A/N: Happy Birthday MlynnBloom! I put this chapter up especially for your
birthday. When I read your chapter to your wonderful story, Morning Glory
chapter 12; I was so excited about what was happening in your story that I
forgot to wish you a Happy Birthday with my review. So I hope this makes up
for it. I know it's a little late, but it took me awhile to write
this......anyway I hope you had a very nice birthday!!!!!!!!
Chapter 10
On the Road to Hardbottle
A sharp click of the key was heard when his hand turned the lock to his traveling bag and placed it upon the floor. It saddened him to be leaving only after a month since his arrival and the death of Bungo Baggins. He had planned to stay longer, but Bilbo insisted that he needed sometime to be alone and see to the running of Bag End due to the fact that he was now its new master.
Slowly his feet padded a cross the polished wooden floor with his traveling bag in his hand. He heard his father's voice once he entered the hallway, calling to him. "Are you ready?" the voiced echoed. Walking to his father, they both joined each other and went outside to the carriage that waited for them. It was now time to say his good-byes to his favorite cousin. Bilbo and Belladonna stood by the carriage when Sigismond and Hilibrand walked out of Bag End. Bilbo looked at his mother and even though she was still so quiet these past days, she had begun to heal and was ready to say her farewell to her brother.
Gazing into his sister's eyes, his own doubt echoed in his mind. He worried if she was ready to be by herself after only a month to heal from her husband's death. Hilibrand smiled confidently and knew that his dearest sister would be fine, after all if she needed him, he would be there. "Take good care of yourselves and remember your brother is never too far away to come if you need me!" Hilibrand said while reaching out his arms to his sister and warmly hugging her. Stepping back away from her he smiled one last time. Giving her a wink, he turned and climbed into the carriage to wait for his son.
Sigismond handed his traveling bag to his father and turned to Bilbo with a bright smile. "Well dear cousin, I'm off and anytime you have an hankering to see Tuckborough I will be excepting you to come!"
A corner of Bilbo lips curled up into a half of grin and a bit of mischief sparkled in his eyes. "I think it will be sooner than later! After all, how could I miss my favorite cousins wedding day?"
Sigismond froze in his steps and gawked at Bilbo. "You're a sneak, is what you are! How did you ever hear of that!"
Sigismond turned to his father and glared at him while Hilibrand nervously blinked his eyes and cleared his throat and pretended to be very fascinated by keeping his eyes focused on the yonder hill.
Shaking his head at his father he returned his gaze back to Bilbo. "I was going to surprise you with the news! And then knowing your........." Sigismond's voice trailed off nervously trying to find the right words to say and not wanting to bring up unpleasant memories for his cousin. "um..... problems with Miss Lobelia, I thought better than to say anything!"
"It is alright, dear Sigismond!" stated Bilbo. "I've come to accept those unfortunate circumstance and have moved on from them! However, I am greatly pleased to see you so happy! It's well deserving for you, I daresay!"
Sigismond smiled and held his hand out to his cousin and shook it, "Then I will be excepting you to attend! That will please me greatly!"
Bilbo smiled and nodded. "Good morning to you and pleasant travels!"
Sigismond climbed into the carriage and they pulled away from Bag End waving to the Baggins.
Bilbo placed his arm around his mother. "I think the first thing to do as master of Bag End is to find ourselves a gardener. I have a Mr. Holman Greenhand coming directly after the noon meal. I hear he is the best. After a month of gardening, I feel I have not a talent of it. Our potatoes are looking rather cragged if I say so myself!"
Belladonna giggled slightly when she looked over at the garden and noticed his handy work. The flowers were wilted and she could not tell if there were more weeds than snapdragons. The potatoes plants leaves were curling up and browning. "I believe I agree with you there, my son. Bungo could trim a garden very well. But it is beyond our talents I'm afraid!"
Bilbo smiled hearing laughter in his mother's voice again. He knew that everything would be all right.
"I have prepared a fine luncheon for ourselves, Mama. We must not be late, come now!" said Bilbo and escorted his mother into Bag End.
~*~
Just as Bilbo told his mother, Holman Greenhand was on his doorstep ringing his bell exactly five minutes after lunch. Bilbo admired anyone being on time and this greatly impressed him, so he hired him on the spot. Since Belladonna had her inheritance, they lacked for nothing. In fact Bilbo would never have to work again. So he closed the workshop in Bag End and did not touch the tools that belonged to his father and left everything exactly as it was.
Bilbo seeing how poor Holman was he generously gave him a month in advanced for his pay. Holman being so delighted working for the Baggins told everyone about how kindhearted and generous the new master of Bag End was.
