Author's note: (((Hugs))) to you all for your kind and loving reviews!!! I never expected this much feedback about this story and so I'm very thankful for it! Again, constructive criticism is always welcomed :)
Disclaimer: Don't own Tolkien's characters, wish they were mine. Ah, well, they're not, but Tansy is mine.
Rating: PG-13
Chapter Seven: Frozen
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Wheels beneath the wagon squeaked to an abrupt halt. Frodo bounded from the wagon and advanced in full speed toward the Sackville-Bagginses' home. He made sure no one would stop him. Bilbo tried, recalling his uncle's pleading calls of his name. A part of him wanted to forget the whole thing and mope back to his hobbit hole, but every time he thought about losing Tansy, he could not forget. He was fed up with the gossip among the folk, and especially from Lobeila. Whatever she had done, this time she went too far.
Frodo's clenched fist hammered a few times against the door. He stopped, listening for any movement inside and when he heard only silence, his fist pounded against the door again. Five angry knocks until...
The knob slowly turned, and the door creaked open.
A man peeked through the small space. He glared at Frodo with the same shrewd and frigid expression like that of his wife, Lobeila.
"What is your business here?" scowled Otho Sackville-Baggins.
"I would like to have a talk with your wife, if you don't mind," said Frodo clearly and authoritatively.
"I most certainly do mind!"
"Otho," called Lobeila.
Frodo witnessed a hand hooking around Otho's arm and tugging him away from the door. Replacing him was Lobeila who opened the door wider. She perched her hand on the right side of her hip.
"Well," she said with a smirk. "You've come all the way from Bag End to see us? Why, that's very kind of you Mr. Frodo."
Frodo seethed and refused to back down at her biting sarcasm.
"What did you say to Tansy's parents?"
"I did what was best. She needed to go back to her family, where she belongs, not with the Cottons."
"Why meddle in what was not your concern?" said Frodo angrily. "Eventually she would have gone back, but that's not all you've said. You told them more, about us and I don't think you've spoke well of me."
Lobeila's eyes narrowed sharply. "She's better off and not seen with the likes of you!"
"So, that's why her parents don't want her back at Bywater or Hobbiton. Her running away isn't the only reason...they don't want her to see me...because of your gossip. And don't pretend you have concern for Tansy. You despise her, because she's a Puddifoot...and you despise me!"
"Hmph!" muttered Lobeila and breezed away from the door.
Frodo wondered what she went off to do since the door remained slightly ajar. He waited for what seemed to be a few seconds and then she returned. His water-blue eyes widened at her umbrella raised in the air and ready to whack him.
"Off with you, now!"
Frodo stumbled backwards down the steps. "I will never forget what you've done," he blasted at Lobeila.
"Go on!" She chased after him. Her eyes blazed and she madly waved her umbrella.
Frodo spun on his heels and headed back to the wagon. He leaped inside and as he tugged the reigns, Lobeila stopped a few feet away and continued her ranting.
"Bilbo will regret it, a mistake he made adopting you! You've been nothing but trouble since you've come to Bag End. Trouble!"
Frodo shot an odious glance her way and not at all shy about hiding his disdain for the cruel Lobeila Sackville-Baggins. He yanked harder on the reigns that prompted the horse to speed away from the hobbit hole, in which he had no desire to lay eyes upon again.
_________________________________________________
Still fuming after the incident with Lobeila, Frodo stood outside his home and angrily smudged annoying sweat from beneath his bangs. Although evening drew near, the late summer air remained balmy and uncomfortable. Exhausted from the heat and from the roller coaster ride of his emotions, Frodo inserted his brass key into the tiny keyhole and unlocked the door.
When he entered, a worried Bilbo greeted him along with Sam.
"Frodo," his uncle said, relieved to see him back. "Are you all right?"
"Yes," answered Frodo with obvious irritation his voice.
"Mr. Frodo," said Sam. "We were very worried about you."
"I know." Frodo shuffled over to the kitchen table and plopped down in one of the chairs. "But I had to know the truth."
Bilbo and Sam joined him at the table.
"What did Lobeila tell you?" his uncle queried.
"What I feared...You know how she feels about us, uncle. And she's not at all fond of Tansy either. She told Tansy's parents that they should welcome her back, but it wasn't out of concern. She didn't want us to be together and she gossiped about you and I being queer. I'm sure she told them about your adventure, Bilbo. So, I imagine after that, they decided to end our courtship."
Sam huffed. "Why, that ain't right Mr. Frodo! They not liking you because of gossip. They haven't met you. It ain't right...that...that Lobeila! I would have gone with you Mr. Frodo and told her a thing or two of what I think of her!"
Frodo glanced at his friend with a lackadaisical grin. "I know you would have, Sam."
Sam smiled back, but at the same time it infuriated him to see his friend distressed. He didn't like anyone hurting Frodo and again he huffed silently when he thought about Lobeila.
"I better get back. My gaffer will be looking for me soon."
"All right, Sam," said Frodo. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Sam nodded at Bilbo. "Good evening, Mr. Baggins."
"Good evening, Sam."
Frodo waited for Sam to leave and then he looked up at Bilbo.
"Uncle...you love me, don't you?"
Bilbo was taken a back by his nephew's comment. Something he never thought Frodo would question.
"Frodo, my lad, I love you dearly."
