Author's note: Again I want to say thank you for your wonderful reviews! Now, while writing this I was very exhausted so if there are any mistakes, anything you don't like or think I should change, please let me know. Hopefully you'll enjoy it :-)
Disclaimer: Don't own Tolkien's characters, only Tansy.
Rating: PG-13
Chapter Six: Summer in the Shire
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
As the wagon headed down the lane, not far from the Cotton Farm, Frodo whipsered his faorite song he sang to Tansy once. The June sun blazed in a cloudless blue topaz sky. It was the first day of Summer, and Frodo smiled to himself at the plans he had in mind to celebrate on this day. The smile remained on his face when he saw Tansy ahead. She waited for him at the fence and he admired how beautiful she looked in her sunflower-yellow dress. When she hurried toward him, he saw her hair brushed back into a ponytail. This time she didn't use a sash, but a small vine of vibrant sunflowers were wrapped elegantly around her ponytail.
When the wagon stopped, Tansy leaned both arms across the edge of the passenger side and then she rested her chin upon her hands.
"Another picnic today?" asked Tansy as if she had been unaware of his plans.
"Yes," answered Frodo and teased her with what he went on to say. "But not in Bywater."
Now this time Tansy was surprised. "Not in Bywater? Frodo Baggins, what are you up to? Where then?"
He chuckled. "In Bag End."
______________________________________________________
As they arrived in Hobbiton, Tansy's attention drifted to the folk walking past the wagon. And every time they passed several lasses together in groups, the lasses threw surprised glances their way and whispered to each other.
Tansy turned to look at Frodo. "Maybe we should've had the picnic in Bywater."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well..."
Frodo eyed her and noticed she was preoccupied with the stares they were getting. Then he knew why she wanted to stay in Bywater.
"I figured," Frodo began, "You would want to have a picnic in Bag End. What fun is there if we always have picnics in the same place?"
Tansy forced herself to ignore their foolish stares and the gossip. She gave him a confident nod.
"You're right. We'll have fun."
Frodo grinned. It pleased him that she had decided to ignore them and then he slowed the wagon in front of Sam's house.
"Why are we stopping here?" Tansy inquired. "Hasn't Mr. Baggins prepared the meal? I'm sure he's waiting for you to pick up the basket?"
She glimpsed a mischievous smile growing on Frodo's lips and now she was very intrigued about his plans for the day.
Frodo replied, "There's a certain gardener who insisted he prepare the meal for our picnic. And...there's a Brandybuck and a Took. They found out about this picnic and insisted to come along. You know how persistent Merry and Pippin can be."
At that moment, the door of Bagshot Row #3 had opened and out came Sam carrying a huge basket alongside Merry and Pippin.
Tansy giggled at them as they scurried toward the wagon.
"Good Afternoon, Frodo and Miss Puddifoot," said Pippin courteously.
Merry followed with, "A beautiful summer day it is for a picnic!"
Tansy acknowledged him with a nod. "Yes, it is, Merry," she said excitedly.
Sam nestled the basket in back of the wagon, then he looked up at Tansy.
"Miss Puddifoot, do you mind if we join you and Mr. Frodo?"
"Not at all!"
Sam's face lit up at the invitation of joining his friends. He hopped in the back along with Merry and Pippin, and leaving Bagshot Row, they were off to the woods.
_________________________________________________________
Sitting in the shade beneath an apple tree, Tansy watched in amusement at Sam dispersing several kinds of mid-day delicacies onto the emerald-green blanket.
"And this," said Frodo, picking up a small pie. "Is Sam's famous chicken pies."
"And for desert," Sam announced while decorating several plates with crusty pastries. "We have...strawberry and crème cakes."
Pippin who sat beside Tansy had raised his brows. "Strawberry and crème cakes? Why that I've never tasted."
"It's a new recipe," said Frodo while he stared across the blanket at Tansy. "I told Sam to make it."
He continued to watch for her response and when she teased him with one of her flirty smiles, the warmth he experienced the first time they had a picnic together had surged through his entire being.
Merry reached for one of the cakes and attempted to eat it.
"Hold on!" said Sam indignantly. "You haven't any lunch yet."
"Well, you've got me curious about these cakes. Do you expect me to wait until after lunch now?"
Merry ignored Sam and took a small bite into the soft crust.
The others watched him while he slowly ate the cake and wondered what his verdict would be.
Suddenly, Merry stopped eating. His eyes twinkled and a wide grin of approval swept across his lips.
"This is very, very tasty!"
"It is?" said Pippin and he greedily reached for the plate, removing a cake from the stack.
When Sam, Frodo and Tansy saw his astonished expression, they didn't wait until after lunch and grabbed a cake for themselves.
"I say," mumbled Pippin with his mouth full of cake. "You've outdone yourself this time, Samwise."
"It's wonderful," Tansy exclaimed.
"Yes, it is," agreed Frodo. "Sam, I thank you for baking such a delicious treat."
Stunned at the reaction of his friends, Sam studied the cake in his hand.
"I didn't know what to expect after you told me to make it, Mr. Frodo, but I'm glad you all like it so much. And remember, Mr. Frodo, it's your recipe. I just baked it that's all."
Frodo met Tansy's gaze and again they smiled coyly at one another.
After they finished their lunch, Pippin's face beamed with an idea.
"Hey, why don't we play a game? We'll hide and Tansy, you have to find us. Then each one of us will take turns in finding the other."
"Sounds like fun," said Merry.
"Agreed," stated Frodo.
"I'm ready," answered Sam.
Frodo shot a glance at Tansy. "Do you mind playing this game?"
"I don't mind at all," she said eagerly.
"All right, then, you stay here and close your eyes. And...make sure they're closed. No peeking, do you promise?"
She nodded. "I promise."
Tansy closed her eyes. A giggle escaped from her lips while she listened to them scamper away from the blanket.
"Which way?" Tansy heard Pippin ask not far from where she sat.
"Shh, Pip!" whispered Merry. "You don't want her to hear us."
Tansy laughed again. She desperately wanted to peek, but Tansy promised Frodo she wouldn't. After enough time had gone by for them to hide, and when all was quiet, except for the melodious chatter of birds in the trees above, she rose onto her feet.
