Aye me, I'm so wore out! A busy few days, busy, busy, busy. But all in good ways, I think. Let's see, where to start...
I've been to Bree more than usual on account of autumn plugging along while I'm not looking. I'm not used to being in charge of a house, but bless Missus Holbrook's heart, she's been pointing me at all the things I need to do. Making sure we've got firewood delivered when we need it, stocking up on things in jars and crocks that'll last the winter and such. I'd like to think I'm a fast learner, and I'm proud that I've been able to manage with keeping the kettle on and the fire going and warming up this or that if one of the boarders is hungry. The cupboard is near full of pickles and jams and all sorts of tasty things to keep us going till spring. I'm rather looking forward to the challenge of making sure everyone in the Boarding House stays warm and comfy. There'll be hot tea and warm biscuits and plenty of knitted socks for cold toes. Something about the thought makes me feel good. About me.
There be...I mean, there is (I still want to try and speak proper, but it's so tiring!) a man who's been playing music around the Prancing Pony lately. Bronion he calls himself. Nice looking and quick with a dashing smile, and very friendly! He wouldn't take coin the first time I listened to him play. He said my enjoyment of the song were payment enough. I told him my enjoyment wouldn't buy his supper! Next time I saw him, I gave him a copper, and then said it looked lonely in his little coin-box, so I put in another. That time, he let me! I don't have many coppers to give, though I'm saving up again since losing my purse to Emory. But it feels so good to give something to another soul. Why does it? I don't know! I just know it does.
I've seen Master Maurr about quite a bit, in Bree and in Knotwood. He's such a jolly and pleasant fellow! Always got a smile to give, and if I were a dwarf-lass, I'd say he's fair handsome to look at, too. He seems to care about Master Tumunir too, and it's a good heart what cares for a prickly old bear like that. I were I was sad to hear that Master Tumunir had said something unkind to Mister Doc. And even sadder when Mister Dimheim said he couldn't come back into the Soothery unless he apologized for it. I understand that. You can't just go around insulting folk for no reason, especially someone high up like a doctor. Mister Doc is such a nice dwarf, I can't imagine why anyone would think to say anything unkind to him! But at the same time, Master Tumunir isn't a wicked monster. He just has lots of prickles and barbs, like a porcupine. But there's a nice heart underneath it.
Master Maurr said all the dwarves will be going to east for some kind of special Day soon. It's going to be strange to have them all gone, all at once. The village will feel right empty, I think. He said he doesn't think Master Tumunir might go, as he doesn't have anyone to go back to, and that about broke my heart. I hope he does go, I don't want to see him left behind. But I sort of hope he doesn't go, too, as I'd be happy to push all kinds of tea and scones and new socks that he doesn't want on him. Maybe it'd be better for his sake if he did go, to get away from me and my annoying kindness!
I saw a sign posted that Mister Dimheim is offering all kinds of lessons. And I mean all kinds! Even how to take the bones out of fish? That one were was odd to me! Oh, aye, I saw that he were offering dancing lessons, sure and certain. I hope it weren't wasn't because of me and the sad way I turned red like a cherry in his arms when he tried to show me that I could sort of dance by leaning on a fellow. That is, if he wants to give dance lessons, then I hope he does, and I hope it goes well for him. I'm sure it had nothing to do with me at all.
I haven't been as careful as I need to be. I'm trying. I repeat the words to myself every night, over and over. Part of me wishes he'd find a new lass and that'd be that. Just get it over with. I saw young Miss Ollena in Bree yesterday and she made a comment about Mister Dimheim that fair set my teeth on edge and made me furious with myself. But he's been busy as a bee lately, every time I step outside there's folk on his doorstep, coming and going. I guess he'll only be busier and busier with these lessons he's offering to folk. That's a good thing because it helps me put my mind on other things. It were was harder seeing him over there alone all the time. Now he's busy and he's got lots to do and he seems happier to me. Not "happy" but happier. I don't know what kind of person will make him really happy. I don't know if he can be happy. But I hope so.
I try not to spend too much time sitting and thinking. Even with all the chores to do, that only keeps my hands busy, not my brain. I still think too much. I think about Pa and Ma. I think about Emory. I try hard as I can not to ever think about Hultroth as it puts me into a sadness quicker than I can blink. But I think even that is getting easier with time. They say every young girl gets thwarted (?) in love at least once. I've been thwarted twice, so I hope I've paid my dues. I don't want a third time. Anyway, as I were was saying, I need to find a way to keep my mind busy. Especially with winter coming in a few months, I don't need to sit by a fire in the dark and cry my way to spring. Masters Maurr and Tumunir will be long gone by then. What a sad thought. I'll figure something out.
But speaking of folk being gone, when I got home this evening, what do I find but Mister Holbrook and a boy from the farm, dragging a new bed into the house! He said Missus Holbrook were was so pleased that both beds were taken and she didn't want any new visitors being turned away, so she found a third one. I hardly know how they found a spot for it in this tiny house, but they did! And it doesn't look too crowded either, which seems like a miracle. My stomach has a little knot in it to think of trying to take care of a third person if one should show up. But I'll do my best if it happens.
Now I've written until my hand aches. That's enough for tonight!