The young hobbit shook his head. Embarrassed by what he asked, he smiled sheepishly.
"I don't know why I asked you that. I know you love me."
Bilbo wondered about Frodo's sudden doubt and now anger had replaced his usual gentle demeanor. He bolted upright from the chair.
"What else did Lobelia tell you?"
Startled, Frodo looked up at his uncle. He sighed deeply.
"She said you'll regret adopting me and that it was a mistake. Oh, uncle, I'm sorry. Why do I listen to such foolishness!"
"She knows what happened to your parents," a flustered Bilbo replied. "And she'll say mean things to hurt you and me. Pay no attention to her lies. I know it's not always easy, but you must."
Bilbo composed himself and after comforting Frodo with a soothing smile, he extended his arms toward him.
Frodo left the chair and snuggled into his uncle's embrace.
"I love you very, very much," Bilbo assured him.
Frodo smiled gratefully. "I love you, too."
Bilbo released him and gave him a hearty pat on his shoulder.
"Now I must prepare the dinner."
"I'll be in my room."
He sauntered away from his uncle.
"Frodo..."
His nephew turned and faced him.
"Yes, Bilbo?"
"I hope that one day you will see Tansy again."
Frodo nodded dejectedly. "I hope so, too."
_________________________________________________________
And now, autumn had come to the Shire. His birthday, which he shared with Bilbo had also come and gone. He was thirty-two and Bilbo celebrated his one-hundred and tenth birthday, but Frodo only pretended to be happy about the big day.
*If only Tansy could have celebrated it with me.*
A few weeks after his birthday, Frodo slipped on his chestnut jacket and ventured out into the woods. As he walked, twigs splintered beneath his feet and he shuffled through shades of ruby, gold and russet leaves. Cool, brisk air breezed past him and played with the leaves, twirling several of them around like feathers. With his hands burrowed inside the pockets of his trousers, Frodo continued his forlorn journey until he stopped abruptly at one of his favorite trees--the apple tree where he and Tansy kissed for the first time.
He moped toward the tree once alive with juicy, crimson apples. Now they were gone along with the vibrant green leaves that spring had birthed.
Frodo reached out and touched the tree. The tips of his fingers glided across oak wood as he circled the tree. And for a moment, he thought he saw Tansy hiding on the other side. Her hand stretched around the tree, reaching for him. Frodo extended his hand toward hers and just as he was about to touch her soft, fair skin, she eluded him. He realized what he saw had been only a memory...
"So, you want me to find you now?" he asked her.
"If you can..."
Frodo leaned his forehead against the wood. His closed his eyes, tightening them while a tear managed to escape from the corner of his eye. He opened them again and allowed the tear to journey down his cheek, leaving a zigzagged trail. Frodo looked around him. Nothing ceased. Every thing carried out its daily ritual: The sun peek-a-booed behind billowy clouds. The air whispered through the leaves above him. Squirrels scurried about, searching for any available nuts they could find. Birds sang and danced from one tree to another, playing a mid-day game of tag.
But in Frodo's mind, all things came to an abrupt stop. Frozen. And he shivered from the immense gloom that had befallen him.
*Why? Why?*
Frodo resisted the memories of his parents, but no matter how hard he tried, they haunted him again. Drowned in the Brandywine River...taken away from him. And now Tansy, she was taken away from him, too.
*Why did I let it happen? I should have known better to fall in love. I should have...*
Frodo silenced his rambling thoughts and composed himself. He had to move on with his life. It was the only way to numb the pain, just forget and move on. Frodo sniffed and after he quickly wiped the tear away, he left the tree along with the memories behind him.
________________________________________________________
September had gone and now it was November's turn to visit Hobbiton again. During the middle of that month, Frodo had decided to join Sam, Merry and Pippin at the Green Dragon. Since the end of the summer, he stayed away from the inn and for a good reason, at least to him it was. There would be laughter, dancing, enjoying a mug of ale full to the brim. He didn't care much for doing any of that until finally, Sam's persuasion to have fun awakened Frodo from the dark seclusion of which had imprisoned him.
He sat at one of the tables beside Sam. Merry and Pippin sat across from them, laughing and drinking their ale. Frodo sipped ale from his mug, then every moment or so, he laughed at their jests.
"I'm hungry," Pippin stated. His eyes widened at Sam. "I wish I had one of your strawberry creme cakes again, Sam. They--," The rest of what he said slurred to a halt.
He noticed the way Sam glowered at him. His eyes skirted to Frodo who stared sorrowfully into his mug.
"Oh, Frodo...I'm sorry."
Frodo eased Pippin's embarrassment with a one-sided grin on his lips.
"It's all right, Pippin."
A grave silence fell over them. And though they convinced themselves that Tansy could be forgotten, nothing had been the same since she left.
Sam's eyes roved to a table, which was a short distance to the right. He wondered whom the lass eyed, flaunting a flirtatious smile. Then he followed her gaze that led to Frodo.
"Uh...Mr. Frodo," said Sam cautiously. "There's a lass..."
"I know, Sam. I've noticed."
He thought about so many lasses that flirted with him ever since Tansy had gone. Some gossiped, chatted mostly about themselves or only interested in the high-class Baggins family that had much wealth. All those irritating things about them he didn't find appealing, not one bit.
Merry peered over his shoulder at the lass. "Looks like she wants to dance."