Tansy stepped out from under the tree, scanning the area for which path she should take. Thinking for a moment, she decided to go to the right and started off in that direction.
"Do you think she'll find us?" asked Pippin huddled beside Merry and Sam behind numerous shrubs.
Annoyed, Merry sighed. "Pip, if you don't keep quiet, she 'will' find us."
"Here she comes," alerted Sam in a whisper. He spotted her on the path and approaching the bushes.
They ducked further, at the same time, keeping keen eyes on Tansy as she cautiously ambled past them.
Merry grinned, boasting silently about her not finding them. Suddenly, his grin became a frown when he felt something crawl steadily up his leg. He looked down and his eyes widened in disgust at the unwelcome visitor-a squirming centipede-like bug. Frantic, he shook it off and tottered backwards against Pippin and Sam.
Tansy spun around and caught all three of them tumbling onto the road.
"Merry!" said Pippin who was trapped beneath him.
Disappointed, Sam stood, brushing dirt off his clothes.
"She found us," he grumbled to his friends who pushed themselves off the ground.
"Well," said Tansy as she pranced over to them. "This was easy."
"It's not fair!" voiced Merry, defending himself. "I was-distracted-by some bug on my leg."
Tansy giggled. "Too bad. I found you! And now I'm off to find Frodo."
Pippin crossed his arms and gave Merry a sly grin.
"Hmph," he teased. "And you thought I would be the one to spoil the fun."
____________________________________________________
Frodo hid behind a small ravine. His ears perked at the sound of Tansy's footsteps trekking across the path. He peeked to see her continue past the ravine, searching for him. Frodo wanted her to find him and so he picked up a pebble, aimed it and tossed it at a nearby tree.
Tansy froze in her tracks. She spun in the direction of where she heard the sound. Sliding down into the ravine, her face glowed at the discovery of Frodo.
"I found you!" she laughed, plopping onto her knees in front of him.
"Yes," remarked Frodo softly. "You've found me."
Tansy found herself lost in his gaze again and her laughter had been silenced.
What broke the silence was something she never expected Frodo to say.
"You're beautiful."
It had taken a while for those words to register in her mind. And even when they did, Tansy shook her head in disbelief.
"No," she murmured.
"Yes, you are."
Tansy refused to hear what she thought was nonsense. Her face turned away from his.
Frodo's hand reached for her chin, gently lifting it so that he had her attention again.
"You are," he reiterated firmly. "What I'm saying is no jest."
Her lips moved to speak, but what she wanted to say had been interrupted by a familiar voice.
"They're they are!"
Frodo and Tansy whirled around at the sound of Merry's announcement above them.
Standing beside Merry was Pippin and Sam.
"Frodo," Pippin teased, "I see Tansy has found you, too."
Embarrassed, Frodo and Tansy leaped onto their feet and climbed up onto the path.
Sam eyed Frodo and sensed he wanted to be alone with Tansy, so then he cleared his throat.
"It'll be sundown, soon. We should be on our way."
"We'll help you pack," said Pippin to Frodo.
Sam nudged him on the arm. " 'We' should be on our way."
When Merry and Pippin finally understood that Sam meant them, Pippin spoke next.
"Ah," he paused and winked at Sam. "Yes, 'we' should be on our way."
They escorted Frodo and Tansy back to the blanket.
Pippin turned to face Frodo. "We had a delightful time, cousin."
"Yes," Merry agreed wholeheartedly. "We must have another picnic, soon."
They bowed politely in front of Tansy. "Good Evening, Miss Puddifoot," they said in unison.
Tansy smiled at their courteous gesture. "Good Evening."
Sam watched Frodo and Tansy. There was so much he wanted to say to his best friend. For the moment, he gestured a quick nod and a humble grin.
"Good Evening," he said, tucked his hands inside the pockets of his suspender trousers, and then he joined Merry and Pippin as they walked away.
"Good Evening, Sam, Merry...Pippin," muttered Frodo while he watched them leave.
*Hmm?*
Realizing Tansy wasn't beside him, he looked around.
"Tansy?"
He heard a giggle from behind the apple tree.
A smile grew in the corner of his mouth. "So, you want me to find you now?"
"If you can."
Frodo eased toward the tree. He stopped in front of it, peeked around and caught a glimpse of her dress that waved in the summer breeze. As he edged around the tree, sneaking closer to her, Tansy dodged to the other side.
Frodo tried once more, and again, Tansy managed to escape from bumping into him.
"Hey," said Frodo, leaning his head back against the tree. "You're not playing fair."
"You expect it to be easy?" Tansy laughed on the other side.
"We can change the rules, can't we?"
"All right," Tansy gave in. "If you can reach for my hand, then you win."
Frodo stretched his arm around the tree.
Tansy shifted closer so he can reach her.
The tips of their fingers met, and when Frodo's hand glided onto hers, Tansy closed her eyes.
*No. This can't be happening. It can't be...*
She was jarred out of her thoughts and whisked around from behind the tree.
"I found you," shouted Frodo.
They both laughed-a giddy laughter that resonated around them and carried away by the soothing breeze.
Frodo grasped her other hand, luring her toward him.
Tansy stepped backward and defeated every time he persisted in wanting her close to him. Resisting his gaze was futile; mesmerized again by the intensity of his blue eyes that drew her in further and further.
"What if," Tansy stuttered nervously as they stumbled around in a circle.
"What if someone sees us?"
"There's no one else here."
"What-what about Lobeila?"
"She can't stop me from what I want to do."
"You're courting me, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because...I love you."
They lost their balance and stumbled backward.
Tansy was pinned against the tree. Her chest heaved and sank frantically. Overwhelmed by the passion that smothered her, it seemed she could not breathe.
"Frodo," she gasped, "I'm afraid."
"I'm afraid, too," confessed Frodo as he brushed his face against her cheek. He continued, whispering in her ear. "I've tried to convince myself that I don't love you, but I do, Tansy. I can't hide, I can't run away from what I feel any longer."
Frodo's face inched down onto her neck. He closed his eyes and breathed in her scent.
*Strawberries*
Tansy shivered at the realization she could no longer hold back her feelings for him. Slowly, she released her hands from his. Her fingers glided up the white sleeves of his shirt until her arms entwined themselves around his shoulders.
She felt his heart race along with hers as she embraced him firmly.
