[Nurumaiel]

Angelica set down the steaming plate of eggs and bacon in front of Fosco as she continued scolding, "Fosco, I hope you realize I'm very disappointed by you. You had no call to act that way towards your sister."

"She didn't call for me to, but she was just telling me with her eyes," Fosco protested. "She was calling… with her eyes."

Angelica turned and pretended to sneeze. She would not laugh.

"And, Mummy, she threw pudding at me back."

"I'm glad she threw pudding back at you," said Angelica. "It will teach you a good lesson you shouldn't forget. If she had done that on her own I would be giving her a good spanking this very moment, but since Miss Pio approved, and even helped her, so - "

"Mum, there's someone at the door for you! He has a message!"

Another one? Angelica thought. Goodness, what is it this time? Aloud she said, "Bring the message here, Madoc! I'm making breakfast, I can't come."

A minute later Madoc came in, holding out a letter. Angelica took it from him and looked down the hallway towards the door. "Madoc, up until now you have been the most respectful of my rule… closing the front door?"

"He said he'd wait for a message back."

"Very well, then. Your breakfast is ready. Sit down and eat it; I'll go to the door with the message back."

Angelica opened the letter and read quickly. She did not want to leave whoever it was standing at the door.

Angelica Baggins Muddyfoot
Hobbiton, Westfarthing, the Shire
22 Thrimidge

My dear Angelica,
I was so happy to hear that you had agreed to be the midwife for Mistress Piosenniel. I know that everything will go well now that she will be in your capable hands.

It occurred to me that there is something we need to discuss with her, and I am hesitant to bring it up on my own, since I think she may simply shrug off the suggestion as the worries of an old Hobbit. Coming from you, though, she may be more receptive, since she will view you and your opinions as being authoritative on the subject of babies.
We both know that this will be her first time as a mother, and twins can be very trying even to the most experienced. She has no family to help her out, as you know, and so the burden of two demanding little ones will fall entirely on her shoulders. I'd like to propose that we convince her to have a nursemaid once the babies arrive.

Now, I've given some thought to whom this might be, and I think I've got one who would be a perfect match for Miz Pio. We're distantly related on my mother's side. I know she's free, not married yet, has a good head on her shoulders, and dotes on babies and younger kids. And she's had plenty of experience, being the oldest in a family of twelve. It's Gillyflower Took, I'm thinking of - Everard Took and Menthes Brandybuck Took's daughter. They're the family from Waymeet in Westfarthing. Everard's the son of old Adelard who passed on some ten years ago.

What say you to this idea?

Miz Pio should be asking to see you soon to talk over the particulars of the birthing. That is, once she gets settled in with her husband, who has just arrived today at the Green Dragon Inn. I was hoping you can bring it up then with her, if that is agreeable with you.

I shall await your answer before I write Gilly.

Sincerely,

~~~ Amaranthas ~~~
Amaranthas Bolger

Angelica re-folded the letter and left the kitchen, calling down the long hallway as she entered her bedroom, "I'll be there in just a moment!"

Taking a paper and pen from her desk drawer, she began to write a very elegant reply. The letter soon changed, however, as she heard battle-cries from the kitchen.

Dear Amaranthas,
I have read your letter and I have thought it over carefully, and it seems that that would be a wise choice. I have spoken with Gillyflower Took on occasion. Though I do not know her very well, we've happened to cross paths and she seems most suitable. You may write her and ask.

Angelica Muddyfoot

Angelica grabbed the letter and half-ran down the hallway towards the front door, yelling into the kitchen as she passed, "You stop that right now, Fosco Muddyfoot!" She knew it was him.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting, sir," she said to the hobbit standing at the door. "Here is the letter for you to take back to Miss Bolger. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some children to attend to."

The hobbit grinned and hurried down the path, while Angelica turned and marched towards the kitchen, an angry expression on her face.