Author's Notes: Thank you for your continual encouragement, Alexis Rockford. I don't know why Fido wouldn't let you review, though. Very strange.
And FrodoBaggins87, I'm grateful for the encouragement you handed over. :)
Another Note: This story takes place a year before the BIG BIRTHDAY. I will be using a mixture of the book and movie verse. If you're familiar with both you'll see what I mean as you read on.
Chapter Four: "Just a Bit of Matchmaking"
When they were certain no burrs remained on Samwise, Merry, Pippin, and Sam re-entered Bag End and settled into various seats in the parlour. Pippin immediately jumped on the sofa, landing with a quiet thud. "You certainly know how to impress the ladies, Samwise Gamgee!" he said in mockery.
"My intention was not to impress Miss Rosie," replied Sam stoutly.
"Do you suspect Rosie will ever fancy you if you continually make a fool of yourself?" asked Merry shortly.
Sam did not reply, but instead crimsoned and turned away from his comrades. This procedure sobered his friends, who suddenly were aware what a sensitive subject they had approached.
Pippin said seriously, "I don't understand romance. Two hobbits can talk to each other just as amicably without becoming a couple. Just think of all the heartache that could be avoided if nobody courted and married!"
With a puckish grin on his crooked mouth, Merry added, "Without marriage, just think of all the hobbits that wouldn't be born!"
"Merry has been talking of nothing but hobbit lasses ever since he saw Violet Chubb near Michel Delving three days ago," Pippin explained to Sam
"You would as well if a lady hobbit backed you into a corner and told you weren't going to leave until you kissed her," responded Meriadoc.
"You didn't kiss Violet, did you?" Sam asked in consternation.
"No, but with all the trouble she caused me, I should have kissed her and have done with it," answered Merry between chuckles. He added carelessly, "We'll leave you alone with Rosie for awhile if you want. That way you two can have complete privacy while you get better acquainted."
"I don't know about that," Samwise began, grappling for the precise words. "I think it would be rather suspicious if you suddenly all left the room except me."
"Why does Sam want to become better acquainted with Rosie? I thought he knew her well enough?" Pippin scratched his head, trying puzzle out that imponderable.
Sam ignored his innocent friend to reply, "I don't need to be alone with Rosie in order to talk to her."
"Is that your definition of courting?" Meriadoc let out a high-pitched whistle that grated the ears.
"I didn't mention anythin about courting!" protested Sam.
Merry was about to argue the point when he heard footfalls. As the steps drew nearer, Merry pounced on Sam and sent him sprawling to the floor. "Grab him, Pippin; don't let him get away." Merry started to ruffle Sam's hair, while Pippin batted his cousin.
"Don't attack me; we're trying to get Samwise right now!" Meriadoc glared at Peregrin, but his frown quickly turned into a smirk. Smiling mischievously, Pip swatted Merry once more before attacking the unaided Sam.
Frodo and Rosie entered the room with the tea. "I have several warm cups waiting to be drunk, but you had better get it while it lasts," teased Frodo. When he did not receive a response, he smiled at the romping threesome on the floor.
"Oi! Why did you go and do that for?" cried Sam abruptly. He was holding one of the buttons from his brown vest in his hands and was glaring at a far from remorseful Merry.
"I'll sew it back on if you wish." Rosie rushed over to assist him, scrutinising the tear and the doleful expression on Sam's countenance.
"Bilbo has thread and several needles stored away in his room. I will find these for you." Eager to be of assistance, Frodo set down the tray of tea on a side table and exited the room with Merry and Pippin following.
Samwise watched the hobbits leave one by one until only Miss Cotton remained. He was about to leave as well when Frodo re-entered the parlour.
He gazed warily around before he asked, "Where did my two cousins go, Sam?"
"I would gather that they went to raid your pantries," was Sam's miserable reply. He wished he was joining Meriadoc and Peregrin in their repast instead of sitting uncomfortably on the floor with Rosie.