Frodo tried to ignore the voices in his mind. They whispered, begging him to listen...
*Go on. Dance with her. Does time stop because of Tansy? Come now, lad, you have to move on and have fun. Dance with her.*
Frodo stood from table.
Pippin looked up at him. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to ask her to dance. Isn't that why I've come here, to have fun? And fun I shall have."
Frodo left the table. When he asked the lass for a dance, she willingly took his hand and was led onto the middle of the floor where they danced.
Sam's eyes fleeted to Rosie at the bar. He knew she had been aware of what was going on. He also noticed her concern about Frodo. She met Sam's gaze and softly smiled. Sam returned the gesture and when his attention drifted back to Frodo, he could not help but worry about him.
__________________________________________________________
Inside Tansy's room, she lay on her bed, huddled in a fetal position. Her room wasn't pitch dark but dimly lit by the welcoming candlelight that kept her company. It cast a subtle glow on her face-the glow that disclosed the streaks of tears upon her freckled cheeks. She stared pensively at the flame dancing atop the stick, unable to focus on anything else.
Frodo.
She convinced herself day after day, night after night, that it was for the best. Frodo would be better off without her. There were other lasses in Hobbiton, many who would be more suitable...wealthy, like him. Why would he love someone like her? And yet, at the moment, her mind was consumed with thoughts of only him...
Frodo, I'm trying to forget you, but I can't. I feel so...so...I don't know what it is that I feel. I feel nothing. The happiness I had when I was with you, it's all gone now. Everything...gone. For me, the summer has been lost since the last time I saw you. And even on a clear day when the sun cannot hide behind the clouds, all is dark, Frodo. All is dark.
_____________________________________________________
Frodo, while he danced, was ecstatic to see Tansy waltzing in his arms. She giggled, obviously enjoying his company. Frodo laughed and when he whirled her into an embrace, suddenly he realized it wasn't Tansy who giggled and thrilled to be in his arms.
Frodo blinked a few times and shook his head.
*What am I doing? No, this isn't right.*
"I'm--I'm sorry," he said to her.
Overcome by a wave of nausea, Frodo dashed out of the inn. He continued on for a short distance and stopped. He panted, thinking he would be sick but as he gained control of himself, the nausea slowly subsided.
"Mr. Frodo," he heard Sam call from behind him.
Frodo turned and faced his gardener.
"You're not all right, are you Mr. Frodo? I know you're not."
Frodo grimaced. "Oh, Sam, I miss her, and...I love her."
"I know you do, Mr. Frodo. Just hold on. She'll be back. She has to."
Frodo turned and gazed solemnly in the direction of where she lived, far away in the Marshlands of the Shire.
________________________________________________
A haunting wind howled outside the bedroom window. Frodo leaned against it, watching the snow blown angrily by the December wind. December...he wondered what day she celebrated her birthday, if there was any celebration at all.
He unfolded his hand and stared at the necklace he wanted her to have as a present. Frodo looked up at the snow again and then he closed his eyes.
Tansy, what are you doing now?
I remember when you told me about the strawberries, the way you put it on your skin. Though I'm not there, I can still see you; the crushed fruit in your hand. You're thinking, wondering where to start first. Then you lift your arm, just a little. I can see it in the candlelight and your fingers gliding effortlessly, the fruit along fresh, delicate skin after taking a bath.
I want to hold you in my arms.
Smell you.
Kiss you.
And upon your lips, I taste the strawberries.
His eyes snapped open. Frodo shuddered at the fantasy, one of many he cherished, and yet, they frightened him, because he had never experienced such immense passion. Distressed, he slumped down in the chair and on his desk, Frodo cradled his face between crossed arms.
_____________________________________________________
It seemed the winter would linger on, never allowing the spring or summer to return. And now, it was the first week of March. Winter had finally relinquished its icy fury on the Shire. The days grew slightly warmer, and on one particular day, Frodo entered the den where Bilbo was reading a book.
"Uncle?"
Bilbo looked up and smiled cheerfully. "Good Afternoon!"
"I'm sorry, uncle. I know you're reading and I don't mean to disturb you--,"
"It's quite all right," said Bilbo and when he saw his nephew appeared to be burdened about something, with a wave of his hand, he beckoned him toward the desk. "Sit. Sit."
Frodo appreciated Bilbo's willingness to spend time with him at a moment he needed to talk, and so he sat down in the chair.
"Bilbo, remember when you and Sam told me Tansy would come back?"
"Yes."
"Well, I don't think she's coming back, at least not on her own."
"I don't understand?"
"Her birthday was in December. She's of age now. If she wanted, she could leave. It would be her choice, but...I know she's afraid."
"Frodo, I'm sure she would--,"
"No, uncle. I don't think so."
"You must give her time."
"I can't. I love her and I've made my decision."
Curious, Bilbo leaned forward. "What decision?"
"Now, uncle, I gave it much thought and now I must do this," he breathed deeply and went on. "Tomorrow I will visit Tansy's parents and introduce myself. I will tell them how I feel about her and that...I want to marry her."
At those words, Bilbo's eyes widened and then he gingerly closed his book.
"Marriage? Frodo, you know I approve your courtship with Tansy but...don't you think it's too soon for you to marry her? And what if they say no to your proposal of marriage to Tansy?
"They can't keep her locked up forever! Oh, uncle, I love her."