Tansy whispered in his ear, "I love you, too...Frodo Baggins."
At those words, Frodo lifted his face away from her neck and stared into her wide, dreamy eyes. His finger lightly brushed along her soft lips that trembled at his touch.
Tansy could not stop herself from shivering at the inevitable-his lips that angled closer to hers.
Her eyes rolled shut.
Any moment now and then that moment came.
She stiffened at the touch of his lips upon hers.
Frightened, Frodo broke away from the brief kiss.
Their eyes locked once more.
Frodo mustered the courage to cradle her face into his hands. His lips had taken hers again. This time it wasn't a brief kiss, but ardent and passionate.
Tansy's limbs that had been tense before had surrendered into his embrace. And when he felt her melt against him, Frodo wanted to explore deeper inside her mouth, but he hesitated, knowing that was the improper thing to do at the time.
His breathing was shallow and erratic as he pressed his forehead against hers and stared amorously into her half-closed eyes.
"We're a couple now?" asked Tansy, still shocked about what was happening between them.
Frodo nodded. A dreamy smile crossed his lips. "Yes, we are."
Tansy played with the curly wisps of his bangs.
He loved the way she lovingly twined his strands around her fingers.
Wondering where the time had gone, Frodo was disappointed about the end of a day he would never forget.
"It will be dark soon," he said. "I better take you home."
"I don't want to leave you."
"I don't want to leave you either," he admitted. His fingers stroked along her cheekbone. "We'll see one another tomorrow."
They didn't leave right away. For a little while, they remained. Their bodies wrapped in another embrace beneath rustling leaves of the apple tree.
______________________________________________________
After escorting Tansy back home, Frodo returned to Bag End just in time for dinner. He waited for it to be ready and joined Bilbo at the kitchen table.
"Uncle..."
"Frodo, are you in love with Tansy?"
"Yes, I am. We aren't just friends. We're courting now."
"I see," muttered Bilbo.
It was difficult for Frodo to ignore his uncle's frown-not of disapproval, but concern. And that alarmed Frodo greatly.
"Uncle, what's wrong?"
"It's not that I don't approve of your courtship with Tansy. What about her parents? They should know."
What he had forgotten, now the reality of the situation surfaced again. And the more he thought about it, the more it frightened him.
"What am I going to do?" said Frodo. "They don't want to see Tansy, and how would it look if I go to them and say how I feel about her."
"If you want to court her, then they must know."
Frodo sighed. He leaned his elbow onto the table and held his face on the palm of his left hand.
"I know, uncle. I know."
____________________________________________
Tansy often had dreams of a summer like this one, having fun with friends. She never expected the picnics, the games, the laughter, and falling in love. Then, one day, it had occurred to her that Frodo seemed unusually distant, especially when they were in Bag End together. And she noticed something else, whenever she visited Bag End, they never had a picnic alone. It was always with Sam, Merry and Pippin. The only time they had a picnic alone was in Bywater.
Tansy could not let this go on any longer and after they finished their meal, she decided to tell him what was on her mind.
"Frodo?"
"Hmm?" he said, sitting beside her under the willow tree.
"Something's wrong. I know it is. You haven't been yourself. Now, I'm not blind so please...tell me what's troubling you!"
Frodo took her hands into his own, then he looked up into her cinnamon eyes.
"I feel so...foolish."
"Why?"
"Remember the first day of summer?"
"Yes, how can I forget that day."
"And I wanted to court you?"
"Yes, yes," said Tansy and irritated by his hesitation at getting to the point.
"Well, I want us to be together but we forgot something."
"What did we forget?"
"Your parents."
"My..." Tansy froze. She squeezed her eyes shut. Now it all made sense as to why he was distant and she feared what he would say next.
"Tansy, they have to know how we feel about each other and that we want to be together."
She opened her eyes and looked at him again.
"My birthday is in December. I'll be of age to decide what I want to do."
"But, Tansy, before then, they have to know now."
She frowned. "I know. That was silly for me to say. Frodo, I can't tell them. They don't want to see me again, not after what I've done."
"What if you tried? Did you ever think about going back?"
"I can't!"
Tansy stormed away from Frodo and halted at the cliff above the pond.
She heard him come toward her and when he stood behind her; she shivered slightly as his arms slipped around her waist. Tansy relaxed in his embrace and rested her head back onto his shoulder.
"Tansy..."
"No, don't say anything. Let's just hold each other...please."
Frodo acknowledged her words by tightening his arms around her. And for the rest of the time they had together, they gazed down at the pond that shimmered under the July sun.
____________________________________________________
In the morning, many folk were getting ready for another market and by mid-day, the market had already been flooded with hobbits. Frodo, Tansy, Sam, Merry and Pippin strode through the crowd, searching for anything of value to buy. While they walked around, Frodo sneaked his hand beside Tansy and touched the tips of her fingers. He glanced somberly into her eyes, silently pleading for her to go back to her family.
Tansy knew what he wanted her to do without uttering the words and avoided the matter.
"I'll be back, I want to look at something."
Frodo despised phony smiles, but he had no choice but to force one on his lips and pretend he was okay.
"All right, but make sure you don't get lost."
"I won't."
He watched her until she faded into the crowd and while his cousins and Sam were busy chatting over the chickens sold at one of the booths, Frodo strolled past several vendors. Then...something caught his eye. He hastened toward a table where a woman sat. On the table lay many jeweled broaches and a few necklaces. One he liked particularly. It was a necklace with burgundy beads on a cord. The beads rained down to what looked like a porcelain rose. And in the middle of the rose was a pink gem-a gem that didn't boast its brilliance, but shone itself to his eyes with a subtle glint.
The stout woman sitting on her chair had been very eager to sell something, and when she saw his fascination over the necklace, she flashed a wide grin, baring small crooked teeth.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" she said, rising from the chair.
"Yes it is," Frodo exclaimed. He thought about Tansy's birthday. It was five months away but it would be the perfect gift.
He looked up at the woman. "I'll take it."
______________________________________________________
Tansy stopped by one of the booths where terra cotta pottery was displayed for gardening. She thought about Sam and his dedication to tending Bilbo's garden. At her home, the garden was well kept, but not as impressive as the garden in Bag End.