Frodo handed the acquired materials to Miss Cotton and left in search for his cousins. Whistling cheerfully, Rosie motioned for Sam to give her the button, which was clutched rather tightly in his brown paw.
Samwise obliged her command, staring grimly at the parlour door. He was rather peeved that his friends had set him up in this fashion; he preferred to court a lady on his own accord without the interference of meddlesome young hobbits. Granted, Master Frodo was not involved in this unfortunate scheme, but Samwise felt betrayed by him nonetheless. If Mister Frodo had stayed to supervise the two, Sam would have felt at ease and would have been able to devise a plan to get him out of this business without coming near to admitting his true feelings to Rosie
Rosie sighed happily as she sewed his button back in place. She was oblivious to Mister Gamgee's agitation. "I'm so glad I could do this small task for you." She blushed as she spoke, and Sam couldn't help but be pleased. "My only regret is that I don't know the real you. You rarely speak to me, save when I am with my brothers. When we're alone, I feel there is a barrier guarding your true self from me. Tell me, are you funny, or serious; responsible or impulsive?"
Samwise was in a quandary which had no escape. He did not wish to tell Miss Cotton about his true person; that was private information that none, apart from his family and Master Frodo, knew. He resolved to be as evasive as possible. "I'm all of that, among other things. The real me is difficult to explain to a person who only knows me as her brothers' friend, if you follow me. I'm suppose I am serious, though I wouldn't put it pass me to make a joke."
Sam fumbled through his dialogue, whilst Rosie continued to sew, listening intently. She did not mind his stuttering, for she was enjoying the one-sided conversation. If he had been discussing the weather, she would have listened with the greatest of raptness, proving just how infatuated she was with the young Gamgee. With a swift stroke, Rosie finished stitching the button in place. "There, it's as good as new, or my name is not Rose Cotton." As she stood from the floor, she accidentally brushed her fingers over his hand.
Samwise admired the handiwork for a moment before replying, "Thank you for your kindness, Rosie."
Rosie glanced up at the rotund, browned face in front of her; the sandy hair in desperate need of a cut; the deep brown eyes darting about anxiously. Samwise rose and noticing Rosie's gaze, leaned closer to the lass. At the last moment he turned away, and with a small smile announced, "I ought to have some tea before it gets cold."
"Shall I tell you how much I like you?" Rosie asked suddenly.
This unexpected inquiry bewildered Samwise. Being the polite hobbit that he was, he answered, "If it pleases you, then go ahead." Immediately following the reply, remorse filled him. He did not wish to hear any declaration of love from this hobbit lass. He was far too young to court, and if age hadn't been an issue, he was far too shy. The only sensible thing to do was to change the subject, which Samwise did accordingly with much gusto. "As you might have heard, Master Bilbo has gone to visit Gandalf the Grey, and the party as been postponed."
"I had heard. That is why I found it odd that Mr. Frodo was speaking of eating the pies tonight!"
"Well, we are having a small get-together to commemorate Frodo's birthday this eventide. Would you care to come?"
Rosie's eyes sparkled with mirth as she answered, "It would be a privilege, Sam! Let me tell the news to my family!" She dashed out of the house before Sam could warn her that it was to be a small affair.
It must be stated that the Cottons was by no means an undersized clan. Brothers, sisters, aunt, uncles, and cousins by the score were known to visit Farmer Cotton's hobbit-hole at one time or another. Fear consumed Sam as he thought of the many relatives who might arrive for Frodo's secret fete. "And he made me promise to bring only two friends!" murmured Sam pitifully. Sam's head filled with thoughts of Mr. Frodo discharging him once he discovered how many uninvited hobbits had shown for this exclusive party because of his blunder.
"It must be some consolation to you that even if you won't be working for Mr. Frodo tomorrow, Rosie Cotton touched your vest!" With this consideration, he scooped up the neglected tray of tea, and hurried to find the other hobbits.