"I know. I just don't want you to make any hasty decisions."
"I understand, but it's something I want to do. I've never felt this way about anyone, uncle. I don't want to lose her, and I certainly don't want Lobeila to think she's won in keeping her away from me!"
Bilbo gazed at his nephew with a smile--a smile that conveyed to Frodo how proud he was of him.
"Frodo...I remember when you were just a wee lad, now look at how you've grown. If this is what you want to do, then go."
_____________________________________________________
Tansy detested the sight of dust. Each day, she took a cloth and polished every inch of the furniture, making sure there was not one trace of dirt. She swept the cloth across the oak wood closet until it glossed, pleased to see the results of her work. Immediately, Tansy halted at the sound of a horse and wagon. She couldn't see who it was since her window faced the hills and marshes. Whoever it was knocked a few times on the door and when she heard the door open, Tansy ran to her bedroom door, pasting her ear against it to listen.
"Yes?" her father said in a gruff voice. "What do you want?"
"Hello, I'm Frodo Baggins from Bag End..."
Tansy gasped, clenching the cloth in her hand.
*Frodo? What is he doing here?*
She continued to listen to her father's reply.
"Frodo Baggins? Yes, we've heard much talk about you. If you're here to persuade us into letting Tansy go back to Bywater, I'm afraid you have wasted your time."
"Mr. Puddifoot, I mean no disrespect to you or your family. It is true about my uncle and his adventure, but whatever else you've been told is a lie. And besides, what does my uncle's business have to do with me courting your daughter? I love her, Mr. Puddifoot, and that is no lie."
"It's not only your uncle's business, you're a Baggins!" Tansy heard his voice thunder through her ear. "We don't have any wealth here, so what do you want with my daughter?"
"Mr. Puddifoot," said Frodo softly. "Why should it matter that I'm a Baggins? I love Tansy..."
Afraid to hear any more of the conversation, Tansy ran to the other side of the bed and sat on its edge. She dropped the cloth and squeezed her hands against her ears. Tansy remained that way for a while, sitting in silence until she courageously peeled her hands away from her ears. She didn't hear anything and wondered what had happened. Did Frodo leave? Her heart leaped when hearing two, soft knocks on the door.
She didn't turn. Instead, Tansy kept her eyes on the window ahead.
"Yes?" she barely uttered.
"It's your mother," a gentle voice answered in the hall. "And your father. Can we come in?"
"Yes."
The door creaked open. Tansy kept her back toward them and listened to what they had to say.
"There's someone here to see you," her father said sternly. "It's--,"
"I know who it is."
He cleared his throat and continued. "You're of age now. We can't make you stay here if you don't want. But tell us, do you love him?"
"Yes," Tansy's voice quivered. "I do."
"Then...leave if you must. Go with him back to Bywater. That's all I have to say."
Her mother added, "We won't disown you Tansy. I know we told you that. You can visit us. But you must understand, we were very upset about what you had done."
"Come," the father rudely interrupted his wife and insisted she leave with him.
The door shut behind her. Stunned, Tansy slowly rose from the bed. She never thought her parents and especially her father would approve of her courtship with Frodo. Tears flooded her eyes. It all seemed like a dream.
*It's no dream...you're awake. Frodo is here, and you can leave with him*
_____________________________________________________________
There he was, waiting at the front door. As she walked toward Frodo, Tansy glimpsed his smile--the gentle, loving smile she missed terribly. Her cloak draped over his arm, which he swung around her shoulders and fastened it. Frodo held out his hand. She eagerly reached for it and when her fingers intertwined with his, he guided her to the wagon.
Frodo helped her onto the passenger side and when he climbed up beside her, the wagon began to move. Tansy peeked over her shoulder to look back at her hobbit hole. She promised her parents she would visit them. They weren't outside to bid her farewell. Despite their compliance in respecting her decision, she knew they were upset about her leaving. But she had to...it was time.
During the ride, she wondered why there had been an awkward silence between them, especially when they haven't seen each other in months. At that moment, Frodo slowed the wagon near a secluded wooded area.
He didn't care about the chill in the air, and from what he can tell when gazing into Tansy's eyes, she wasn't fazed by it either.
Frodo cupped her face in his hands.
"I missed you so very much."
His finger traced the contour of her full lips and then he brought them toward his. He felt her shiver against him while they kissed. Frodo also shivered, knowing it wasn't just from the chill.
She broke away from him to whisper...
"I missed you, too."
He reached inside the pocket of his jacket and when he opened his hand, there on his palm was the beaded rose necklace.
"Remember when we were at the market in July? I bought this for you and saved it as a present for your birthday."
Tansy gazed in awe at its beauty. "Frodo...it's beautiful!"
He draped the necklace around her neck and as he fastened it, he whispered in her ear.
"Now everyone will know we're a couple."
His fingers teasingly skipped down each bead until they rested on the rose.
Tansy slid her hand over his and lay her head back onto his shoulder.
Frodo continued to whisper along her ear. "I told your parents that I love you, but that's not all I've said."
"What else did you tell them?" she asked dreamily.
"That I want you to be my wife."
Tansy sprang away from his shoulder and stared at him in shock.
"You want to--," she hesitated, throwing her hand against her lips.
"Will you accept my proposal? If not, I'll understand."
Tansy continued to stare at him in shock and disbelief. The only thing she could utter at the moment was something inaudible.