Like any rumors getting started in Hobbiton the word spread quickly. It was not long until Bilbo was bombarded with distant relatives and others trying to win his favor. He did his best to avoid them.
Bilbo knew it was time to speak to Logo about Lobelia. He had put it off far too long. Walking down the street of Hobbiton and being greeted by everyone whether he knew them or not. He spent far too much time in his polite conversation either saying his "Good mornings or how to you do's!" It was getting a little too much for Bilbo.
Making his way down the streets of Hobbiton, Bilbo spotted Podo Proudfoot with his son Odo walking beside him. Bilbo wanted to turn around or duck under a nearby wagon or hedge, but they had spotted him and eagerly greeted him. "Good day to you Bilbo. It is a fine day indeed, is it not?"
Bilbo scowled slightly even though the day was very nice, "Yes, yes. I do agree, but please do excuse me. I have an important meeting that I must attend right away!"
Podo nodded and said, "Well then, let me get to our business at once. Odo, my son here has an idea for a wondrous farming venture. I do believe this little venture will turn a profit if we could only get a small loan to get him started!"
"No, Thank you, I do not want any ventures! Not in farming or any other types of ventures that you can think of! Please, do excuse me, Uncle Podo, but I'm am now past my time and I have to hurry! If it pleases you, you may come to tea. Yes, tea time would be acceptable! Tomorrow, we could have tea then!" said Bilbo and then he cringed thinking he should not have mentioned the tea.
Bilbo nodded a couple of times and quickened his pace down the street to the Bracegirdle's shop.
Bilbo's aunt Chic Chubs-Baggins closed the general stores door with her son Falco by her side. Seeing Bilbo just passing the store, she quickly called out to him, "Bilbo! Bilbo, please wait! I must have a word with you!"
Bilbo's ears sunk, as did his shoulders while he waited for his aunt to approach him. "I am having a party for my son Falco next week. I am expecting you to be there! My neighbor is bringing her daughters and I really want you to meet them. She is just a lovely girl and I know the two of you would make the perfect couple!"
Bilbo looked at her from the corner of his eyes and almost twitched from being so annoyed with his relatives. "Please, aunt Chic! I do not want to meet any lasses, no matter how lovely or not, rich or not ,nor can cook or not! No, thank you!"
"But Bilbo, she'll be so disappointed if you do not come! Please think this over," begged his Aunt Chic.
Shaking his head Bilbo insisted, "No, thank you, Aunt Chic. I have told you, I will not be able to attend, but please come to tea tomorrow. Mother should have a lovely sea...........I mean tea! Yes, that's it, tea! Come to tea tomorrow! Good day to you!"
Then off Bilbo scuttled down the street and kept his eye on the ground so he would not be able to greet another wandering relative that wanted something from him.
Without looking, Bilbo grabbed the knob on the Bracegirdle's door, but it was locked. "Odd," said Bilbo scratching his head and taking a step back to look at the door. "Locked at this time of day. Old Logo has never locked his door so early in the day. It makes bad for business!"
Bilbo looked at window and noticed the sign there. "Sold," was all that the sign had said.
Rudigar tapped Bilbo on his shoulder, "Are you looking fer, Old Logo Bracegirdle?"
Bilbo jumped with a start looking at another relative of his. He shuddered and shook wondering what his Uncle Rudigar might want of him. So Bilbo thought to ask him a quick question. "Yes, I am! When did he close his store?" said Bilbo.
"Nearly a week! I hear tell that he has stopped his carpenter'n and has moved on back to Hardbottle!" said Rudigar Bolger.
Bilbo stood there thinking what he should do. "Well then, I must be off! The road is a long one to Hardbottle, but I must see Mr. Bracegirdle. Good morning to you, Uncle Rudigar!"
"If'n you get sometime, do please come to tea!" said Rudigar. "I've got no children to fuss about and I know I'll enjoy your company!"
"Yes, uncle. Tea would be lovely! Good morning then!" turning away he hastened his pace.
Biblo strolled over to the messenger's shop when he suddenly spotted his Uncle Longo. Dodging behind a hedge not wanting to talk to another uncle or aunt and especially a Sackville-Baggins. While hiding undetected from Longo he overheard him speaking to one of the messengers. "Take this message to my son in Short Cleeve of the South Farthing, But you must make sure that my wife hears nothing of this! Do you understand! If Otho sends word back you are only to speak to me directly! Tell no one of this or anything about my son!"
The messenger nodded and took Longo's letter. The messenger climbed upon his pony and tucked the letter into his traveling bag. Waving at Mr. Sackville-Baggins, he road off.