As Sam entered the kitchen, Pippin demanded, "Well, what happened between you and Miss Cotton?"
"Do the words 'being schemin and interferin is very unbecomin,' mean anything to you?" Sam gently placed the tea tray on the table.
"Not in particular," retorted Merry, not at all fazed by Samwise's caustic comment.
"Well, would you believe me if I said 'nothing happened between Rosie and me'?"
"No," all three of them replied in unison.
"Then I won't say it." Samwise poured himself a warm cup of tea, grabbed a raisin cake, and sat opposite Frodo at the table. "It was a rather uncomfortable business, and I hope you two have learned your lesson. Of course, I don't blame you, Master, but I don't understand why you did not help me."
"I had not realised Merry and Pippin's plans until I was seated in the kitchen. By then, Miss Rosie was mending your vest, and I saw no need to interfere. It appeared to be innocent enough." Frodo took a large bite of his raspberry tart, oblivious to Samwise's disconsolate gaze.
Pippin noticed and said to Merry, "You had better not meddle in Sam's affairs again!"
"I can if I want," interjected Meriadoc, "but it wouldn't be wise to do so."
Sam directed his gaze from Frodo to Merry, and it turned from one of dejection to one of utmost contempt. "I should have suspected from the beginning that it was all your doing!"
"It was just a bit of matchmaking!" said Meriadoc defensively. "No crime was committed; nobody injured; the world didn't end; and life will go on for generations to come, regardless if you ever marry Rose Cotton or no!"
A certain question plagued Frodo's mind, and refused to go away, regardless of his silent pleas and commands. Finally, after much deliberation, he asked it. "Sam, do you still think a hungry and dangerous orc would have been easier to face than Rosie?"
"Without a doubt, Mr. Frodo, and nothing any of you can say or do will make me think otherwise!" Sam, head in his hands, slumped forward onto the table, a pathetic look etched on his face.
Frodo lifted his mug to his lips in order to stifle an amused chortle. He would not let Sam know that he was laughing at his expense.
To Be Continued!
And FrodoBaggins87, I'm grateful for the encouragement you handed over. :)
Another Note: This story takes place a year before the BIG BIRTHDAY. I will be using a mixture of the book and movie verse. If you're familiar with both you'll see what I mean as you read on.
Chapter Four: "Just a Bit of Matchmaking"
When they were certain no burrs remained on Samwise, Merry, Pippin, and Sam re-entered Bag End and settled into various seats in the parlour. Pippin immediately jumped on the sofa, landing with a quiet thud. "You certainly know how to impress the ladies, Samwise Gamgee!" he said in mockery.
"My intention was not to impress Miss Rosie," replied Sam stoutly.
"Do you suspect Rosie will ever fancy you if you continually make a fool of yourself?" asked Merry shortly.
Sam did not reply, but instead crimsoned and turned away from his comrades. This procedure sobered his friends, who suddenly were aware what a sensitive subject they had approached.
Pippin said seriously, "I don't understand romance. Two hobbits can talk to each other just as amicably without becoming a couple. Just think of all the heartache that could be avoided if nobody courted and married!"
With a puckish grin on his crooked mouth, Merry added, "Without marriage, just think of all the hobbits that wouldn't be born!"
"Merry has been talking of nothing but hobbit lasses ever since he saw Violet Chubb near Michel Delving three days ago," Pippin explained to Sam
"You would as well if a lady hobbit backed you into a corner and told you weren't going to leave until you kissed her," responded Meriadoc.
"You didn't kiss Violet, did you?" Sam asked in consternation.
"No, but with all the trouble she caused me, I should have kissed her and have done with it," answered Merry between chuckles. He added carelessly, "We'll leave you alone with Rosie for awhile if you want. That way you two can have complete privacy while you get better acquainted."
"I don't know about that," Samwise began, grappling for the precise words. "I think it would be rather suspicious if you suddenly all left the room except me."