"Frodo..."
*********************************************
TBC
A/N: Review! Review! :-)
Disclaimer: Don't own Tolkien's characters, wish they were mine. Ah, well, they're not, but Tansy is mine.
Rating: PG-13
Chapter Seven: Frozen
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Wheels beneath the wagon squeaked to an abrupt halt. Frodo bounded from the wagon and advanced in full speed toward the Sackville-Bagginses' home. He made sure no one would stop him. Bilbo tried, recalling his uncle's pleading calls of his name. A part of him wanted to forget the whole thing and mope back to his hobbit hole, but every time he thought about losing Tansy, he could not forget. He was fed up with the gossip among the folk, and especially from Lobeila. Whatever she had done, this time she went too far.
Frodo's clenched fist hammered a few times against the door. He stopped, listening for any movement inside and when he heard only silence, his fist pounded against the door again. Five angry knocks until...
The knob slowly turned, and the door creaked open.
A man peeked through the small space. He glared at Frodo with the same shrewd and frigid expression like that of his wife, Lobeila.
"What is your business here?" scowled Otho Sackville-Baggins.
"I would like to have a talk with your wife, if you don't mind," said Frodo clearly and authoritatively.
"I most certainly do mind!"
"Otho," called Lobeila.
Frodo witnessed a hand hooking around Otho's arm and tugging him away from the door. Replacing him was Lobeila who opened the door wider. She perched her hand on the right side of her hip.
"Well," she said with a smirk. "You've come all the way from Bag End to see us? Why, that's very kind of you Mr. Frodo."
Frodo seethed and refused to back down at her biting sarcasm.
"What did you say to Tansy's parents?"
"I did what was best. She needed to go back to her family, where she belongs, not with the Cottons."
"Why meddle in what was not your concern?" said Frodo angrily. "Eventually she would have gone back, but that's not all you've said. You told them more, about us and I don't think you've spoke well of me."
Lobeila's eyes narrowed sharply. "She's better off and not seen with the likes of you!"
"So, that's why her parents don't want her back at Bywater or Hobbiton. Her running away isn't the only reason...they don't want her to see me...because of your gossip. And don't pretend you have concern for Tansy. You despise her, because she's a Puddifoot...and you despise me!"
"Hmph!" muttered Lobeila and breezed away from the door.
Frodo wondered what she went off to do since the door remained slightly ajar. He waited for what seemed to be a few seconds and then she returned. His water-blue eyes widened at her umbrella raised in the air and ready to whack him.
"Off with you, now!"
Frodo stumbled backwards down the steps. "I will never forget what you've done," he blasted at Lobeila.
"Go on!" She chased after him. Her eyes blazed and she madly waved her umbrella.
Frodo spun on his heels and headed back to the wagon. He leaped inside and as he tugged the reigns, Lobeila stopped a few feet away and continued her ranting.
"Bilbo will regret it, a mistake he made adopting you! You've been nothing but trouble since you've come to Bag End. Trouble!"
Frodo shot an odious glance her way and not at all shy about hiding his disdain for the cruel Lobeila Sackville-Baggins. He yanked harder on the reigns that prompted the horse to speed away from the hobbit hole, in which he had no desire to lay eyes upon again.
_________________________________________________
Still fuming after the incident with Lobeila, Frodo stood outside his home and angrily smudged annoying sweat from beneath his bangs. Although evening drew near, the late summer air remained balmy and uncomfortable. Exhausted from the heat and from the roller coaster ride of his emotions, Frodo inserted his brass key into the tiny keyhole and unlocked the door.
When he entered, a worried Bilbo greeted him along with Sam.
"Frodo," his uncle said, relieved to see him back. "Are you all right?"
"Yes," answered Frodo with obvious irritation his voice.
"Mr. Frodo," said Sam. "We were very worried about you."
"I know." Frodo shuffled over to the kitchen table and plopped down in one of the chairs. "But I had to know the truth."
Bilbo and Sam joined him at the table.
"What did Lobeila tell you?" his uncle queried.
"What I feared...You know how she feels about us, uncle. And she's not at all fond of Tansy either. She told Tansy's parents that they should welcome her back, but it wasn't out of concern. She didn't want us to be together and she gossiped about you and I being queer. I'm sure she told them about your adventure, Bilbo. So, I imagine after that, they decided to end our courtship."
Sam huffed. "Why, that ain't right Mr. Frodo! They not liking you because of gossip. They haven't met you. It ain't right...that...that Lobeila! I would have gone with you Mr. Frodo and told her a thing or two of what I think of her!"
Frodo glanced at his friend with a lackadaisical grin. "I know you would have, Sam."
Sam smiled back, but at the same time it infuriated him to see his friend distressed. He didn't like anyone hurting Frodo and again he huffed silently when he thought about Lobeila.
"I better get back. My gaffer will be looking for me soon."
"All right, Sam," said Frodo. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Sam nodded at Bilbo. "Good evening, Mr. Baggins."
"Good evening, Sam."
Frodo waited for Sam to leave and then he looked up at Bilbo.
"Uncle...you love me, don't you?"
Bilbo was taken a back by his nephew's comment. Something he never thought Frodo would question.
"Frodo, my lad, I love you dearly."
The young hobbit shook his head. Embarrassed by what he asked, he smiled sheepishly.
"I don't know why I asked you that. I know you love me."