"Do you like gardening?"
Tansy gasped at the familiar, gruff voice. Reluctantly, she turned and faced Lobeila who taunted her with a shrewd grin.
Tansy shrugged. "I-I was just looking..."
"I'm sure you love Bilbo's garden. Tell me, is it the best in all of Hobbiton?"
Tansy berated herself for being intimidated by Lobeila. And every time she mustered the courage to speak up, the words flowed from her mind but were barred behind her trembling lips.
Lobeila leaned closer and her eyes seemed to burn right through Tansy's soul.
"You think I don't know what's going on between you and Frodo. Oh, yes my dear, I know. I also know something else...your family misses you terribly. Don't you think you should be getting back to them?"
"What?"
Lobeila peeked over her shoulder. "Oh, I saw something I would like to buy. A pleasure seeing you again, 'Miss' Puddifoot."
Bewildered, Tansy could not move, as if she was frozen and speechless after what she heard Lobeila say.
My family? How does she know they miss me?
She rejoiced at the thought of her parents missing her, but something didn't seem right. Although Lobeila had left her alone, she was taunted again, this time by a sudden terror that stalked her. Tansy whirled away from the table and ran back to Frodo and her friends.
Frodo headed toward Sam, Merry and Pippin. He kept his hand inside the right side of his trouser pocket where the necklace was hidden.
"There you are!" said Tansy from behind him.
Frodo grinned at her. "I hoped you didn't get lost."
And as she walked away with him, fear leeched itself onto her face as she looked back at Lobeila in the distance.
__________________________________________________________
At sundown, Tansy returned to the Cotton farm after being escorted home by Frodo. She stepped into the parlor and met a somber Rosie, Farmer Cotton and Lily.
Uneasy with the gloomy atmosphere around her, Tansy spoke first.
"What's wrong?"
Rosie glanced at her parents and then her solemn gaze darted back to Tansy. She walked up to her, closing the space between them.
"Tansy, we have news of your family. Your mother came to see us. They want you to come back home."
Tansy didn't know whether to celebrate or cry at the news. It was true that she missed them and regretted her mistake of running away. She also had the opportunity of telling them about her courtship with Frodo. But she couldn't escape the feeling that something was very wrong.
"That's," she began hesitantly. "That's great news."
Rosie took in a deep breath, as if it pained her to go on.
"Tansy, we were told they want you back...but if you ever leave again, you will be disowned. They also told us what you had done, that you ran away."
Tansy shamefully bowed her head. "I'm sorry I did not tell you the truth. And I understand if you don't want me to visit your home."
"We want you to visit us again...but your parents forbid it."
Tansy looked up from the floor. "What?"
"You can come back home, but only if you stay home, which means no visiting Bywater, Hobbiton or any place in the Shire."
Tansy shook her head in disbelief at the news that wasn't good at all, but grim.
"No," she muttered. "No."
_________________________________________________
When the next day had arrived, Frodo picked up Tansy who waited for him at the fence. He escorted her to their favorite place at the pond and before Frodo prepared the picnic, Tansy grabbed him away from the basket.
"Let's dance. Sing that song again, the one about the merry old inn."
Frodo sensed Tansy acted strangely ever since he picked her up from the farm.
"Tansy, I--,"
"Come now, sing and let's dance. Please, Frodo, I love the way you sing that song."
"All right. There is an inn, a merry old inn..."
Tansy swung around in his arms, at times, stepping awkwardly out of rhythm.
"Wait," said Frodo, worried. "Tansy, stop."
She rambled on. "Beneath an old grey hill..."
"Tansy!"
"Frodo," she hollered. "Why did you stop? Why?"
Frightened, he grasped her face in his hands.
"What's wrong? Tansy...what is it?"
"My family...they want me to come back home. I found out yesterday. Rosie told me."
"That's splendid news! Now we can tell your parents about us."
Tansy solemnly shook her head.
"Why not?"
"I can go back home, but I can never visit Bywater or Hobbiton."
Confused, Frodo scrunched his brows. "I don't understand. You're saying we can never see each other again?"
"If I don't go back, they'll disown me. I remember when I lied about my parents disowning me and now..." She faltered, catching a tear in the corner of her eye and smeared it away. "I don't want them to disown me, Frodo. I love them."
Tansy fell into his arms. "I don't want to leave you, either," she sobbed. "I love you."
Frodo tightened his embrace. "I love you, too." He squeezed his eyes and winced from the pain of straining back his tears.
"Lobeila..."
Frodo heard the muffled name, then he broke away from the hug to look at Tansy.
"Lobeila? What does she have to do with all this?"
She quickly wiped more persistent tears off her cheeks.
"My mother told the Cottons about someone who visited them. It was Lobeila."
"And," Frodo surmised, "I have a feeling she told your parents about our courtship and about us bagginses being queer."
Tansy nodded and sobbed into his arms again.
"Shh..." whispered Frodo. "Don't worry. We'll see each other again."
"Nooo!"
Frodo gently lifted her chin. "We will, Tansy."
He convinced not only her but himself as well and comforted her lips with a soothing kiss.
_____________________________________________________________
Not long before sundown, Frodo stood near the wagon. Behind a blur of tears, he watched Tansy sitting beside Rosie. And when the wagon started down the lane, his eyes refused to leave Tansy. His heart sank deeply and it pained him to see her looking back at him. Her face streaked with many tears.
No, he didn't turn away, even after the wagon could no longer be seen as it disappeared down the road.
_____________________________________________________________
Inside his room, Frodo sat on the edge of his bed. He stared crestfallen at the necklace in his hand, then he left the bed and crossed over to his desk. Frodo opened the drawer. There he gingerly lay the necklace, making sure it was secure as he closed the drawer.
A sudden anger boiled within him, and it successfully persuaded Frodo to march out of the room.
Bilbo rushed after Frodo when he saw him storm into the parlor. He knew Tansy had gone back home and he was very concerned about his nephew.
"Frodo?"
It frightened Bilbo, the way his nephew scowled at him. He had never seen Frodo so angry.
"Lobeila," Frodo fumed. "I've had enough of her gossip!"
He turned and sped toward the door.
Alarmed, Bilbo ran after him, shouting, "Frodo!"