Longo looked all around him to make sure no one heard his conversation. Seeing no one about, he pulled his resent letter that he had just received from his son. Longo beamed a brilliant smile while holding it in his hand. Being so happy to know all was well with his son and the surprise announcement that he had recently married Lobelia Bracegirdle. Longo decided it was time to celebrate. He would open the finest bottle of Old Wineyard in his cellar to toast it to his son and his new wife. Longo almost danced all the way back to his home.
Bilbo crawled out from the hedge and stared while watching Longo prancing down the street. Now Bilbo knew where Lobelia and Otho were. He knew he should keep that a secret.
A tug on Bilbo's coat tails sent him spinning around to see who was bothering him next. Looking down he spotted Drogo Baggins and next to him was Bilbo's distant cousin, once removed either way was Ruby Bolger who married Fosco Baggins. It brought a warm smile to Bilbo's lips as he greeted them.
Turning his attention to his little cousin, Bilbo leaned down to him. "Cousin, Bilbo! I have a riddle for you, do you want to hear it?" asked Drogo.
Bilbo smiled at seeing his younger cousin. "Why yes, Drogo. I would very much like to hear one of your riddles!"
"It has one heart that lives in its head, when ripened its eaten, what is it?" asked Drodo.
Bilbo stood for a moment trying to pretend a puzzled look to entertain the small lad. Chuckling loudly, Bilbo answered him. "Why that is a easy one, my lad! It's a cabbage of course!"
Bilbo messed up the lad's hair and tickled him. Drogo laughed with glee at Bilbo's attention.
"You have a fine, lad there Ruby. A very fine son, in deed!" commented Bilbo. Seeing Drogo made Bilbo's day. He enjoyed this little lad and all the riddles he would make up. Even though they were simple riddles that Bilbo could easily guess without too much thought, he admired him greatly for it. Bilbo stood there smiling and watched them walk away down the street. He suddenly remembered that he should have asked them to tea. After all, he invited everyone else, but the one person he would most like to have tea with, he had forgotten to ask. It had puzzled him greatly. Bilbo shrugged his shoulders and continued his stroll out of Hobbiton and down the dirt road that would take him to Hardbottle.
He was happy to be out in the fresh air upon an open road. Bilbo could not have asked for a nicer day with the azure sky above him and a gentle breeze behind him. He had time to think of songs while he enjoyed his long walk.
It was getting passed his regular noon luncheon and he was delighted when he finally reached Old Logo's home near Hardbottle. His small country home was almost hidden beneath the tall trees and thick brush that surrounded his hobbit hole as it blended into the scenery about it. The only tale-tell sign was a rounded wooden door, elegantly designed of course.
Knocking on the door, Bilbo waited patiently for Logo to greet him. But he waited and waited. Hearing his stomach beginning to growl, he decided to knock yet again.
Finally the door swung open and seeing an old hobbitess standing in the doorway confused Bilbo. Did Logo remarry? He tried hard to think if had overlooked a wedding invitation. Bilbo stammered while trying to collect his thoughts in what he should say to her.
~*~
Quiet snoring drifted down the short hallway of the Sackville-Baggins home, and attracted Camellia's attention while she passed her husband's study. Taking a few steps backward she glared at her husband.
Longo was stretched out upon his chair with his chin resting upon his chest and his pipe rested next to him upon a wooden plate on the table. There was a half-empty glass of wine dangling between his relaxed fingertips that threatened to spill on her carpeted rug under his feet.
Camellia scowled at seeing this and rushed quietly to retrieve the glass of wine before it would stain her rug. Grasping the wineglass, she set it upon his desk, but not before she noticed something sticking out of his waistcoat pocket. She narrowed her eyes at her husband. "You drunken fool!"
~*~
Sharp piercing narrow eyes upon old haggard face glared at Bilbo that caused him to tremble slightly. "I've come.......Yes, I have! I've come to see Mr. Logo Bracegirdle on a matter of great importance!" stammered Bilbo. "May I,........May I please, speak with him?"
The old hobbitess moved away from the door to allow Bilbo in without saying a word to him. He cleared is voice while he took a couple of steps into his old country hobbit hole. "I'm sorry, but I do not believe we have met? My name is Bilbo Baggins."
The hobbitess only nodded and still did not say a word. This made Bilbo all the more nervous and he again cleared his throat. "Please if you will, May I have your name? Are you the new Mistress of this home? And may I please have a cup of tea?"
The old hobbitess chuckled loudly. "I should say not, Mr. Baggins!" she paused a moment and moved further into the room. "I only clean house for Mr. Bracegridle since he has taken to his bed!"
Bilbo's eyes rounded at her news. "Is he very ill?"
