When Estella and Rosie rode up to the Grenthumb's door, Diamond was waiting, just as she said she would be.
"Good evening, Estella. Good evening, Miss Cotton." Rosie blushed.
"Miss Diamond, you don't have to do me that honor. What respect have I earned from you?"
"Miss Rosie, the Cotton family is known for their good-nature, even out here in the North Country. You are spoken of quite often, young lass. It would please me best if we all called each other by our given names only. Not one of us is higher than the other. And there are more important words to be said. Please, come in." They entered the hole and found comfortable seats awaiting them, as well as a delicious meal. "I thought our conversation should be accompanied by something pleasant, so I have been cooking from the moment I arrived home this afternoon."
"Miss Di –, I mean, Diamond, this is amazing. You didn't have to do all of this for us."
"Oh, yes she did, Rose! She insisted that the only place we could talk was all the way out here. After that long ride, I am famished!"
After a filling dinner, the three lasses retired to Diamond's room. They were all itching to talk, but no one wanted to begin the discussion. Finally, after talking about the weather, and the meal, Rosie couldn't hold back.
"I am sorry if I seem rude or impertinent, but I must know exactly what sort of things you can tell us, Diamond. You see, Estella has not yet filled me in on your earlier discussion and I am very keen to know all that I can."
"I fear I must now take the chair and speak. I was not really forthcoming with Estella earlier. And I apologize. Part of my reasoning was for safety's sake. And the other was for my heart. Please forgive me."
"I could not hold anything against you, Diamond. You know much more about goings-on than I."
"I thank you for your kindness, dear girl. I promise that from this moment forth, I will tell you all that I know, especially concerning certain hobbits who are missing."
