[Arry]

‘Ferrin Muddyfoot!’

Derufin could hear the exasperation in the voice of Andwise. He moved to the edge of the roof to see what was happening. There was the older Hobbit, hands on hips, shaking his head at one of the lads. The others, Derufin could see, had gathered at a distance intending to chide their companion. Their words and mocking laughs and hoots died on their lips as Andwise threw them all a withering look.

‘Bad enough one of you,’ he said looking directly at Ferrin, then swiveling his head to take in Tomlin, Gil, and Fallon, ‘bad enough one of you has to show his poor manners to a newcomer to Bywater and a guest at the Inn. And one who’s volunteered from the goodness of her heart to help out.’ He tsk’d, in that certain way that parents have. ‘Now, Ferrin, I know your Ma will not be wanting to hear how you were rude to a guest at the Inn. And her a gardener herself. Sure touch with the hedge roses, your Ma.’ There was a slight cough as a snicker was cut off. ‘And you lads, you’ll be wanting to support your mate in this, I’m certain.’ He motioned them all to draw up nearer, then pointed to where Jinniver had gone to gather herself together and smoke a pipeful. ‘You’ll be wanting to tell her you meant no harm, I’m sure,’ he said with a considering look at Ferrin. ‘And you lot can go with him. You're almost done with the main part of your work on the extra room for the cottage, I can see. How about you ask if she’ll be needing any little fences or borders or window boxes built? Be glad to do that, won’t you?’

He nodded up to where Derufin looked on the little scene with interest. ‘Time’s wasting to get all these projects done. You lads go over and mend fences, so to speak with Mistress Jinniver. Almost time for second breakfasts, too, I think. See if you can help Mistress Buttercup with bringing over the basket of food and drinks once you’re done.’ The lads faces lit up in anticipation of this task.

Andwise watched the four walk slowly over to where Jinniver sat. Noting how the three pushed Ferrin forward first and then gathered in around her their hands gesturing toward the cottage, and her looking up to answer them. Good lads! he thought to himself, nodding his head affectionately at the little scene. I wonder how my Ferdy’s doing?

A tap on his shoulder caught his attention and he turned to see Derufin . . .