Chapter 4: The Unexpected prank.
Finally the dawn of the party day arrived. Cries and cheering woke me
under the sunbeam beckoning to me from outside my window.
"Peony hurry up!" Mother's shrill voice echoed in my room, and before I could answer her, five tiny bodies flung themselves on me.
"Peony! Peony!"
"It's time to go the party Peony!"
"Get up old lazy bones it's time to go to the party!"
"Peony!"
"Get up Peony!"
Rubbing my eyes and groaning, I pushed the five brats off my bed and got up. I went to the window that held my new party dress. It was blue, white and pink, with blue ribbons matching the ribbons in my hair. Yesterday, my mother had opened the mysterious box that had travelled with us since Hardbottle, and I had wondered about since she packed it. Inside the box was this beautiful dress.
"It was mine when I was young and your father took me to parties. I think it would suit you." She had said.
Now I put it one and glanced at the looking glass in my room. The skirt was long and flowing and the ruffled sleeves dropped gracefully on my arms. I twirled around; it was perfect.
We made our way to the Party Field around 9 that morning. Fences were put up and ribbons and streamers everywhere. Big line-ups of Hobbits at the gates and who other than Bilbo himself shaking hands with his guests and handing out his presents. Big boxes covered in colourful cloth and ribbons to match. Fortunately the line was moving fast so we got to the Front very quickly.
"Bico and Daisy Hornblower and your children Nico, Frico, Nica, Pica and Petunia." Bilbo shook Bico's hand and handed each of them a gift. I was surprised he could remember all their names.
"Mrs. Bracegirdle and your daughter Peony." He kissed Mother's hand and gave her a small package and I a medium one. We walked further into field when,
"Hullo Peony." Pippin and Merry said in unison. "Hullo Mrs. Bracegirdle, may we steal Peony away."
"Of course." Said Mother. "Have fun Peony."
"You haven't opened your gift yet peony." Said Pippin.
"Hullo Peony." Frodo and Fredegar said walking up.
"You have not opened your gift yet Peony." Frodo pointed out.
"We were just about to deal with that." Said Pippin. So we sat at a small table and I opened my gift.
"A diary! Oh how wonderful." That is how I got this diary.
"Bilbo was always very fond of writing in his Diary Peony." Said Frodo.
"It even has your name on it!" said Fredegar. On the bottom left hand corner of the leather cover it said P. Proudfoot.
"I love it." I said. And later that night I did thank Bilbo. I had always wanted a journal, but I have never got one.
The party was magnificent! Steamers and decorations hung from trees left and right. People stood and laughed or danced to the music in the far end of the field, next to the largest pavilion, for the family dinner party, I couldn't wait.
For most of the morning, Pippin, Merry, and Fredegar pulled me around, introducing me to people, hundreds it seemed. I met their families and sibling and cousins to the 9th degree, but all the while, Frodo was busy with his co-host tasks with Bilbo.
After lunch, Frodo came to join us with Sam, who brought Rosie, I was delighted, and we made our way to the music, which the lads had been avoiding all day.
Around the dance floor, were tables and stands for drinks and finger food, and many hobbit couples were dancing, including, at least for one dance, my mother and Mr. Baggins. She looked so pretty in her purple flowing dress, dancing and laughing as if she were still a child; Mr. Baggins seemed to be enjoying himself as well. My friends however, with the exception of Rosie, sat down at a table and ordered their drinks. I danced with many young gentlehobbits, who were quite polite, as it seemed, no one noticed my feet (and no one stepped on them either, thank goodness!) All the while I watched Frodo at the table sipping beer from a mug. And they would creep up. Who? Other maids, young and old, all were performing for his attention. I was quite distasteful I thought, throwing yourself at someone just because that someone is very handsome and rich.
Frodo did not seem to mind, but he made polite conversation with all of them until they left. But then they all came at once, almost a dozen maids in bright coloured skirts picked him up to dance with, almost knocking over his drink. At this point, Pippin and Merry got up and disappeared somewhere. Fredegar and
Sam watched Rosie dance away, mostly by herself. I saw the girls all dancing with Frodo, twirling around him and swinging their hair in his face, he was dancing merrily along with them, looking as though he was having a grand time. I myself felt very left out, who was dancing beside Rosie, until Frodo managed to break away from his partners and come over to where I was dancing.