"Yes, by the looks of it. His health is very poor!" she commented. "He's in here if you want to see him. I've fed him his lunch at least what he could eat of it!"
She turned and led the way to Logo's bedroom.
Bilbo stood in the doorway and got his first glimpse of Logo. It had only been little over a month since he had seen him last, but it looked like he had aged a decade. His eyes were dull and his complexion ashen.
Bilbo slowly made his way over to his bed and pulled up a chair to sit next to him. Taking Logo's hand, he slowly opened his eyes and stared at Bilbo.
"Oh my lad!" said Logo in the weakest of voice. "I hoped that you would have come!"
"I'm here Logo! I'm sorry to see that you are so ill!"
"No Bilbo, it is I who am sorry for what Lobelia has done to you! I had such dreams for the two of you. It hurts me to see her run off as she did!" Even though it was difficult to understand everything Logo spoke, Bilbo listened intently to his dear friend that he had known all of his life.
"I have thought of you as my son, dear Bilbo. A son that I have never had. It was my wish that you marry my only daughter, Lobelia. Little did I realize just how badly I had spoiled her? After her mother had died, it had changed her. She had become bitter and greedy. I tried to give her all the things that I thought would make her happy because I loved her so much. She had broken my heart to bits when she ran-off with Otho Sackville-Baggins, as I have heard. A cowardly, narrow-minded lad, that would never amount to anything. He is too much like Lobelia, always wanting more without taking the time to think of others. He will only bring her to more ruin because he does not have a backbone strong enough to stand up to her and her strong will. You made me see the errors of my ways with my daughter. You were the only one that could bring the kindheartedness from her. You were the only one who had the spunk to stand up to her and not allow her to win. Eventually she would have seen for herself. I don't know what has changed her and turned her away from you as she did. She has turned from me also, Bilbo. I do not know where she has gone, only that she has gone with Otho! I wish I could see her one more time to tell her that I love her."
When Logo paused, Bilbo noticed a single tear that fell from the corner of his eye and he watched it slowly fall down his cheek. After a moment he then continued. "She left me just a few words on a parchment and the locket that you had given her. It is there in the drawer of my desk. Please get it for me!"
Logo waited while Bilbo brought those things to him. He could clearly see that Logo was tiring trying to talk to him. Bilbo knew in his heart that Logo was not going to last very long.
While Bilbo held the locket in his hand it brought back memories in his mind and the hurt that would always be there.
Logo saw that Bilbo had those items and he told him to keep them. In a weaker voice Logo continued. "How can I die knowing that Lobelia would will never change and giving her the inheritance now would only make her more greedy. I give you Lobelia's entire dowry and inheritance to keep until she has out grown her willfulness and pride. Hopefully by keeping her away from this will teach her the things that I could not when I was alive. Watch over her for me, Bilbo and keep her safe, my son. Promise me, Bilbo!"
Biblo's heart raced seeing how weak Logo had become and he quickly agreed. "Logo, you have been a second father to me and I promise you, I will hold this for you until the day Lobelia is able to show one kind deed!"
Logo gave Bilbo a very weak smile and he closed his eyes to sleep. Bilbo lifted the covers up closer upon his chest and stood over him watching him sleep.
Bilbo turned and walked out of Logo's bedroom knowing that he had to get Lobelia home as soon as he could. There was no time to tell anyone of his plan. He had to leave for the South Farthing now!
After a large luncheon, Bilbo paid the woman double the coins to take care of Logo and borrowed the things he would need to take on this journey to find Lobelia.
~*~
Lobelia burst into the small little hobbit hole in Short Cleeve with her heart racing from the long distance that she ran. She quickly wiped the sweet from her brow and trying to slow the beating of her heart. Otho was coming directly behind her and she did not want his to catch on what she had just done.
The land auction just finished and there was only one other hobbit to bid against and Otho had out bid him. It was not to chance that this had happened. Lobelia had been planning it for sometime. She stumbled upon a private conversation when the owner of the land was telling another about his upcoming auction. He was expecting a grand turn out for it.
But to his astonishment, only two bidders came. Lobelia had turned the signs to face another direction and spread word out that the auction had moved to a new location. This prevented any other hobbit from over bidding so Otho would be the victor.
They now could work for themselves rather hiring out their labor to the other landowners.
Lobelia almost danced for joy when she hid in a cornfield and saw what she had hoped coming true.
She had to run as fast as her legs could carry her to make it home before Otho.
She saw a stack of dirty dishes in the washtub and she rushed to pretend that she was housecleaning all day while he was at that auction.
When she heard the door open, she could hardly contain her smile. She heard the patting of feet crossing her floor and she turned around to greet her new husband.
