|
Blanco shook his head emphathetically, and stated that they had done nothing at all but wait for the return of the riders. Posco regarded Lily with a thoughtful eye. She said she enjoyed the Shire, and he wondered what she would of Buckland if she ever saw it. He wondered if she would love it, and if she would want to live there. He coloured at the thought, but he continued to dwell upon it. Surely there was not much more now. He loved Lily, he loved her as much as he could having only known her a day, and he loved her more every moment. He would want to take her home as his bride as soon as he left, but he knew he must wait. It was unnatural for a hobbit to marry a girl he had only known a day. He would have to court her for awhile yet. But time would pass. The only question was: Did she love him?
He studied her hair, fair in his eyes despite that it was tangled, and her sparkling eyes, and her rosy cheeks, and her smiling lips. Surely there was no lass fairer than she. Queen of all Buckland, he would make her, for she was fair enough for a Queen. But he? Ah, he was a blushing little fool who never could appear presentable as his brother, and he couldn't possibly give Lily the enjoyment she would want. She was a friendly, lively little thing, and she would want to go to all the dances, while he would want to stay home. Well! Posco squared his shoulders and lifted his chin. If she wanted to go to dances, she very well could, and he would go with nothing but pride to have such a pretty little wife by his side, and pleasure to be honoured enough to dance with her. First, of course, he must court her, and then he must ask for her hand. And he did not know her father.
'Tell me, Lily,' he said, 'a little more about your family, especially your father.' He looked nervously at her, and wondered if she would guess what he was thinking of. It would be humiliating if she did, and he would lose the fight before it was begun. 'Is he a kind sort of fellow? And what is he like as far as you are concerned? Would he consider you too good to marry a poor lad and want you to marry to someone prominent?' Her face had a curious expression, and he wondered madly if she were guessing his thoughts. He hastily went on, staggering over his words and eventually trailing off into nothinginess. 'Because if he does... I could... introduce you to someone... prominent...'
|