lord of the ringsI spent A few days at Brandy Hall, which I thoroughly enjoyed. And though I did take my journal with me as I promised myself, I failed in my vow to keep to make a daily entry. I suppose I was just having too much fun. I hardly had a minute to myself! Everytime I turned round, there was someone wanting to share a drink, a smoke, or a chat, and sometimes, all three at once. ( And, there is always someone who will still ask me about Bilbo, if I've "heard from him?", do I "know where he is?", or do I "presume he’s dead?") I've become a master at changing the subject. And, of course, the older folk from The Hall, that don't get about much anymore, always want to know what is going on in Hobbiton or Bywater or other parts of the Shire. So, I find that I am fairly popular when I come to Buckland. Mind, I'm not complaining! I quite enjoyed it all!
There were some changes since my last visit. Bennie's grandmother, Sapphire Brandybuck-Baggins, who for some time now, has rarely ventured from her room, has taken "officially" to her bed. She is convinced that her days are truly numbered. But, others say the tough, "old girl" may very well be around for another twenty years, yet! I hope so. I spent some time with her, and I'm amazed by her will and sharp wit.
Also, newlyweds, Rudigar and Dahlia Brandybuck, are expecting their first baby and Berilac and and Pansy Brandybuck were celebrating the birth of their sixth child, or is it their seventh?
Then of course, there was Merry, who kept me plenty busy. He and I visited Bucklebury and sampled some of the brew at the local inn, several times.
And, much to my delight, I did happen to encounter Miss Sparrow Singswell, who it turned out was delighted to give me an unpremeditated lesson. However, I fear that I shall never be the singer that she is. Perhaps I need to take up lessons on a musical instrument, instead. I may speak to her about that later, to see what she recommends.
All in all, I had a very full social calendar. By the time I actually did manage to get a little private time, right before bed, I was so tired I literally fell into bed and into slumber straight away! Oh my, it does sound as though I'm making excuses for neglecting my journal. All right then, I'll admit it! I was downright lazy and didn't have a care about writing when the time came!
But now that I'm back at Bag End once more, I should be able to get back to a routine. Well, perhaps not right away. I've arrived back home in time for the hustle and bustle of the Yule festivities to really begin to make headway. Although it's a little short notice, I thought I might throw a small, impromptu dinner party myself for friends and neighbors. I've only a day between now and my party, so I had best make haste with the preparations.
However, I woke up this morning and realized that a slight doubt had crept into my mind during the night. I was beginning to wonder whatever had prompted me to want to host a party on such short notice. After deliberating on that one for a while over my morning tea, I finally put it down to a matter of simple high spirits leftover from my recent visit to Brandy Hall. Well, it wasn't going to be a large gathering, at any rate, just a few close friends. So, by the time I finished first breakfast, I was once again filled with enthusiasm and ready to set events in motion.
Since there wouldn't be time to post invitations, I would have to deliver invitations personally. I didn't mind, really. It wouldn't take all that long, I figured. I knew that Sam planned to come by this morning to take a look at the door to the garden shed; one of the hinges had come loose and banged incessantly whenever the wind blew. So, I could give him his invitation when he arrived. (I know he'll want to bring the Gaffer, and he's more than welcome! But I plan to encourage Sam to bring Rosie Cotton as his guest. I feel it's my duty to give him a little push in that area, now and then.)
I also intended to invite a distant cousin of mine who was now living in Hobbiton, Daffodil Baggins-Underfoot, and her husband, Chesman. Then, of course, Fatty Bolger and Folco Boffin. I was almost sure that I could find the two of them, togther, at The Green Dragon. I was even pretty sure of the exact time. So, that would take care of two birds with one stone.
That mainly left Mundee and Bennie's invitations. It was a sure bet that I wouldn't find those two cozying up together. Once again, a tiny harbinger of doubt began to cause a sense of unease to ruffle my perfect plans. I had visions of Bennie interrogating me about Mundee's undoubted presence at the party. And, I could picture the raised eyebrow and look of displeasure on Mundee's face as she asked me, as I assumed she surely would, if Bennie would be on the guest list.
(Note: Be sure to remove all breakable or sharp objects from the room.)
*****
Bless Sam! After he arrived and found me still pondering on my predicament, he offered to deliver those two particular invitations for me. I couldn't submit him to such an experience, but I thanked him for his brave offer. I caught the doubtful look on his face.
"What? What is it?" I asked.
"Mr. Frodo, Ya know Oi don't loike ta question ya, but do ya think it's a good idea t' invite both Miss Bennie and Miss Mundee?"
"Oh, but Sam, I have to!" I said too quickly. "They are my cousins...and besides I want to invite them...really, I do! Don't worry, it will be all right, I'm sure."
Sam looked skeptical, but he had the grace to refrain from saying anything else. (As for the suggestion that he bring Rosie Cotton along, well, he turned red and quickly changed the subject, mumbling somehting about the shed door. I shall have to push a little harder, I see.)
However, I hit on a satisfactory solution to my situation. While in Bywater, hunting down Fatty and Folco, I managed to procure the services of one of the local lads, a rather persistent youth, who tried to tempt me into purchasing a huge fish that smelled a little "off" and looked as if the family cat had made a partial meal of it. I declined that transaction, but I did get him to agree to deliver invitations to the Misses Baggins and to the Underfoots, as well. I hastily wrote out the directions on a piece of paper that had formerly housed the said fish and paid him handsomely, a much better price than he would have gotten for that sad bundle of smelly fins and bone. He scampered off on his mission and I continued on mine, quite hopeful that my party would be a pleasant affair, afer all.