"Would you like to dance Miss Proudfoot?" he asked politely after that song ended.
"I would sir." I said curtsying. So as the next light, happy song started Frodo and I moved and danced all over the floor. He was a very good dancer, I thought, very confident and smooth and he held me and lifted me as if I weighed nothing at all.
"Come." He said as that song ended, it seemed only moments. "Let us dance in the crowd." He took me over to where his lady friends were dancing and they all danced around him again, but this time, he stayed near me was mostly dancing with me for the rest of the afternoon. We later sat down, exhausted. It was getting dark and Fredegar and Sam had not left their table.
"Gone on Sam!" cried Frodo sitting down. "Ask Rosie for a dance."
Sam looked longingly at the dancing Rosie. Then he turned back to his drink. "I think I'll just have another ale." But Frodo wouldn't let him.
"Oh no you don't." he said, pushing Sam into the crowd. "Go one!"
Rosie had caught him and he started to dance awkwardly with her. Fredegar, Frodo and I were laughing hysterically.
"Peony, would you like to dance?" Fredegar asked when Frodo kept on laughing.
"Yes!" and we danced as well. The music was fast, fun and colourful. Fredegar wasn't as good a dancer as Frodo, but he was considerate and a little nervous, which was cute.
Actually, the oncoming night brought on the most anticipated part of the party, the fireworks, I mean, I found out what fireworks are.
What are fireworks? They are great balls of light that explode in uncountable numbers! Yellow, blue, green, red and purple! They made great showers of green and yellow, floating flowers of red and pink and butterflies of all colours. Many lights went up higher than the clouds and exploded and dripped into the Water. They were twice as good as the Hornblower children promised. I watched them sitting on the grass with Frodo. The music continued but we stole a quiet moment away from the noise. Fredegar's brothers had called him away for something and Sam was with Rosie somewhere, Merry and Pippin had not come back. We lay in the soft grass, Frodo and I; a smile was painted on his lips as the lights danced, reflected in his eyes, it made them seem on fire. There was a brief intermission of the fireworks, which gave leave for the stars to shine in his eyes. He stared up, at the brightest star in the night sky; we call it Silmah, the voyager. He rode his great ship into the heavens, to light the way for travellers all over the world.
"Do you remember what I told you Peony? On the night of our walk together." He had turned his head and whispered this in my ear.
"You, you told you thought I was beautiful Frodo." I whispered back.
"I did, and you are." His arm slowly encircled my shoulders as he pulled himself closer. I felt the softness on my cheek from his silk waistcoat, and the tickle of his black curls on my ear. I turned to look at him and his eyes were huge and focused on mine. He moved closer, I closed my eyes; I felt his warm breath on my face. Then a suddenly loud blast startled us and we sat up. I couldn't believe my eyes; a tent went flying into the sky at incredible speeds, propelled by a tail of fire.
Frodo leaped up, pulling me by the hand, back into the party. He was running so fast, a huge light seemed to chase us and many other hobbits that ran in terror. Frodo was dragging me as fast as he could and I didn't get a chance to look up. Until his hand finally lost it's grasp and let go, making me fall to the ground, on top of several others, ducking from the light that past over our heads. I could have sworn that for the second that I saw the light, it looked like a dragon, a horrible fire-breathing dragon! But then it flew over the water and exploded with a loud bang and flooded down into the water like diamonds.
It was just a firework. How silly of me to have been frightened. Every one started to laugh and I saw Frodo away ahead with Bilbo, getting up.
"That is the signal for supper." He announced. And laughing, everyone made his or her way to the dinning tables. Except for those going to the largest pavilion. Frodo turned and ran back to me, helping me to get up.
"I'm sorry Peony!" he said concerned. "I lost you in the crowd. It's just the dragon, and Bilbo and I was." But I cut him off, I laughed and laughed, and Frodo laughed with me. My goodness it was funny.
But when he helped me up, his hand didn't let go, and we walked hand in hand behind the crowds to the largest pavilion.
When we had nearly reached the entrance, Frodo stopped and looked around. No one was in sight, but the noises of the hundreds of guests outside and the family guests inside were heard. Frodo turned to face me. But he did not hesitate. He pulled closer and I quickly closed my eyes as our lips met. I encircled his neck to bring him closer still. We were locked in that one wonderful moment for ages it seemed, but he did let go and we did go in and we did have a nice dinner. But then, the oddest thing happened.
