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“Well, what do you say?”
Jinniver was taken aback and couldn’t think of what to say as quickly as she’d have liked. She bit her lip and looked down for a moment.
“Why, oh, you mean me?” She blustered. “I…why, I should be most happy to help you out. Of course I would. How wonderful of you to think of me!”
Jinniver smiled, looking at each of them in turn, and then shook their hands. “When will we start?” she said brightly. “Is the garden that one by the little cottage you are working on?” She was already thinking of the red geranium plants and the tray of blue trailing lobelia which were in the back of her cart. And the two young fuchsia bushes which were already showing signs of the drooping pink and purple flowers they would bear.
Turning to Derufin, she asked him to think about what sort of plants and flowers he would like her to provide. “I can send word to my father and niece, as they are at home tending the farm, and they can send along just about anything you could want for your garden. So please, do tell me what you and your good lady would like to see in your garden.” Then she realised something. “Is this to be a surprise for the hand fasting I have heard so much talk about?”
Egbert Proudfoot puffed his chest out a little with pride at having arranged something so splendid for all. He had always been a great one for organising and setting business in order for other people, and he felt very pleased with himself. Jinniver could tell he was thinking about what a good job he had done, and she thanked Mr Proudfoot warmly once again, and decided to leave him a gift of a free jar of especially tasty horseradish sauce when she delivered his order, by way of thanks. It would go nicely with some mashed taters, and she felt sure the hobbit would enjoy it.
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