Lobelia dropped the plate and it mashed on to the floor as she tried to back away from the intruder. Her eyes rounded widely and fear shock her to the bone.
Chapter 10
On the Road to Hardbottle
A sharp click of the key was heard when his hand turned the lock to his traveling bag and placed it upon the floor. It saddened him to be leaving only after a month since his arrival and the death of Bungo Baggins. He had planned to stay longer, but Bilbo insisted that he needed sometime to be alone and see to the running of Bag End due to the fact that he was now its new master.
Slowly his feet padded a cross the polished wooden floor with his traveling bag in his hand. He heard his father's voice once he entered the hallway, calling to him. "Are you ready?" the voiced echoed. Walking to his father, they both joined each other and went outside to the carriage that waited for them. It was now time to say his good-byes to his favorite cousin. Bilbo and Belladonna stood by the carriage when Sigismond and Hilibrand walked out of Bag End. Bilbo looked at his mother and even though she was still so quiet these past days, she had begun to heal and was ready to say her farewell to her brother.
Gazing into his sister's eyes, his own doubt echoed in his mind. He worried if she was ready to be by herself after only a month to heal from her husband's death. Hilibrand smiled confidently and knew that his dearest sister would be fine, after all if she needed him, he would be there. "Take good care of yourselves and remember your brother is never too far away to come if you need me!" Hilibrand said while reaching out his arms to his sister and warmly hugging her. Stepping back away from her he smiled one last time. Giving her a wink, he turned and climbed into the carriage to wait for his son.
Sigismond handed his traveling bag to his father and turned to Bilbo with a bright smile. "Well dear cousin, I'm off and anytime you have an hankering to see Tuckborough I will be excepting you to come!"
A corner of Bilbo lips curled up into a half of grin and a bit of mischief sparkled in his eyes. "I think it will be sooner than later! After all, how could I miss my favorite cousins wedding day?"
Sigismond froze in his steps and gawked at Bilbo. "You're a sneak, is what you are! How did you ever hear of that!"
Sigismond turned to his father and glared at him while Hilibrand nervously blinked his eyes and cleared his throat and pretended to be very fascinated by keeping his eyes focused on the yonder hill.
Shaking his head at his father he returned his gaze back to Bilbo. "I was going to surprise you with the news! And then knowing your........." Sigismond's voice trailed off nervously trying to find the right words to say and not wanting to bring up unpleasant memories for his cousin. "um..... problems with Miss Lobelia, I thought better than to say anything!"
"It is alright, dear Sigismond!" stated Bilbo. "I've come to accept those unfortunate circumstance and have moved on from them! However, I am greatly pleased to see you so happy! It's well deserving for you, I daresay!"
Sigismond smiled and held his hand out to his cousin and shook it, "Then I will be excepting you to attend! That will please me greatly!"
Bilbo smiled and nodded. "Good morning to you and pleasant travels!"
Sigismond climbed into the carriage and they pulled away from Bag End waving to the Baggins.
Bilbo placed his arm around his mother. "I think the first thing to do as master of Bag End is to find ourselves a gardener. I have a Mr. Holman Greenhand coming directly after the noon meal. I hear he is the best. After a month of gardening, I feel I have not a talent of it. Our potatoes are looking rather cragged if I say so myself!"
Belladonna giggled slightly when she looked over at the garden and noticed his handy work. The flowers were wilted and she could not tell if there were more weeds than snapdragons. The potatoes plants leaves were curling up and browning. "I believe I agree with you there, my son. Bungo could trim a garden very well. But it is beyond our talents I'm afraid!"
Bilbo smiled hearing laughter in his mother's voice again. He knew that everything would be all right.
"I have prepared a fine luncheon for ourselves, Mama. We must not be late, come now!" said Bilbo and escorted his mother into Bag End.
~*~
Just as Bilbo told his mother, Holman Greenhand was on his doorstep ringing his bell exactly five minutes after lunch. Bilbo admired anyone being on time and this greatly impressed him, so he hired him on the spot. Since Belladonna had her inheritance, they lacked for nothing. In fact Bilbo would never have to work again. So he closed the workshop in Bag End and did not touch the tools that belonged to his father and left everything exactly as it was.
Bilbo seeing how poor Holman was he generously gave him a month in advanced for his pay. Holman being so delighted working for the Baggins told everyone about how kindhearted and generous the new master of Bag End was.
Like any rumors getting started in Hobbiton the word spread quickly. It was not long until Bilbo was bombarded with distant relatives and others trying to win his favor. He did his best to avoid them.