After dinner, Bilbo stood on a chair to make a speech. There were cheers from the crowd of people if their names were mentioned, or he said something favourable. Then he mentioned Frodo's birthday, he was 33 years old. There was much cheering and "Frodo, Frodo, Jolly old Frodo!" From Fredegar who was sitting at another table. But then he started muttering about being sick, and before I knew it, he was talking about leaving and all of a sudden he, well, he vanished. Plain as day, with a blinding flash of light. A great gasp came from the audience. I looked quickly at Frodo, who was two tables over. He did nothing, didn't move or speak. People began to complain and to huff off angry, There was mention of his old journeys and oddities and orders for more wine, of which, finally, Frodo called for, and then left. Just, left from the party, all by himself without saying goodbye or anything.
I am writing all of this as I lay here in bed at Daisy's hole. After Frodo left, Mother and I left. She looked heartbroken and sad. We talked little, unless there was need, but I don't remember much of the walk home, just thinking of Frodo, and our kiss under the stars. And now I write in my journal. My new journal mind. I just hope things will clear up in the morning.
-Peony
After Peony's entry in her diary, she fell asleep. She had a strange dream as she slept. She dreamed that she saw a horrible chasm far away, fire and ash. Then he vision backed away and she saw Frodo, silhouetted against the light of the fire, Sam was at his side. She could not see their faces but she tried to call to them, they couldn't hear her. She started to cry as they walked away, towards the fiery place, but she could not stop them. She woke, drenched and scared with dears down her cheeks. But the sun creeping through her window was a reminder that she was safe in her bed. Wiping her eyes, she got up and dressed.
No one in the home talked about the night before. Although there was an awful lot of whispering coming from the children. But they didn't play with their new toys from the party. Peony wandered out after breakfast, travelling the well-worn paths of the neighbourhood, which she'd been down with Frodo. But really, her thought strayed often to Bilbo. What had happened last night?
Does Bilbo's absence affect Frodo's personal life? Does the stolen kiss
blossom into something deeper?
Be sure to read the next Chapter; Chapter 5: Queer Happenings.
"Peony hurry up!" Mother's shrill voice echoed in my room, and before I could answer her, five tiny bodies flung themselves on me.
"Peony! Peony!"
"It's time to go the party Peony!"
"Get up old lazy bones it's time to go to the party!"
"Peony!"
"Get up Peony!"
Rubbing my eyes and groaning, I pushed the five brats off my bed and got up. I went to the window that held my new party dress. It was blue, white and pink, with blue ribbons matching the ribbons in my hair. Yesterday, my mother had opened the mysterious box that had travelled with us since Hardbottle, and I had wondered about since she packed it. Inside the box was this beautiful dress.
"It was mine when I was young and your father took me to parties. I think it would suit you." She had said.
Now I put it one and glanced at the looking glass in my room. The skirt was long and flowing and the ruffled sleeves dropped gracefully on my arms. I twirled around; it was perfect.
We made our way to the Party Field around 9 that morning. Fences were put up and ribbons and streamers everywhere. Big line-ups of Hobbits at the gates and who other than Bilbo himself shaking hands with his guests and handing out his presents. Big boxes covered in colourful cloth and ribbons to match. Fortunately the line was moving fast so we got to the Front very quickly.
"Bico and Daisy Hornblower and your children Nico, Frico, Nica, Pica and Petunia." Bilbo shook Bico's hand and handed each of them a gift. I was surprised he could remember all their names.
"Mrs. Bracegirdle and your daughter Peony." He kissed Mother's hand and gave her a small package and I a medium one. We walked further into field when,
"Hullo Peony." Pippin and Merry said in unison. "Hullo Mrs. Bracegirdle, may we steal Peony away."
"Of course." Said Mother. "Have fun Peony."
"You haven't opened your gift yet peony." Said Pippin.
"Hullo Peony." Frodo and Fredegar said walking up.
"You have not opened your gift yet Peony." Frodo pointed out.
"We were just about to deal with that." Said Pippin. So we sat at a small table and I opened my gift.
"A diary! Oh how wonderful." That is how I got this diary.
