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Tim was still smiling at Gerdy’s way of carrying on when Fordogrim addressed him. He turned his attention to him. When Fordogrim expressed his wish of being introduced to the three hobbit ladies sitting a little way away, Tim found himself a little surprised.
“Well, I’ve not been here longer than last night, and I’ve never clapped eyes on them either,” he said. “But, if you want me to go ask them over, I can.” He glanced towards the girls. The two younger ones were speaking together and then one looked across. He couldn’t tell if she looked at Fordogrim or himself, but he guessed that she had her eye directed towards the hobbit. “It looks like I won’t have to do much convincing,” he said, getting up. “I’ll go out and see that everything is taken care of in the stables afterwards.” He nodded to Fordogrim and walked forward.
It never occurred to him in any light or form what a ridiculous proposition he was about to make. He found no reason to be embarrassed by the question he was sent to deliver, though had he been much older he might have. He did wonder why Fordogrim hadn’t asked them himself, but didn’t trouble with trying to figure out an answer.
The two young ladies at the table were aware of his approach as soon as it had come, and their older companion had noticed him before he stopped by the table.
“Excuse me,” he said, more for forms sake than to get their attention. He already had it. “Mr. Fordogrim over there,” he nodded his head in that general direction, “was wondering if you wouldn’t mind joining him for the remainder of lunch.”
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