***************************************************************
TBC
A/N: This is the longest chapter I've written because at first my muse seemed to get away from me and couldn't decide on where it was going, but then I caught it :-)
Disclaimer: Don't own Tolkien's characters, only Tansy.
Rating: PG-13
Chapter Six: Summer in the Shire
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
As the wagon headed down the lane, not far from the Cotton Farm, Frodo whipsered his faorite song he sang to Tansy once. The June sun blazed in a cloudless blue topaz sky. It was the first day of Summer, and Frodo smiled to himself at the plans he had in mind to celebrate on this day. The smile remained on his face when he saw Tansy ahead. She waited for him at the fence and he admired how beautiful she looked in her sunflower-yellow dress. When she hurried toward him, he saw her hair brushed back into a ponytail. This time she didn't use a sash, but a small vine of vibrant sunflowers were wrapped elegantly around her ponytail.
When the wagon stopped, Tansy leaned both arms across the edge of the passenger side and then she rested her chin upon her hands.
"Another picnic today?" asked Tansy as if she had been unaware of his plans.
"Yes," answered Frodo and teased her with what he went on to say. "But not in Bywater."
Now this time Tansy was surprised. "Not in Bywater? Frodo Baggins, what are you up to? Where then?"
He chuckled. "In Bag End."
______________________________________________________
As they arrived in Hobbiton, Tansy's attention drifted to the folk walking past the wagon. And every time they passed several lasses together in groups, the lasses threw surprised glances their way and whispered to each other.
Tansy turned to look at Frodo. "Maybe we should've had the picnic in Bywater."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well..."
Frodo eyed her and noticed she was preoccupied with the stares they were getting. Then he knew why she wanted to stay in Bywater.
"I figured," Frodo began, "You would want to have a picnic in Bag End. What fun is there if we always have picnics in the same place?"
Tansy forced herself to ignore their foolish stares and the gossip. She gave him a confident nod.
"You're right. We'll have fun."
Frodo grinned. It pleased him that she had decided to ignore them and then he slowed the wagon in front of Sam's house.
"Why are we stopping here?" Tansy inquired. "Hasn't Mr. Baggins prepared the meal? I'm sure he's waiting for you to pick up the basket?"
She glimpsed a mischievous smile growing on Frodo's lips and now she was very intrigued about his plans for the day.
Frodo replied, "There's a certain gardener who insisted he prepare the meal for our picnic. And...there's a Brandybuck and a Took. They found out about this picnic and insisted to come along. You know how persistent Merry and Pippin can be."
At that moment, the door of Bagshot Row #3 had opened and out came Sam carrying a huge basket alongside Merry and Pippin.
Tansy giggled at them as they scurried toward the wagon.
"Good Afternoon, Frodo and Miss Puddifoot," said Pippin courteously.
Merry followed with, "A beautiful summer day it is for a picnic!"
Tansy acknowledged him with a nod. "Yes, it is, Merry," she said excitedly.
Sam nestled the basket in back of the wagon, then he looked up at Tansy.
"Miss Puddifoot, do you mind if we join you and Mr. Frodo?"
"Not at all!"
Sam's face lit up at the invitation of joining his friends. He hopped in the back along with Merry and Pippin, and leaving Bagshot Row, they were off to the woods.
_________________________________________________________
Sitting in the shade beneath an apple tree, Tansy watched in amusement at Sam dispersing several kinds of mid-day delicacies onto the emerald-green blanket.
"And this," said Frodo, picking up a small pie. "Is Sam's famous chicken pies."
"And for desert," Sam announced while decorating several plates with crusty pastries. "We have...strawberry and crème cakes."
Pippin who sat beside Tansy had raised his brows. "Strawberry and crème cakes? Why that I've never tasted."
"It's a new recipe," said Frodo while he stared across the blanket at Tansy. "I told Sam to make it."
He continued to watch for her response and when she teased him with one of her flirty smiles, the warmth he experienced the first time they had a picnic together had surged through his entire being.
Merry reached for one of the cakes and attempted to eat it.
"Hold on!" said Sam indignantly. "You haven't any lunch yet."
"Well, you've got me curious about these cakes. Do you expect me to wait until after lunch now?"
Merry ignored Sam and took a small bite into the soft crust.
The others watched him while he slowly ate the cake and wondered what his verdict would be.
Suddenly, Merry stopped eating. His eyes twinkled and a wide grin of approval swept across his lips.
"This is very, very tasty!"
"It is?" said Pippin and he greedily reached for the plate, removing a cake from the stack.
When Sam, Frodo and Tansy saw his astonished expression, they didn't wait until after lunch and grabbed a cake for themselves.
"I say," mumbled Pippin with his mouth full of cake. "You've outdone yourself this time, Samwise."
"It's wonderful," Tansy exclaimed.
"Yes, it is," agreed Frodo. "Sam, I thank you for baking such a delicious treat."
Stunned at the reaction of his friends, Sam studied the cake in his hand.
"I didn't know what to expect after you told me to make it, Mr. Frodo, but I'm glad you all like it so much. And remember, Mr. Frodo, it's your recipe. I just baked it that's all."
Frodo met Tansy's gaze and again they smiled coyly at one another.
After they finished their lunch, Pippin's face beamed with an idea.
"Hey, why don't we play a game? We'll hide and Tansy, you have to find us. Then each one of us will take turns in finding the other."
"Sounds like fun," said Merry.
"Agreed," stated Frodo.
"I'm ready," answered Sam.
Frodo shot a glance at Tansy. "Do you mind playing this game?"
"I don't mind at all," she said eagerly.
"All right, then, you stay here and close your eyes. And...make sure they're closed. No peeking, do you promise?"
She nodded. "I promise."
Tansy closed her eyes. A giggle escaped from her lips while she listened to them scamper away from the blanket.
"Which way?" Tansy heard Pippin ask not far from where she sat.
"Shh, Pip!" whispered Merry. "You don't want her to hear us."
Tansy laughed again. She desperately wanted to peek, but Tansy promised Frodo she wouldn't. After enough time had gone by for them to hide, and when all was quiet, except for the melodious chatter of birds in the trees above, she rose onto her feet.
Tansy stepped out from under the tree, scanning the area for which path she should take. Thinking for a moment, she decided to go to the right and started off in that direction.