"Bilbo was always very fond of writing in his Diary Peony." Said Frodo.
"It even has your name on it!" said Fredegar. On the bottom left hand corner of the leather cover it said P. Proudfoot.
"I love it." I said. And later that night I did thank Bilbo. I had always wanted a journal, but I have never got one.
The party was magnificent! Steamers and decorations hung from trees left and right. People stood and laughed or danced to the music in the far end of the field, next to the largest pavilion, for the family dinner party, I couldn't wait.
For most of the morning, Pippin, Merry, and Fredegar pulled me around, introducing me to people, hundreds it seemed. I met their families and sibling and cousins to the 9th degree, but all the while, Frodo was busy with his co-host tasks with Bilbo.
After lunch, Frodo came to join us with Sam, who brought Rosie, I was delighted, and we made our way to the music, which the lads had been avoiding all day.
Around the dance floor, were tables and stands for drinks and finger food, and many hobbit couples were dancing, including, at least for one dance, my mother and Mr. Baggins. She looked so pretty in her purple flowing dress, dancing and laughing as if she were still a child; Mr. Baggins seemed to be enjoying himself as well. My friends however, with the exception of Rosie, sat down at a table and ordered their drinks. I danced with many young gentlehobbits, who were quite polite, as it seemed, no one noticed my feet (and no one stepped on them either, thank goodness!) All the while I watched Frodo at the table sipping beer from a mug. And they would creep up. Who? Other maids, young and old, all were performing for his attention. I was quite distasteful I thought, throwing yourself at someone just because that someone is very handsome and rich.
Frodo did not seem to mind, but he made polite conversation with all of them until they left. But then they all came at once, almost a dozen maids in bright coloured skirts picked him up to dance with, almost knocking over his drink. At this point, Pippin and Merry got up and disappeared somewhere. Fredegar and
Sam watched Rosie dance away, mostly by herself. I saw the girls all dancing with Frodo, twirling around him and swinging their hair in his face, he was dancing merrily along with them, looking as though he was having a grand time. I myself felt very left out, who was dancing beside Rosie, until Frodo managed to break away from his partners and come over to where I was dancing.
"Would you like to dance Miss Proudfoot?" he asked politely after that song ended.
"I would sir." I said curtsying. So as the next light, happy song started Frodo and I moved and danced all over the floor. He was a very good dancer, I thought, very confident and smooth and he held me and lifted me as if I weighed nothing at all.
"Come." He said as that song ended, it seemed only moments. "Let us dance in the crowd." He took me over to where his lady friends were dancing and they all danced around him again, but this time, he stayed near me was mostly dancing with me for the rest of the afternoon. We later sat down, exhausted. It was getting dark and Fredegar and Sam had not left their table.
"Gone on Sam!" cried Frodo sitting down. "Ask Rosie for a dance."
Sam looked longingly at the dancing Rosie. Then he turned back to his drink. "I think I'll just have another ale." But Frodo wouldn't let him.
"Oh no you don't." he said, pushing Sam into the crowd. "Go one!"
Rosie had caught him and he started to dance awkwardly with her. Fredegar, Frodo and I were laughing hysterically.
"Peony, would you like to dance?" Fredegar asked when Frodo kept on laughing.
"Yes!" and we danced as well. The music was fast, fun and colourful. Fredegar wasn't as good a dancer as Frodo, but he was considerate and a little nervous, which was cute.
Actually, the oncoming night brought on the most anticipated part of the party, the fireworks, I mean, I found out what fireworks are.
What are fireworks? They are great balls of light that explode in uncountable numbers! Yellow, blue, green, red and purple! They made great showers of green and yellow, floating flowers of red and pink and butterflies of all colours. Many lights went up higher than the clouds and exploded and dripped into the Water. They were twice as good as the Hornblower children promised. I watched them sitting on the grass with Frodo. The music continued but we stole a quiet moment away from the noise. Fredegar's brothers had called him away for something and Sam was with Rosie somewhere, Merry and Pippin had not come back. We lay in the soft grass, Frodo and I; a smile was painted on his lips as the lights danced, reflected in his eyes, it made them seem on fire. There was a brief intermission of the fireworks, which gave leave for the stars to shine in his eyes. He stared up, at the brightest star in the night sky; we call it Silmah, the voyager. He rode his great ship into the heavens, to light the way for travellers all over the world.
