When Sam called at the Cottons' to take Rosie out walking his back was stiff and he'd not meet her eyes. She could almost have worried, but she was still humming from seeing Miss Pervinca, who'd come by all dressed up in lad's clothes with her hair tucked beneath a cap and her eyes flashing merriment; besides, Sam had a touch of fret in his nature, so Rosie waited as they wandered hand in hand in the evening cool, till he finally spoke, slow and halting. "We've ever been friends," he said, staring at his toes, "but if you've a new lad, and a Took at that, I'll not stand in your way."

Rosie blinked, and then laughed, and kissed the frown off his face.