"Do you think she'll find us?" asked Pippin huddled beside Merry and Sam behind numerous shrubs.
Annoyed, Merry sighed. "Pip, if you don't keep quiet, she 'will' find us."
"Here she comes," alerted Sam in a whisper. He spotted her on the path and approaching the bushes.
They ducked further, at the same time, keeping keen eyes on Tansy as she cautiously ambled past them.
Merry grinned, boasting silently about her not finding them. Suddenly, his grin became a frown when he felt something crawl steadily up his leg. He looked down and his eyes widened in disgust at the unwelcome visitor-a squirming centipede-like bug. Frantic, he shook it off and tottered backwards against Pippin and Sam.
Tansy spun around and caught all three of them tumbling onto the road.
"Merry!" said Pippin who was trapped beneath him.
Disappointed, Sam stood, brushing dirt off his clothes.
"She found us," he grumbled to his friends who pushed themselves off the ground.
"Well," said Tansy as she pranced over to them. "This was easy."
"It's not fair!" voiced Merry, defending himself. "I was-distracted-by some bug on my leg."
Tansy giggled. "Too bad. I found you! And now I'm off to find Frodo."
Pippin crossed his arms and gave Merry a sly grin.
"Hmph," he teased. "And you thought I would be the one to spoil the fun."
____________________________________________________
Frodo hid behind a small ravine. His ears perked at the sound of Tansy's footsteps trekking across the path. He peeked to see her continue past the ravine, searching for him. Frodo wanted her to find him and so he picked up a pebble, aimed it and tossed it at a nearby tree.
Tansy froze in her tracks. She spun in the direction of where she heard the sound. Sliding down into the ravine, her face glowed at the discovery of Frodo.
"I found you!" she laughed, plopping onto her knees in front of him.
"Yes," remarked Frodo softly. "You've found me."
Tansy found herself lost in his gaze again and her laughter had been silenced.
What broke the silence was something she never expected Frodo to say.
"You're beautiful."
It had taken a while for those words to register in her mind. And even when they did, Tansy shook her head in disbelief.
"No," she murmured.
"Yes, you are."
Tansy refused to hear what she thought was nonsense. Her face turned away from his.
Frodo's hand reached for her chin, gently lifting it so that he had her attention again.
"You are," he reiterated firmly. "What I'm saying is no jest."
Her lips moved to speak, but what she wanted to say had been interrupted by a familiar voice.
"They're they are!"
Frodo and Tansy whirled around at the sound of Merry's announcement above them.
Standing beside Merry was Pippin and Sam.
"Frodo," Pippin teased, "I see Tansy has found you, too."
Embarrassed, Frodo and Tansy leaped onto their feet and climbed up onto the path.
Sam eyed Frodo and sensed he wanted to be alone with Tansy, so then he cleared his throat.
"It'll be sundown, soon. We should be on our way."
"We'll help you pack," said Pippin to Frodo.
Sam nudged him on the arm. " 'We' should be on our way."
When Merry and Pippin finally understood that Sam meant them, Pippin spoke next.
"Ah," he paused and winked at Sam. "Yes, 'we' should be on our way."
They escorted Frodo and Tansy back to the blanket.
Pippin turned to face Frodo. "We had a delightful time, cousin."
"Yes," Merry agreed wholeheartedly. "We must have another picnic, soon."
They bowed politely in front of Tansy. "Good Evening, Miss Puddifoot," they said in unison.
Tansy smiled at their courteous gesture. "Good Evening."
Sam watched Frodo and Tansy. There was so much he wanted to say to his best friend. For the moment, he gestured a quick nod and a humble grin.
"Good Evening," he said, tucked his hands inside the pockets of his suspender trousers, and then he joined Merry and Pippin as they walked away.
"Good Evening, Sam, Merry...Pippin," muttered Frodo while he watched them leave.
*Hmm?*
Realizing Tansy wasn't beside him, he looked around.
"Tansy?"
He heard a giggle from behind the apple tree.
A smile grew in the corner of his mouth. "So, you want me to find you now?"
"If you can."
Frodo eased toward the tree. He stopped in front of it, peeked around and caught a glimpse of her dress that waved in the summer breeze. As he edged around the tree, sneaking closer to her, Tansy dodged to the other side.
Frodo tried once more, and again, Tansy managed to escape from bumping into him.
"Hey," said Frodo, leaning his head back against the tree. "You're not playing fair."
"You expect it to be easy?" Tansy laughed on the other side.
"We can change the rules, can't we?"
"All right," Tansy gave in. "If you can reach for my hand, then you win."
Frodo stretched his arm around the tree.
Tansy shifted closer so he can reach her.
The tips of their fingers met, and when Frodo's hand glided onto hers, Tansy closed her eyes.
*No. This can't be happening. It can't be...*
She was jarred out of her thoughts and whisked around from behind the tree.
"I found you," shouted Frodo.
They both laughed-a giddy laughter that resonated around them and carried away by the soothing breeze.
Frodo grasped her other hand, luring her toward him.
Tansy stepped backward and defeated every time he persisted in wanting her close to him. Resisting his gaze was futile; mesmerized again by the intensity of his blue eyes that drew her in further and further.
"What if," Tansy stuttered nervously as they stumbled around in a circle.
"What if someone sees us?"
"There's no one else here."
"What-what about Lobeila?"
"She can't stop me from what I want to do."
"You're courting me, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because...I love you."
They lost their balance and stumbled backward.
Tansy was pinned against the tree. Her chest heaved and sank frantically. Overwhelmed by the passion that smothered her, it seemed she could not breathe.
"Frodo," she gasped, "I'm afraid."
"I'm afraid, too," confessed Frodo as he brushed his face against her cheek. He continued, whispering in her ear. "I've tried to convince myself that I don't love you, but I do, Tansy. I can't hide, I can't run away from what I feel any longer."
Frodo's face inched down onto her neck. He closed his eyes and breathed in her scent.
*Strawberries*
Tansy shivered at the realization she could no longer hold back her feelings for him. Slowly, she released her hands from his. Her fingers glided up the white sleeves of his shirt until her arms entwined themselves around his shoulders.
She felt his heart race along with hers as she embraced him firmly.
Tansy whispered in his ear, "I love you, too...Frodo Baggins."