"Do you remember what I told you Peony? On the night of our walk together." He had turned his head and whispered this in my ear.
"You, you told you thought I was beautiful Frodo." I whispered back.
"I did, and you are." His arm slowly encircled my shoulders as he pulled himself closer. I felt the softness on my cheek from his silk waistcoat, and the tickle of his black curls on my ear. I turned to look at him and his eyes were huge and focused on mine. He moved closer, I closed my eyes; I felt his warm breath on my face. Then a suddenly loud blast startled us and we sat up. I couldn't believe my eyes; a tent went flying into the sky at incredible speeds, propelled by a tail of fire.
Frodo leaped up, pulling me by the hand, back into the party. He was running so fast, a huge light seemed to chase us and many other hobbits that ran in terror. Frodo was dragging me as fast as he could and I didn't get a chance to look up. Until his hand finally lost it's grasp and let go, making me fall to the ground, on top of several others, ducking from the light that past over our heads. I could have sworn that for the second that I saw the light, it looked like a dragon, a horrible fire-breathing dragon! But then it flew over the water and exploded with a loud bang and flooded down into the water like diamonds.
It was just a firework. How silly of me to have been frightened. Every one started to laugh and I saw Frodo away ahead with Bilbo, getting up.
"That is the signal for supper." He announced. And laughing, everyone made his or her way to the dinning tables. Except for those going to the largest pavilion. Frodo turned and ran back to me, helping me to get up.
"I'm sorry Peony!" he said concerned. "I lost you in the crowd. It's just the dragon, and Bilbo and I was." But I cut him off, I laughed and laughed, and Frodo laughed with me. My goodness it was funny.
But when he helped me up, his hand didn't let go, and we walked hand in hand behind the crowds to the largest pavilion.
When we had nearly reached the entrance, Frodo stopped and looked around. No one was in sight, but the noises of the hundreds of guests outside and the family guests inside were heard. Frodo turned to face me. But he did not hesitate. He pulled closer and I quickly closed my eyes as our lips met. I encircled his neck to bring him closer still. We were locked in that one wonderful moment for ages it seemed, but he did let go and we did go in and we did have a nice dinner. But then, the oddest thing happened.
After dinner, Bilbo stood on a chair to make a speech. There were cheers from the crowd of people if their names were mentioned, or he said something favourable. Then he mentioned Frodo's birthday, he was 33 years old. There was much cheering and "Frodo, Frodo, Jolly old Frodo!" From Fredegar who was sitting at another table. But then he started muttering about being sick, and before I knew it, he was talking about leaving and all of a sudden he, well, he vanished. Plain as day, with a blinding flash of light. A great gasp came from the audience. I looked quickly at Frodo, who was two tables over. He did nothing, didn't move or speak. People began to complain and to huff off angry, There was mention of his old journeys and oddities and orders for more wine, of which, finally, Frodo called for, and then left. Just, left from the party, all by himself without saying goodbye or anything.
I am writing all of this as I lay here in bed at Daisy's hole. After Frodo left, Mother and I left. She looked heartbroken and sad. We talked little, unless there was need, but I don't remember much of the walk home, just thinking of Frodo, and our kiss under the stars. And now I write in my journal. My new journal mind. I just hope things will clear up in the morning.
-Peony
After Peony's entry in her diary, she fell asleep. She had a strange dream as she slept. She dreamed that she saw a horrible chasm far away, fire and ash. Then he vision backed away and she saw Frodo, silhouetted against the light of the fire, Sam was at his side. She could not see their faces but she tried to call to them, they couldn't hear her. She started to cry as they walked away, towards the fiery place, but she could not stop them. She woke, drenched and scared with dears down her cheeks. But the sun creeping through her window was a reminder that she was safe in her bed. Wiping her eyes, she got up and dressed.
No one in the home talked about the night before. Although there was an awful lot of whispering coming from the children. But they didn't play with their new toys from the party. Peony wandered out after breakfast, travelling the well-worn paths of the neighbourhood, which she'd been down with Frodo. But really, her thought strayed often to Bilbo. What had happened last night?
Does Bilbo's absence affect Frodo's personal life? Does the stolen kiss
blossom into something deeper?
Be sure to read the next Chapter; Chapter 5: Queer Happenings.