A/N: Forgive the long time between updates, I tend to plan ahead, but not write ahead.
Things will get more exciting in the next few chapters, I promise.
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The rain hammered against the glass panes, so the world outside appeared to ripple and cascade. No, Daisy thought. He definitely wouldn't be out in this weather. Another day she wouldn't see him.
A particularly loud snore from her parents' bedroom startled her as she walked past. No wonder Mam had gone out early. Who'd want to put up with that racket all night and all morning? Mind you, it probably wasn't as bad as being out in that rain.
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Hamfast stirred when he felt the sleeve of his nightshirt tighten and move his arm all about. Something's' not right there, he thought. And then he opened his eyes to see young Sam's face moulded into worry and concern.
"What's the matter Sam-lad? Can't a body sleep his fill?"
"Dad, Mam didn't wake us up in time to go to Bag End on time. What if Mister Bilbo is angry with us for not being there on time?"
"Steady on, lad," Hamfast said as he sat up. "Your Mam woke me up, she's good about that, and then I saw it was raining, and I says to her, "You can't do nothing any good when you're miserable and wet." So I stayed here in bed and went back to sleep. We gardeners need a day or two off as well, you know, from time to time. Now let your old dad sleep some."
Hamfast got himself comfortable and settled down to sleep again. Not long after, he felt the bed dip a bit as a little hobbit scrambled up to curl up next to his father.
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Daisy and May had just dished out second breakfast to those who were awake to eat it when Bell plodded through the front door, packets and bags in her arms, all dripping wet. Halfred rose to take the bags from her arms while Daisy fetched her a towel and May served up a plate for her.
"Thank you, m'dears. Didn't think to take an umbrella with me, in case it started up again. Daft of me, really. Besides which, I didn't think I'd be out so long."
"What kept you then, Mam? You missed first breakfast. Mind, you're not the only one. Dad and Sam are still abed."
"Well go and give them a dig, lad, else they'll grumble all day about having nought for breakfast, first or otherwise." She took her seat at the table and buttered her toast. "That Daffodil Butcher could talk forever if you let her. She's a nice enough lass, but it's hard graft to get her to take a breath."
"Oh aye," Daisy agreed. She'd been subjected to Daffodil herself on a few occasions.
Bell undid the bun at the back of her head and rubbed her hair with the towel May had just returned with. "I don't see the point in so much rain. A little is good, I'll agree, but there's no need for a downpour like that, especially when a hobbit is out and about. It's just inconsiderate." With that, she left for her bedroom, passing Sam and Halfred in the corridor to throw her sopping clothes over her husband.
