[piosenniel]

Pio burst out laughing, drawing the wide-eyed stares of both Prim and Angelica. ‘I see I am hemmed in by conniving Hobbits!’ Her eyes glinted impishly. ‘Am I so fearsome that none of you can just speak plainly about things to me, that you need muster the troops to overwhelm my defenses?!’

Mithadan grinned as he ducked out the door. ‘You can be a stiff-necked obstinate Elf, my dear.’ A well aimed pillow from the chair hit him in the back as he made his escape.

Pio picked up one of the squares of white material meant for diapers, and waved it high in the air. ‘I surrender!’ she laughed. ‘If you think it best I have a nursemaid, and if Amaranthas has hand-picked her, then who am I to gainsay her?’ She looked out the window of the front room, and saw the lengthening shadows of the trees.

‘I think Prim has a long enough list for us to work on. And I need to get you and Prisca home. There is a small picnic party tonight at Amaranthas that I need to get ready for.’ She looked consideringly at Angelica. ‘You know, I have kept you over long here. You will not have time to fix supper for your husband and family. You and all should come to Miz Amaranthas’ this evening as my guests. There will be plenty of food. I saw Cook loading it into baskets today.’ She looked at Prim who confirmed her statement. ‘Think about it, and please do come.’

Prisca was retrieved from the stable, where she was happily feeding sugar lumps to herself and to Nettle. Hob harnessed the now sweetened pony, and handed the ladies up to the cart, waving them off as they set off back to Angelica’s.

Once at the door, Pio said thank-you once again for Angelica’s time and patience with her. ‘I hope to see you at the party,’ were her parting words as she flicked the reins and headed back to the Inn.

Merimac stood in the open doorway, Fosco in his arms. ‘Party, mama . . .?’

[ March 20, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]