Bilbo knew it was time to speak to Logo about Lobelia. He had put it off far too long. Walking down the street of Hobbiton and being greeted by everyone whether he knew them or not. He spent far too much time in his polite conversation either saying his "Good mornings or how to you do's!" It was getting a little too much for Bilbo.
Making his way down the streets of Hobbiton, Bilbo spotted Podo Proudfoot with his son Odo walking beside him. Bilbo wanted to turn around or duck under a nearby wagon or hedge, but they had spotted him and eagerly greeted him. "Good day to you Bilbo. It is a fine day indeed, is it not?"
Bilbo scowled slightly even though the day was very nice, "Yes, yes. I do agree, but please do excuse me. I have an important meeting that I must attend right away!"
Podo nodded and said, "Well then, let me get to our business at once. Odo, my son here has an idea for a wondrous farming venture. I do believe this little venture will turn a profit if we could only get a small loan to get him started!"
"No, Thank you, I do not want any ventures! Not in farming or any other types of ventures that you can think of! Please, do excuse me, Uncle Podo, but I'm am now past my time and I have to hurry! If it pleases you, you may come to tea. Yes, tea time would be acceptable! Tomorrow, we could have tea then!" said Bilbo and then he cringed thinking he should not have mentioned the tea.
Bilbo nodded a couple of times and quickened his pace down the street to the Bracegirdle's shop.
Bilbo's aunt Chic Chubs-Baggins closed the general stores door with her son Falco by her side. Seeing Bilbo just passing the store, she quickly called out to him, "Bilbo! Bilbo, please wait! I must have a word with you!"
Bilbo's ears sunk, as did his shoulders while he waited for his aunt to approach him. "I am having a party for my son Falco next week. I am expecting you to be there! My neighbor is bringing her daughters and I really want you to meet them. She is just a lovely girl and I know the two of you would make the perfect couple!"
Bilbo looked at her from the corner of his eyes and almost twitched from being so annoyed with his relatives. "Please, aunt Chic! I do not want to meet any lasses, no matter how lovely or not, rich or not ,nor can cook or not! No, thank you!"
"But Bilbo, she'll be so disappointed if you do not come! Please think this over," begged his Aunt Chic.
Shaking his head Bilbo insisted, "No, thank you, Aunt Chic. I have told you, I will not be able to attend, but please come to tea tomorrow. Mother should have a lovely sea...........I mean tea! Yes, that's it, tea! Come to tea tomorrow! Good day to you!"
Then off Bilbo scuttled down the street and kept his eye on the ground so he would not be able to greet another wandering relative that wanted something from him.
Without looking, Bilbo grabbed the knob on the Bracegirdle's door, but it was locked. "Odd," said Bilbo scratching his head and taking a step back to look at the door. "Locked at this time of day. Old Logo has never locked his door so early in the day. It makes bad for business!"
Bilbo looked at window and noticed the sign there. "Sold," was all that the sign had said.
Rudigar tapped Bilbo on his shoulder, "Are you looking fer, Old Logo Bracegirdle?"
Bilbo jumped with a start looking at another relative of his. He shuddered and shook wondering what his Uncle Rudigar might want of him. So Bilbo thought to ask him a quick question. "Yes, I am! When did he close his store?" said Bilbo.
"Nearly a week! I hear tell that he has stopped his carpenter'n and has moved on back to Hardbottle!" said Rudigar Bolger.
Bilbo stood there thinking what he should do. "Well then, I must be off! The road is a long one to Hardbottle, but I must see Mr. Bracegirdle. Good morning to you, Uncle Rudigar!"
"If'n you get sometime, do please come to tea!" said Rudigar. "I've got no children to fuss about and I know I'll enjoy your company!"
"Yes, uncle. Tea would be lovely! Good morning then!" turning away he hastened his pace.
Biblo strolled over to the messenger's shop when he suddenly spotted his Uncle Longo. Dodging behind a hedge not wanting to talk to another uncle or aunt and especially a Sackville-Baggins. While hiding undetected from Longo he overheard him speaking to one of the messengers. "Take this message to my son in Short Cleeve of the South Farthing, But you must make sure that my wife hears nothing of this! Do you understand! If Otho sends word back you are only to speak to me directly! Tell no one of this or anything about my son!"
The messenger nodded and took Longo's letter. The messenger climbed upon his pony and tucked the letter into his traveling bag. Waving at Mr. Sackville-Baggins, he road off.
Longo looked all around him to make sure no one heard his conversation. Seeing no one about, he pulled his resent letter that he had just received from his son. Longo beamed a brilliant smile while holding it in his hand. Being so happy to know all was well with his son and the surprise announcement that he had recently married Lobelia Bracegirdle. Longo decided it was time to celebrate. He would open the finest bottle of Old Wineyard in his cellar to toast it to his son and his new wife. Longo almost danced all the way back to his home.
