[Arry]

Andwise made his way over to where the man sat, a mug of hot tea in his hands. He stood for a moment until Derufin raised his eyes from the generous plate of eggs and ham and toast he was attacking and motioned with his fork to the empty chair across the table. The Hobbit sat down with a smile, shaking his head in wonder at the man’s appetite. ‘However did you manage to get that plate of food?’ he asked. ‘I just asked for a little something to go with the tea and was told lunch was in progress and the food would come soon.’

Derufin grinned, picking up his own mug of tea to wash down his mouthful. Miz Bunce, it appeared, had developed a soft spot in her heart for the fellow and had fixed him the eggs herself.

‘She’s a good woman . . . Miz Bunce is,’ nodded Andwise. ‘though don’t tell her I said so. She’s the sort that likes to put a bit of the fear into those around her. Keeps ‘em on their toes.’

Talk drifted to those general things between men on a rainy day . . . the brief asking after each other’s family; the weather, of course; the work needing to be done, but now must be put off; the Spring Faire, just weeks around the corner, and who might win the archery contest this year; who might win the pie eating contest.

At the mention of pie eating, Derufin’s eyes lit up. But Andwise shook his head at him. ‘Big as you are, you’ll never beat Big Tolly. Oldest Proudfoot lad of Hamm and Daphne.’ Derufin raised his brows. ‘Still,’ said Andwise, looking him up and down. ‘With a little coaching you might do a credible job of it.’ He leaned forward toward the man. ‘I, myself, won it the year I married my dear wife.’ He sat back in his chair, and eyed the man again. ‘I could give you a few tips . . .’