"Why does Sam want to become better acquainted with Rosie? I thought he knew her well enough?" Pippin scratched his head, trying puzzle out that imponderable.
Sam ignored his innocent friend to reply, "I don't need to be alone with Rosie in order to talk to her."
"Is that your definition of courting?" Meriadoc let out a high-pitched whistle that grated the ears.
"I didn't mention anythin about courting!" protested Sam.
Merry was about to argue the point when he heard footfalls. As the steps drew nearer, Merry pounced on Sam and sent him sprawling to the floor. "Grab him, Pippin; don't let him get away." Merry started to ruffle Sam's hair, while Pippin batted his cousin.
"Don't attack me; we're trying to get Samwise right now!" Meriadoc glared at Peregrin, but his frown quickly turned into a smirk. Smiling mischievously, Pip swatted Merry once more before attacking the unaided Sam.
Frodo and Rosie entered the room with the tea. "I have several warm cups waiting to be drunk, but you had better get it while it lasts," teased Frodo. When he did not receive a response, he smiled at the romping threesome on the floor.
"Oi! Why did you go and do that for?" cried Sam abruptly. He was holding one of the buttons from his brown vest in his hands and was glaring at a far from remorseful Merry.
"I'll sew it back on if you wish." Rosie rushed over to assist him, scrutinising the tear and the doleful expression on Sam's countenance.
"Bilbo has thread and several needles stored away in his room. I will find these for you." Eager to be of assistance, Frodo set down the tray of tea on a side table and exited the room with Merry and Pippin following.
Samwise watched the hobbits leave one by one until only Miss Cotton remained. He was about to leave as well when Frodo re-entered the parlour.
He gazed warily around before he asked, "Where did my two cousins go, Sam?"
"I would gather that they went to raid your pantries," was Sam's miserable reply. He wished he was joining Meriadoc and Peregrin in their repast instead of sitting uncomfortably on the floor with Rosie.
Frodo handed the acquired materials to Miss Cotton and left in search for his cousins. Whistling cheerfully, Rosie motioned for Sam to give her the button, which was clutched rather tightly in his brown paw.
Samwise obliged her command, staring grimly at the parlour door. He was rather peeved that his friends had set him up in this fashion; he preferred to court a lady on his own accord without the interference of meddlesome young hobbits. Granted, Master Frodo was not involved in this unfortunate scheme, but Samwise felt betrayed by him nonetheless. If Mister Frodo had stayed to supervise the two, Sam would have felt at ease and would have been able to devise a plan to get him out of this business without coming near to admitting his true feelings to Rosie
Rosie sighed happily as she sewed his button back in place. She was oblivious to Mister Gamgee's agitation. "I'm so glad I could do this small task for you." She blushed as she spoke, and Sam couldn't help but be pleased. "My only regret is that I don't know the real you. You rarely speak to me, save when I am with my brothers. When we're alone, I feel there is a barrier guarding your true self from me. Tell me, are you funny, or serious; responsible or impulsive?"
Samwise was in a quandary which had no escape. He did not wish to tell Miss Cotton about his true person; that was private information that none, apart from his family and Master Frodo, knew. He resolved to be as evasive as possible. "I'm all of that, among other things. The real me is difficult to explain to a person who only knows me as her brothers' friend, if you follow me. I'm suppose I am serious, though I wouldn't put it pass me to make a joke."
Sam fumbled through his dialogue, whilst Rosie continued to sew, listening intently. She did not mind his stuttering, for she was enjoying the one-sided conversation. If he had been discussing the weather, she would have listened with the greatest of raptness, proving just how infatuated she was with the young Gamgee. With a swift stroke, Rosie finished stitching the button in place. "There, it's as good as new, or my name is not Rose Cotton." As she stood from the floor, she accidentally brushed her fingers over his hand.
Samwise admired the handiwork for a moment before replying, "Thank you for your kindness, Rosie."