Bilbo crawled out from the hedge and stared while watching Longo prancing down the street. Now Bilbo knew where Lobelia and Otho were. He knew he should keep that a secret.
A tug on Bilbo's coat tails sent him spinning around to see who was bothering him next. Looking down he spotted Drogo Baggins and next to him was Bilbo's distant cousin, once removed either way was Ruby Bolger who married Fosco Baggins. It brought a warm smile to Bilbo's lips as he greeted them.
Turning his attention to his little cousin, Bilbo leaned down to him. "Cousin, Bilbo! I have a riddle for you, do you want to hear it?" asked Drogo.
Bilbo smiled at seeing his younger cousin. "Why yes, Drogo. I would very much like to hear one of your riddles!"
"It has one heart that lives in its head, when ripened its eaten, what is it?" asked Drodo.
Bilbo stood for a moment trying to pretend a puzzled look to entertain the small lad. Chuckling loudly, Bilbo answered him. "Why that is a easy one, my lad! It's a cabbage of course!"
Bilbo messed up the lad's hair and tickled him. Drogo laughed with glee at Bilbo's attention.
"You have a fine, lad there Ruby. A very fine son, in deed!" commented Bilbo. Seeing Drogo made Bilbo's day. He enjoyed this little lad and all the riddles he would make up. Even though they were simple riddles that Bilbo could easily guess without too much thought, he admired him greatly for it. Bilbo stood there smiling and watched them walk away down the street. He suddenly remembered that he should have asked them to tea. After all, he invited everyone else, but the one person he would most like to have tea with, he had forgotten to ask. It had puzzled him greatly. Bilbo shrugged his shoulders and continued his stroll out of Hobbiton and down the dirt road that would take him to Hardbottle.
He was happy to be out in the fresh air upon an open road. Bilbo could not have asked for a nicer day with the azure sky above him and a gentle breeze behind him. He had time to think of songs while he enjoyed his long walk.
It was getting passed his regular noon luncheon and he was delighted when he finally reached Old Logo's home near Hardbottle. His small country home was almost hidden beneath the tall trees and thick brush that surrounded his hobbit hole as it blended into the scenery about it. The only tale-tell sign was a rounded wooden door, elegantly designed of course.
Knocking on the door, Bilbo waited patiently for Logo to greet him. But he waited and waited. Hearing his stomach beginning to growl, he decided to knock yet again.
Finally the door swung open and seeing an old hobbitess standing in the doorway confused Bilbo. Did Logo remarry? He tried hard to think if had overlooked a wedding invitation. Bilbo stammered while trying to collect his thoughts in what he should say to her.
~*~
Quiet snoring drifted down the short hallway of the Sackville-Baggins home, and attracted Camellia's attention while she passed her husband's study. Taking a few steps backward she glared at her husband.
Longo was stretched out upon his chair with his chin resting upon his chest and his pipe rested next to him upon a wooden plate on the table. There was a half-empty glass of wine dangling between his relaxed fingertips that threatened to spill on her carpeted rug under his feet.
Camellia scowled at seeing this and rushed quietly to retrieve the glass of wine before it would stain her rug. Grasping the wineglass, she set it upon his desk, but not before she noticed something sticking out of his waistcoat pocket. She narrowed her eyes at her husband. "You drunken fool!"
~*~
Sharp piercing narrow eyes upon old haggard face glared at Bilbo that caused him to tremble slightly. "I've come.......Yes, I have! I've come to see Mr. Logo Bracegirdle on a matter of great importance!" stammered Bilbo. "May I,........May I please, speak with him?"
The old hobbitess moved away from the door to allow Bilbo in without saying a word to him. He cleared is voice while he took a couple of steps into his old country hobbit hole. "I'm sorry, but I do not believe we have met? My name is Bilbo Baggins."
The hobbitess only nodded and still did not say a word. This made Bilbo all the more nervous and he again cleared his throat. "Please if you will, May I have your name? Are you the new Mistress of this home? And may I please have a cup of tea?"
The old hobbitess chuckled loudly. "I should say not, Mr. Baggins!" she paused a moment and moved further into the room. "I only clean house for Mr. Bracegridle since he has taken to his bed!"
Bilbo's eyes rounded at her news. "Is he very ill?"
"Yes, by the looks of it. His health is very poor!" she commented. "He's in here if you want to see him. I've fed him his lunch at least what he could eat of it!"
She turned and led the way to Logo's bedroom.