Bilbo wondered about Frodo's sudden doubt and now anger had replaced his usual gentle demeanor. He bolted upright from the chair.
"What else did Lobelia tell you?"
Startled, Frodo looked up at his uncle. He sighed deeply.
"She said you'll regret adopting me and that it was a mistake. Oh, uncle, I'm sorry. Why do I listen to such foolishness!"
"She knows what happened to your parents," a flustered Bilbo replied. "And she'll say mean things to hurt you and me. Pay no attention to her lies. I know it's not always easy, but you must."
Bilbo composed himself and after comforting Frodo with a soothing smile, he extended his arms toward him.
Frodo left the chair and snuggled into his uncle's embrace.
"I love you very, very much," Bilbo assured him.
Frodo smiled gratefully. "I love you, too."
Bilbo released him and gave him a hearty pat on his shoulder.
"Now I must prepare the dinner."
"I'll be in my room."
He sauntered away from his uncle.
"Frodo..."
His nephew turned and faced him.
"Yes, Bilbo?"
"I hope that one day you will see Tansy again."
Frodo nodded dejectedly. "I hope so, too."
_________________________________________________________
And now, autumn had come to the Shire. His birthday, which he shared with Bilbo had also come and gone. He was thirty-two and Bilbo celebrated his one-hundred and tenth birthday, but Frodo only pretended to be happy about the big day.
*If only Tansy could have celebrated it with me.*
A few weeks after his birthday, Frodo slipped on his chestnut jacket and ventured out into the woods. As he walked, twigs splintered beneath his feet and he shuffled through shades of ruby, gold and russet leaves. Cool, brisk air breezed past him and played with the leaves, twirling several of them around like feathers. With his hands burrowed inside the pockets of his trousers, Frodo continued his forlorn journey until he stopped abruptly at one of his favorite trees--the apple tree where he and Tansy kissed for the first time.
He moped toward the tree once alive with juicy, crimson apples. Now they were gone along with the vibrant green leaves that spring had birthed.
Frodo reached out and touched the tree. The tips of his fingers glided across oak wood as he circled the tree. And for a moment, he thought he saw Tansy hiding on the other side. Her hand stretched around the tree, reaching for him. Frodo extended his hand toward hers and just as he was about to touch her soft, fair skin, she eluded him. He realized what he saw had been only a memory...
"So, you want me to find you now?" he asked her.
"If you can..."
Frodo leaned his forehead against the wood. His closed his eyes, tightening them while a tear managed to escape from the corner of his eye. He opened them again and allowed the tear to journey down his cheek, leaving a zigzagged trail. Frodo looked around him. Nothing ceased. Every thing carried out its daily ritual: The sun peek-a-booed behind billowy clouds. The air whispered through the leaves above him. Squirrels scurried about, searching for any available nuts they could find. Birds sang and danced from one tree to another, playing a mid-day game of tag.
But in Frodo's mind, all things came to an abrupt stop. Frozen. And he shivered from the immense gloom that had befallen him.
*Why? Why?*
Frodo resisted the memories of his parents, but no matter how hard he tried, they haunted him again. Drowned in the Brandywine River...taken away from him. And now Tansy, she was taken away from him, too.
*Why did I let it happen? I should have known better to fall in love. I should have...*
Frodo silenced his rambling thoughts and composed himself. He had to move on with his life. It was the only way to numb the pain, just forget and move on. Frodo sniffed and after he quickly wiped the tear away, he left the tree along with the memories behind him.
________________________________________________________
September had gone and now it was November's turn to visit Hobbiton again. During the middle of that month, Frodo had decided to join Sam, Merry and Pippin at the Green Dragon. Since the end of the summer, he stayed away from the inn and for a good reason, at least to him it was. There would be laughter, dancing, enjoying a mug of ale full to the brim. He didn't care much for doing any of that until finally, Sam's persuasion to have fun awakened Frodo from the dark seclusion of which had imprisoned him.
He sat at one of the tables beside Sam. Merry and Pippin sat across from them, laughing and drinking their ale. Frodo sipped ale from his mug, then every moment or so, he laughed at their jests.
"I'm hungry," Pippin stated. His eyes widened at Sam. "I wish I had one of your strawberry creme cakes again, Sam. They--," The rest of what he said slurred to a halt.
He noticed the way Sam glowered at him. His eyes skirted to Frodo who stared sorrowfully into his mug.
"Oh, Frodo...I'm sorry."
Frodo eased Pippin's embarrassment with a one-sided grin on his lips.
"It's all right, Pippin."
A grave silence fell over them. And though they convinced themselves that Tansy could be forgotten, nothing had been the same since she left.
Sam's eyes roved to a table, which was a short distance to the right. He wondered whom the lass eyed, flaunting a flirtatious smile. Then he followed her gaze that led to Frodo.
"Uh...Mr. Frodo," said Sam cautiously. "There's a lass..."
"I know, Sam. I've noticed."
He thought about so many lasses that flirted with him ever since Tansy had gone. Some gossiped, chatted mostly about themselves or only interested in the high-class Baggins family that had much wealth. All those irritating things about them he didn't find appealing, not one bit.
Merry peered over his shoulder at the lass. "Looks like she wants to dance."
Frodo tried to ignore the voices in his mind. They whispered, begging him to listen...
