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Still shaking her head in amazement at finding the Woodlock children safe and sound at the Green Dragon, Widow Rosebank went downstairs and into the Common Room. It was shortly before lunch, and the room was filling up with hungry customers, while a combination of delicious odors permeated the air. They leaked out through a door to one side; somewhere behind it was undoubtedly the kitchen. And in the kitchen would be the inn's Cook, one Miz Bunce, whom Widow Rosebank had been directed to speak to.
Focusing her mind on her main goal, business, the Widow barely registered the happy chattering around her about "a party tonight" and "free ale". Ebba Rosebank regarded her drygoods business not only as a livlihood for herself and her family, but as a challenge and a pleasure. Nothing made her happier than to present her customers with just the right cloth for their needs, or to see someone's face light up at the sight of a perfect gift for a loved one. She enjoyed the chance to handle the few luxury materials her customers required, too. She believed in dealing fair with folks, and the Bree-folk, Big and Little, knew that they could get good value for their silver at Rosebank's Drygoods.
Lately, however, Ebba had started listening to the tales of the travelers who came through Bree and wondering what it would be like to see a Real Mountain or the Great River away in Gondor. She was sure she was too settled to travel far, but if she could do a bit of business in the Shire once or twice a year, that might get her out her rut. This Fair at the Green Dragon sounded like a fine way to introduce her wares. She hoped it would all work out, but first she must talk to the Cook.
While most Big People would have found the idea of getting permission for something from a Cook to be laughable or insulting, Ebba Rosebank was Bree-born and bred, and knew perfectly well the high regard Hobbitry had for good Cooks. Miz Bunce would take careful handling, especially right before a meal, but she had come prepared. She patted the pocket of her skirt, wherein rested a few items she thought might be useful to a skilled cook.
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