At those words, Frodo lifted his face away from her neck and stared into her wide, dreamy eyes. His finger lightly brushed along her soft lips that trembled at his touch.
Tansy could not stop herself from shivering at the inevitable-his lips that angled closer to hers.
Her eyes rolled shut.
Any moment now and then that moment came.
She stiffened at the touch of his lips upon hers.
Frightened, Frodo broke away from the brief kiss.
Their eyes locked once more.
Frodo mustered the courage to cradle her face into his hands. His lips had taken hers again. This time it wasn't a brief kiss, but ardent and passionate.
Tansy's limbs that had been tense before had surrendered into his embrace. And when he felt her melt against him, Frodo wanted to explore deeper inside her mouth, but he hesitated, knowing that was the improper thing to do at the time.
His breathing was shallow and erratic as he pressed his forehead against hers and stared amorously into her half-closed eyes.
"We're a couple now?" asked Tansy, still shocked about what was happening between them.
Frodo nodded. A dreamy smile crossed his lips. "Yes, we are."
Tansy played with the curly wisps of his bangs.
He loved the way she lovingly twined his strands around her fingers.
Wondering where the time had gone, Frodo was disappointed about the end of a day he would never forget.
"It will be dark soon," he said. "I better take you home."
"I don't want to leave you."
"I don't want to leave you either," he admitted. His fingers stroked along her cheekbone. "We'll see one another tomorrow."
They didn't leave right away. For a little while, they remained. Their bodies wrapped in another embrace beneath rustling leaves of the apple tree.
______________________________________________________
After escorting Tansy back home, Frodo returned to Bag End just in time for dinner. He waited for it to be ready and joined Bilbo at the kitchen table.
"Uncle..."
"Frodo, are you in love with Tansy?"
"Yes, I am. We aren't just friends. We're courting now."
"I see," muttered Bilbo.
It was difficult for Frodo to ignore his uncle's frown-not of disapproval, but concern. And that alarmed Frodo greatly.
"Uncle, what's wrong?"
"It's not that I don't approve of your courtship with Tansy. What about her parents? They should know."
What he had forgotten, now the reality of the situation surfaced again. And the more he thought about it, the more it frightened him.
"What am I going to do?" said Frodo. "They don't want to see Tansy, and how would it look if I go to them and say how I feel about her."
"If you want to court her, then they must know."
Frodo sighed. He leaned his elbow onto the table and held his face on the palm of his left hand.
"I know, uncle. I know."
____________________________________________
Tansy often had dreams of a summer like this one, having fun with friends. She never expected the picnics, the games, the laughter, and falling in love. Then, one day, it had occurred to her that Frodo seemed unusually distant, especially when they were in Bag End together. And she noticed something else, whenever she visited Bag End, they never had a picnic alone. It was always with Sam, Merry and Pippin. The only time they had a picnic alone was in Bywater.
Tansy could not let this go on any longer and after they finished their meal, she decided to tell him what was on her mind.
"Frodo?"
"Hmm?" he said, sitting beside her under the willow tree.
"Something's wrong. I know it is. You haven't been yourself. Now, I'm not blind so please...tell me what's troubling you!"
Frodo took her hands into his own, then he looked up into her cinnamon eyes.
"I feel so...foolish."
"Why?"
"Remember the first day of summer?"
"Yes, how can I forget that day."
"And I wanted to court you?"
"Yes, yes," said Tansy and irritated by his hesitation at getting to the point.
"Well, I want us to be together but we forgot something."
"What did we forget?"
"Your parents."
"My..." Tansy froze. She squeezed her eyes shut. Now it all made sense as to why he was distant and she feared what he would say next.
"Tansy, they have to know how we feel about each other and that we want to be together."
She opened her eyes and looked at him again.
"My birthday is in December. I'll be of age to decide what I want to do."
"But, Tansy, before then, they have to know now."
She frowned. "I know. That was silly for me to say. Frodo, I can't tell them. They don't want to see me again, not after what I've done."
"What if you tried? Did you ever think about going back?"
"I can't!"
Tansy stormed away from Frodo and halted at the cliff above the pond.
She heard him come toward her and when he stood behind her; she shivered slightly as his arms slipped around her waist. Tansy relaxed in his embrace and rested her head back onto his shoulder.
"Tansy..."
"No, don't say anything. Let's just hold each other...please."
Frodo acknowledged her words by tightening his arms around her. And for the rest of the time they had together, they gazed down at the pond that shimmered under the July sun.
____________________________________________________
In the morning, many folk were getting ready for another market and by mid-day, the market had already been flooded with hobbits. Frodo, Tansy, Sam, Merry and Pippin strode through the crowd, searching for anything of value to buy. While they walked around, Frodo sneaked his hand beside Tansy and touched the tips of her fingers. He glanced somberly into her eyes, silently pleading for her to go back to her family.
Tansy knew what he wanted her to do without uttering the words and avoided the matter.
"I'll be back, I want to look at something."
Frodo despised phony smiles, but he had no choice but to force one on his lips and pretend he was okay.
"All right, but make sure you don't get lost."
"I won't."
He watched her until she faded into the crowd and while his cousins and Sam were busy chatting over the chickens sold at one of the booths, Frodo strolled past several vendors. Then...something caught his eye. He hastened toward a table where a woman sat. On the table lay many jeweled broaches and a few necklaces. One he liked particularly. It was a necklace with burgundy beads on a cord. The beads rained down to what looked like a porcelain rose. And in the middle of the rose was a pink gem-a gem that didn't boast its brilliance, but shone itself to his eyes with a subtle glint.
The stout woman sitting on her chair had been very eager to sell something, and when she saw his fascination over the necklace, she flashed a wide grin, baring small crooked teeth.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" she said, rising from the chair.
"Yes it is," Frodo exclaimed. He thought about Tansy's birthday. It was five months away but it would be the perfect gift.
He looked up at the woman. "I'll take it."
______________________________________________________
Tansy stopped by one of the booths where terra cotta pottery was displayed for gardening. She thought about Sam and his dedication to tending Bilbo's garden. At her home, the garden was well kept, but not as impressive as the garden in Bag End.
"Do you like gardening?"
Tansy gasped at the familiar, gruff voice. Reluctantly, she turned and faced Lobeila who taunted her with a shrewd grin.