*Go on. Dance with her. Does time stop because of Tansy? Come now, lad, you have to move on and have fun. Dance with her.*
Frodo stood from table.
Pippin looked up at him. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to ask her to dance. Isn't that why I've come here, to have fun? And fun I shall have."
Frodo left the table. When he asked the lass for a dance, she willingly took his hand and was led onto the middle of the floor where they danced.
Sam's eyes fleeted to Rosie at the bar. He knew she had been aware of what was going on. He also noticed her concern about Frodo. She met Sam's gaze and softly smiled. Sam returned the gesture and when his attention drifted back to Frodo, he could not help but worry about him.
__________________________________________________________
Inside Tansy's room, she lay on her bed, huddled in a fetal position. Her room wasn't pitch dark but dimly lit by the welcoming candlelight that kept her company. It cast a subtle glow on her face-the glow that disclosed the streaks of tears upon her freckled cheeks. She stared pensively at the flame dancing atop the stick, unable to focus on anything else.
Frodo.
She convinced herself day after day, night after night, that it was for the best. Frodo would be better off without her. There were other lasses in Hobbiton, many who would be more suitable...wealthy, like him. Why would he love someone like her? And yet, at the moment, her mind was consumed with thoughts of only him...
Frodo, I'm trying to forget you, but I can't. I feel so...so...I don't know what it is that I feel. I feel nothing. The happiness I had when I was with you, it's all gone now. Everything...gone. For me, the summer has been lost since the last time I saw you. And even on a clear day when the sun cannot hide behind the clouds, all is dark, Frodo. All is dark.
_____________________________________________________
Frodo, while he danced, was ecstatic to see Tansy waltzing in his arms. She giggled, obviously enjoying his company. Frodo laughed and when he whirled her into an embrace, suddenly he realized it wasn't Tansy who giggled and thrilled to be in his arms.
Frodo blinked a few times and shook his head.
*What am I doing? No, this isn't right.*
"I'm--I'm sorry," he said to her.
Overcome by a wave of nausea, Frodo dashed out of the inn. He continued on for a short distance and stopped. He panted, thinking he would be sick but as he gained control of himself, the nausea slowly subsided.
"Mr. Frodo," he heard Sam call from behind him.
Frodo turned and faced his gardener.
"You're not all right, are you Mr. Frodo? I know you're not."
Frodo grimaced. "Oh, Sam, I miss her, and...I love her."
"I know you do, Mr. Frodo. Just hold on. She'll be back. She has to."
Frodo turned and gazed solemnly in the direction of where she lived, far away in the Marshlands of the Shire.
________________________________________________
A haunting wind howled outside the bedroom window. Frodo leaned against it, watching the snow blown angrily by the December wind. December...he wondered what day she celebrated her birthday, if there was any celebration at all.
He unfolded his hand and stared at the necklace he wanted her to have as a present. Frodo looked up at the snow again and then he closed his eyes.
Tansy, what are you doing now?
I remember when you told me about the strawberries, the way you put it on your skin. Though I'm not there, I can still see you; the crushed fruit in your hand. You're thinking, wondering where to start first. Then you lift your arm, just a little. I can see it in the candlelight and your fingers gliding effortlessly, the fruit along fresh, delicate skin after taking a bath.
I want to hold you in my arms.
Smell you.
Kiss you.
And upon your lips, I taste the strawberries.
His eyes snapped open. Frodo shuddered at the fantasy, one of many he cherished, and yet, they frightened him, because he had never experienced such immense passion. Distressed, he slumped down in the chair and on his desk, Frodo cradled his face between crossed arms.
_____________________________________________________
It seemed the winter would linger on, never allowing the spring or summer to return. And now, it was the first week of March. Winter had finally relinquished its icy fury on the Shire. The days grew slightly warmer, and on one particular day, Frodo entered the den where Bilbo was reading a book.
"Uncle?"
Bilbo looked up and smiled cheerfully. "Good Afternoon!"
"I'm sorry, uncle. I know you're reading and I don't mean to disturb you--,"
"It's quite all right," said Bilbo and when he saw his nephew appeared to be burdened about something, with a wave of his hand, he beckoned him toward the desk. "Sit. Sit."
Frodo appreciated Bilbo's willingness to spend time with him at a moment he needed to talk, and so he sat down in the chair.
"Bilbo, remember when you and Sam told me Tansy would come back?"
"Yes."
"Well, I don't think she's coming back, at least not on her own."
"I don't understand?"
"Her birthday was in December. She's of age now. If she wanted, she could leave. It would be her choice, but...I know she's afraid."
"Frodo, I'm sure she would--,"
"No, uncle. I don't think so."
"You must give her time."
"I can't. I love her and I've made my decision."
Curious, Bilbo leaned forward. "What decision?"
"Now, uncle, I gave it much thought and now I must do this," he breathed deeply and went on. "Tomorrow I will visit Tansy's parents and introduce myself. I will tell them how I feel about her and that...I want to marry her."
At those words, Bilbo's eyes widened and then he gingerly closed his book.
"Marriage? Frodo, you know I approve your courtship with Tansy but...don't you think it's too soon for you to marry her? And what if they say no to your proposal of marriage to Tansy?
"They can't keep her locked up forever! Oh, uncle, I love her."
"I know. I just don't want you to make any hasty decisions."