Bilbo stood in the doorway and got his first glimpse of Logo. It had only been little over a month since he had seen him last, but it looked like he had aged a decade. His eyes were dull and his complexion ashen.
Bilbo slowly made his way over to his bed and pulled up a chair to sit next to him. Taking Logo's hand, he slowly opened his eyes and stared at Bilbo.
"Oh my lad!" said Logo in the weakest of voice. "I hoped that you would have come!"
"I'm here Logo! I'm sorry to see that you are so ill!"
"No Bilbo, it is I who am sorry for what Lobelia has done to you! I had such dreams for the two of you. It hurts me to see her run off as she did!" Even though it was difficult to understand everything Logo spoke, Bilbo listened intently to his dear friend that he had known all of his life.
"I have thought of you as my son, dear Bilbo. A son that I have never had. It was my wish that you marry my only daughter, Lobelia. Little did I realize just how badly I had spoiled her? After her mother had died, it had changed her. She had become bitter and greedy. I tried to give her all the things that I thought would make her happy because I loved her so much. She had broken my heart to bits when she ran-off with Otho Sackville-Baggins, as I have heard. A cowardly, narrow-minded lad, that would never amount to anything. He is too much like Lobelia, always wanting more without taking the time to think of others. He will only bring her to more ruin because he does not have a backbone strong enough to stand up to her and her strong will. You made me see the errors of my ways with my daughter. You were the only one that could bring the kindheartedness from her. You were the only one who had the spunk to stand up to her and not allow her to win. Eventually she would have seen for herself. I don't know what has changed her and turned her away from you as she did. She has turned from me also, Bilbo. I do not know where she has gone, only that she has gone with Otho! I wish I could see her one more time to tell her that I love her."
When Logo paused, Bilbo noticed a single tear that fell from the corner of his eye and he watched it slowly fall down his cheek. After a moment he then continued. "She left me just a few words on a parchment and the locket that you had given her. It is there in the drawer of my desk. Please get it for me!"
Logo waited while Bilbo brought those things to him. He could clearly see that Logo was tiring trying to talk to him. Bilbo knew in his heart that Logo was not going to last very long.
While Bilbo held the locket in his hand it brought back memories in his mind and the hurt that would always be there.
Logo saw that Bilbo had those items and he told him to keep them. In a weaker voice Logo continued. "How can I die knowing that Lobelia would will never change and giving her the inheritance now would only make her more greedy. I give you Lobelia's entire dowry and inheritance to keep until she has out grown her willfulness and pride. Hopefully by keeping her away from this will teach her the things that I could not when I was alive. Watch over her for me, Bilbo and keep her safe, my son. Promise me, Bilbo!"
Biblo's heart raced seeing how weak Logo had become and he quickly agreed. "Logo, you have been a second father to me and I promise you, I will hold this for you until the day Lobelia is able to show one kind deed!"
Logo gave Bilbo a very weak smile and he closed his eyes to sleep. Bilbo lifted the covers up closer upon his chest and stood over him watching him sleep.
Bilbo turned and walked out of Logo's bedroom knowing that he had to get Lobelia home as soon as he could. There was no time to tell anyone of his plan. He had to leave for the South Farthing now!
After a large luncheon, Bilbo paid the woman double the coins to take care of Logo and borrowed the things he would need to take on this journey to find Lobelia.
~*~
Lobelia burst into the small little hobbit hole in Short Cleeve with her heart racing from the long distance that she ran. She quickly wiped the sweet from her brow and trying to slow the beating of her heart. Otho was coming directly behind her and she did not want his to catch on what she had just done.
The land auction just finished and there was only one other hobbit to bid against and Otho had out bid him. It was not to chance that this had happened. Lobelia had been planning it for sometime. She stumbled upon a private conversation when the owner of the land was telling another about his upcoming auction. He was expecting a grand turn out for it.
But to his astonishment, only two bidders came. Lobelia had turned the signs to face another direction and spread word out that the auction had moved to a new location. This prevented any other hobbit from over bidding so Otho would be the victor.
They now could work for themselves rather hiring out their labor to the other landowners.
Lobelia almost danced for joy when she hid in a cornfield and saw what she had hoped coming true.
She had to run as fast as her legs could carry her to make it home before Otho.
She saw a stack of dirty dishes in the washtub and she rushed to pretend that she was housecleaning all day while he was at that auction.
When she heard the door open, she could hardly contain her smile. She heard the patting of feet crossing her floor and she turned around to greet her new husband.
Lobelia dropped the plate and it mashed on to the floor as she tried to back away from the intruder. Her eyes rounded widely and fear shock her to the bone.