Tansy shrugged. "I-I was just looking..."
"I'm sure you love Bilbo's garden. Tell me, is it the best in all of Hobbiton?"
Tansy berated herself for being intimidated by Lobeila. And every time she mustered the courage to speak up, the words flowed from her mind but were barred behind her trembling lips.
Lobeila leaned closer and her eyes seemed to burn right through Tansy's soul.
"You think I don't know what's going on between you and Frodo. Oh, yes my dear, I know. I also know something else...your family misses you terribly. Don't you think you should be getting back to them?"
"What?"
Lobeila peeked over her shoulder. "Oh, I saw something I would like to buy. A pleasure seeing you again, 'Miss' Puddifoot."
Bewildered, Tansy could not move, as if she was frozen and speechless after what she heard Lobeila say.
My family? How does she know they miss me?
She rejoiced at the thought of her parents missing her, but something didn't seem right. Although Lobeila had left her alone, she was taunted again, this time by a sudden terror that stalked her. Tansy whirled away from the table and ran back to Frodo and her friends.
Frodo headed toward Sam, Merry and Pippin. He kept his hand inside the right side of his trouser pocket where the necklace was hidden.
"There you are!" said Tansy from behind him.
Frodo grinned at her. "I hoped you didn't get lost."
And as she walked away with him, fear leeched itself onto her face as she looked back at Lobeila in the distance.
__________________________________________________________
At sundown, Tansy returned to the Cotton farm after being escorted home by Frodo. She stepped into the parlor and met a somber Rosie, Farmer Cotton and Lily.
Uneasy with the gloomy atmosphere around her, Tansy spoke first.
"What's wrong?"
Rosie glanced at her parents and then her solemn gaze darted back to Tansy. She walked up to her, closing the space between them.
"Tansy, we have news of your family. Your mother came to see us. They want you to come back home."
Tansy didn't know whether to celebrate or cry at the news. It was true that she missed them and regretted her mistake of running away. She also had the opportunity of telling them about her courtship with Frodo. But she couldn't escape the feeling that something was very wrong.
"That's," she began hesitantly. "That's great news."
Rosie took in a deep breath, as if it pained her to go on.
"Tansy, we were told they want you back...but if you ever leave again, you will be disowned. They also told us what you had done, that you ran away."
Tansy shamefully bowed her head. "I'm sorry I did not tell you the truth. And I understand if you don't want me to visit your home."
"We want you to visit us again...but your parents forbid it."
Tansy looked up from the floor. "What?"
"You can come back home, but only if you stay home, which means no visiting Bywater, Hobbiton or any place in the Shire."
Tansy shook her head in disbelief at the news that wasn't good at all, but grim.
"No," she muttered. "No."
_________________________________________________
When the next day had arrived, Frodo picked up Tansy who waited for him at the fence. He escorted her to their favorite place at the pond and before Frodo prepared the picnic, Tansy grabbed him away from the basket.
"Let's dance. Sing that song again, the one about the merry old inn."
Frodo sensed Tansy acted strangely ever since he picked her up from the farm.
"Tansy, I--,"
"Come now, sing and let's dance. Please, Frodo, I love the way you sing that song."
"All right. There is an inn, a merry old inn..."
Tansy swung around in his arms, at times, stepping awkwardly out of rhythm.
"Wait," said Frodo, worried. "Tansy, stop."
She rambled on. "Beneath an old grey hill..."
"Tansy!"
"Frodo," she hollered. "Why did you stop? Why?"
Frightened, he grasped her face in his hands.
"What's wrong? Tansy...what is it?"
"My family...they want me to come back home. I found out yesterday. Rosie told me."
"That's splendid news! Now we can tell your parents about us."
Tansy solemnly shook her head.
"Why not?"
"I can go back home, but I can never visit Bywater or Hobbiton."
Confused, Frodo scrunched his brows. "I don't understand. You're saying we can never see each other again?"
"If I don't go back, they'll disown me. I remember when I lied about my parents disowning me and now..." She faltered, catching a tear in the corner of her eye and smeared it away. "I don't want them to disown me, Frodo. I love them."
Tansy fell into his arms. "I don't want to leave you, either," she sobbed. "I love you."
Frodo tightened his embrace. "I love you, too." He squeezed his eyes and winced from the pain of straining back his tears.
"Lobeila..."
Frodo heard the muffled name, then he broke away from the hug to look at Tansy.
"Lobeila? What does she have to do with all this?"
She quickly wiped more persistent tears off her cheeks.
"My mother told the Cottons about someone who visited them. It was Lobeila."
"And," Frodo surmised, "I have a feeling she told your parents about our courtship and about us bagginses being queer."
Tansy nodded and sobbed into his arms again.
"Shh..." whispered Frodo. "Don't worry. We'll see each other again."
"Nooo!"
Frodo gently lifted her chin. "We will, Tansy."
He convinced not only her but himself as well and comforted her lips with a soothing kiss.
_____________________________________________________________
Not long before sundown, Frodo stood near the wagon. Behind a blur of tears, he watched Tansy sitting beside Rosie. And when the wagon started down the lane, his eyes refused to leave Tansy. His heart sank deeply and it pained him to see her looking back at him. Her face streaked with many tears.
No, he didn't turn away, even after the wagon could no longer be seen as it disappeared down the road.
_____________________________________________________________
Inside his room, Frodo sat on the edge of his bed. He stared crestfallen at the necklace in his hand, then he left the bed and crossed over to his desk. Frodo opened the drawer. There he gingerly lay the necklace, making sure it was secure as he closed the drawer.
A sudden anger boiled within him, and it successfully persuaded Frodo to march out of the room.
Bilbo rushed after Frodo when he saw him storm into the parlor. He knew Tansy had gone back home and he was very concerned about his nephew.
"Frodo?"
It frightened Bilbo, the way his nephew scowled at him. He had never seen Frodo so angry.
"Lobeila," Frodo fumed. "I've had enough of her gossip!"
He turned and sped toward the door.
Alarmed, Bilbo ran after him, shouting, "Frodo!"
***************************************************************
TBC
A/N: This is the longest chapter I've written because at first my muse seemed to get away from me and couldn't decide on where it was going, but then I caught it :-)