"I understand, but it's something I want to do. I've never felt this way about anyone, uncle. I don't want to lose her, and I certainly don't want Lobeila to think she's won in keeping her away from me!"
Bilbo gazed at his nephew with a smile--a smile that conveyed to Frodo how proud he was of him.
"Frodo...I remember when you were just a wee lad, now look at how you've grown. If this is what you want to do, then go."
_____________________________________________________
Tansy detested the sight of dust. Each day, she took a cloth and polished every inch of the furniture, making sure there was not one trace of dirt. She swept the cloth across the oak wood closet until it glossed, pleased to see the results of her work. Immediately, Tansy halted at the sound of a horse and wagon. She couldn't see who it was since her window faced the hills and marshes. Whoever it was knocked a few times on the door and when she heard the door open, Tansy ran to her bedroom door, pasting her ear against it to listen.
"Yes?" her father said in a gruff voice. "What do you want?"
"Hello, I'm Frodo Baggins from Bag End..."
Tansy gasped, clenching the cloth in her hand.
*Frodo? What is he doing here?*
She continued to listen to her father's reply.
"Frodo Baggins? Yes, we've heard much talk about you. If you're here to persuade us into letting Tansy go back to Bywater, I'm afraid you have wasted your time."
"Mr. Puddifoot, I mean no disrespect to you or your family. It is true about my uncle and his adventure, but whatever else you've been told is a lie. And besides, what does my uncle's business have to do with me courting your daughter? I love her, Mr. Puddifoot, and that is no lie."
"It's not only your uncle's business, you're a Baggins!" Tansy heard his voice thunder through her ear. "We don't have any wealth here, so what do you want with my daughter?"
"Mr. Puddifoot," said Frodo softly. "Why should it matter that I'm a Baggins? I love Tansy..."
Afraid to hear any more of the conversation, Tansy ran to the other side of the bed and sat on its edge. She dropped the cloth and squeezed her hands against her ears. Tansy remained that way for a while, sitting in silence until she courageously peeled her hands away from her ears. She didn't hear anything and wondered what had happened. Did Frodo leave? Her heart leaped when hearing two, soft knocks on the door.
She didn't turn. Instead, Tansy kept her eyes on the window ahead.
"Yes?" she barely uttered.
"It's your mother," a gentle voice answered in the hall. "And your father. Can we come in?"
"Yes."
The door creaked open. Tansy kept her back toward them and listened to what they had to say.
"There's someone here to see you," her father said sternly. "It's--,"
"I know who it is."
He cleared his throat and continued. "You're of age now. We can't make you stay here if you don't want. But tell us, do you love him?"
"Yes," Tansy's voice quivered. "I do."
"Then...leave if you must. Go with him back to Bywater. That's all I have to say."
Her mother added, "We won't disown you Tansy. I know we told you that. You can visit us. But you must understand, we were very upset about what you had done."
"Come," the father rudely interrupted his wife and insisted she leave with him.
The door shut behind her. Stunned, Tansy slowly rose from the bed. She never thought her parents and especially her father would approve of her courtship with Frodo. Tears flooded her eyes. It all seemed like a dream.
*It's no dream...you're awake. Frodo is here, and you can leave with him*
_____________________________________________________________
There he was, waiting at the front door. As she walked toward Frodo, Tansy glimpsed his smile--the gentle, loving smile she missed terribly. Her cloak draped over his arm, which he swung around her shoulders and fastened it. Frodo held out his hand. She eagerly reached for it and when her fingers intertwined with his, he guided her to the wagon.
Frodo helped her onto the passenger side and when he climbed up beside her, the wagon began to move. Tansy peeked over her shoulder to look back at her hobbit hole. She promised her parents she would visit them. They weren't outside to bid her farewell. Despite their compliance in respecting her decision, she knew they were upset about her leaving. But she had to...it was time.
During the ride, she wondered why there had been an awkward silence between them, especially when they haven't seen each other in months. At that moment, Frodo slowed the wagon near a secluded wooded area.
He didn't care about the chill in the air, and from what he can tell when gazing into Tansy's eyes, she wasn't fazed by it either.
Frodo cupped her face in his hands.
"I missed you so very much."
His finger traced the contour of her full lips and then he brought them toward his. He felt her shiver against him while they kissed. Frodo also shivered, knowing it wasn't just from the chill.
She broke away from him to whisper...
"I missed you, too."
He reached inside the pocket of his jacket and when he opened his hand, there on his palm was the beaded rose necklace.
"Remember when we were at the market in July? I bought this for you and saved it as a present for your birthday."
Tansy gazed in awe at its beauty. "Frodo...it's beautiful!"
He draped the necklace around her neck and as he fastened it, he whispered in her ear.
"Now everyone will know we're a couple."
His fingers teasingly skipped down each bead until they rested on the rose.
Tansy slid her hand over his and lay her head back onto his shoulder.
Frodo continued to whisper along her ear. "I told your parents that I love you, but that's not all I've said."
"What else did you tell them?" she asked dreamily.
"That I want you to be my wife."
Tansy sprang away from his shoulder and stared at him in shock.
"You want to--," she hesitated, throwing her hand against her lips.
"Will you accept my proposal? If not, I'll understand."
Tansy continued to stare at him in shock and disbelief. The only thing she could utter at the moment was something inaudible.
"Frodo..."
*********************************************
TBC
A/N: Review! Review! :-)