Rosie glanced up at the rotund, browned face in front of her; the sandy hair in desperate need of a cut; the deep brown eyes darting about anxiously. Samwise rose and noticing Rosie's gaze, leaned closer to the lass. At the last moment he turned away, and with a small smile announced, "I ought to have some tea before it gets cold."
"Shall I tell you how much I like you?" Rosie asked suddenly.
This unexpected inquiry bewildered Samwise. Being the polite hobbit that he was, he answered, "If it pleases you, then go ahead." Immediately following the reply, remorse filled him. He did not wish to hear any declaration of love from this hobbit lass. He was far too young to court, and if age hadn't been an issue, he was far too shy. The only sensible thing to do was to change the subject, which Samwise did accordingly with much gusto. "As you might have heard, Master Bilbo has gone to visit Gandalf the Grey, and the party as been postponed."
"I had heard. That is why I found it odd that Mr. Frodo was speaking of eating the pies tonight!"
"Well, we are having a small get-together to commemorate Frodo's birthday this eventide. Would you care to come?"
Rosie's eyes sparkled with mirth as she answered, "It would be a privilege, Sam! Let me tell the news to my family!" She dashed out of the house before Sam could warn her that it was to be a small affair.
It must be stated that the Cottons was by no means an undersized clan. Brothers, sisters, aunt, uncles, and cousins by the score were known to visit Farmer Cotton's hobbit-hole at one time or another. Fear consumed Sam as he thought of the many relatives who might arrive for Frodo's secret fete. "And he made me promise to bring only two friends!" murmured Sam pitifully. Sam's head filled with thoughts of Mr. Frodo discharging him once he discovered how many uninvited hobbits had shown for this exclusive party because of his blunder.
"It must be some consolation to you that even if you won't be working for Mr. Frodo tomorrow, Rosie Cotton touched your vest!" With this consideration, he scooped up the neglected tray of tea, and hurried to find the other hobbits.
As Sam entered the kitchen, Pippin demanded, "Well, what happened between you and Miss Cotton?"
"Do the words 'being schemin and interferin is very unbecomin,' mean anything to you?" Sam gently placed the tea tray on the table.
"Not in particular," retorted Merry, not at all fazed by Samwise's caustic comment.
"Well, would you believe me if I said 'nothing happened between Rosie and me'?"
"No," all three of them replied in unison.
"Then I won't say it." Samwise poured himself a warm cup of tea, grabbed a raisin cake, and sat opposite Frodo at the table. "It was a rather uncomfortable business, and I hope you two have learned your lesson. Of course, I don't blame you, Master, but I don't understand why you did not help me."
"I had not realised Merry and Pippin's plans until I was seated in the kitchen. By then, Miss Rosie was mending your vest, and I saw no need to interfere. It appeared to be innocent enough." Frodo took a large bite of his raspberry tart, oblivious to Samwise's disconsolate gaze.
Pippin noticed and said to Merry, "You had better not meddle in Sam's affairs again!"
"I can if I want," interjected Meriadoc, "but it wouldn't be wise to do so."
Sam directed his gaze from Frodo to Merry, and it turned from one of dejection to one of utmost contempt. "I should have suspected from the beginning that it was all your doing!"
"It was just a bit of matchmaking!" said Meriadoc defensively. "No crime was committed; nobody injured; the world didn't end; and life will go on for generations to come, regardless if you ever marry Rose Cotton or no!"
A certain question plagued Frodo's mind, and refused to go away, regardless of his silent pleas and commands. Finally, after much deliberation, he asked it. "Sam, do you still think a hungry and dangerous orc would have been easier to face than Rosie?"
"Without a doubt, Mr. Frodo, and nothing any of you can say or do will make me think otherwise!" Sam, head in his hands, slumped forward onto the table, a pathetic look etched on his face.
Frodo lifted his mug to his lips in order to stifle an amused chortle. He would not let Sam know that he was laughing at his expense.
To Be Continued!