 relations staying here. If I remember correctly, he also said there were 8 servants."

"That is correct. The servants, or as I would rather call them, employees, are longtime friends. We have two cooks, five field hands, and a young hobbitess who is a room attendant."

"May I ask why you say room attendant rather than maid?" I asked.

"The reason is simple," said Diamond. "Maids usually attend the person, while a room attendant does just that-attend to the room."