The sun is so bright today! But I can't seem to get warm. One of those days where the wind bites your ears and even your eyes! I went out earlier to fetch some firewood and still haven't been able to get this chill out of my bones. This'll be an evening of keeping my chair close to the fire with a few layers of blankets round me!
The new boarder, Mister Darrell, has been coming and going quite a bit while he looks for odd jobs to do. He asked me what he might do around the Boarding House and I thought I'd have him take a look in the chimney, since the hearth has been smoking here and there. And last thing we want is the guests breathing in mouthfuls of soot! He were happy to scamper up the ladder quick like a squirrel, and sure enough, there were a bird's nest blocking the chimney. I can't remember how it came about exactly, but he asked about Pa and Ma, and said they'd be proud to see me working and running a house. It were such a kind thing to say. He keeps calling me "Lady Taite" and I told him I'm the farthest thing from a proper Lady. He's been awful nice and maybe here or there I think he might be complimenting a bit much. Maybe not flirting, but maybe? I don't know. What do I know about such things?
I've run into Mister Aeru again and we had a nice talk. He still has a way of bringing out things in me that I never intend to say and that bothers me some. He apologized for being stiff and grumpy at the Yule ball. He said the way I had danced without caring were "adorable" and gods, did that ever make me blush! I told him it were all right and nothing to fret over and he is who he is. He brought up Mister Dimheim and said he thought I'd been taking dancing lessons from the man. I can't imagine what made him think such a thing! I might've thought about it once upon a time, but that door be closed because that's how Mister Dimheim wanted it. And far be it from me to push in where I'm not wanted. Mister Aeru still gets a grin out of that night he were such a scoundrel in the Soothery study. It's hard not to smile back when he does that, but I think I managed to stay stern enough!
I finally had a chance to speak to Miss Finchley about what she needs for the winter. Ran into her at the Prancing Pony of all places. I'll have some mittens and a scarf whipped up for her in no time! I'm finally starting to feel like I've got some proper skill with knitting now, and it gives me a rather tasty sense of pride. I've got one blanket finished for Mister Leoffrith, too. I'll look for him next time I drive into Bree, and if he isn't at the stable, I guess I can just leave it there for him.
Oh, I almost forgot! While Miss Finchley and I were chatting in town, Master Tumunir were sitting off by himself like he likes to do. But then a dwarf I've never seen before sat down and started chatting with him. The strange dwarf seemed excited, but Master Tumunir looked furious! I only caught bits and pieces of what they were saying to each other, but of course, knowing what I know about him now, I'm a little worried. Hopefully he'll explain it all to me when I see him next.
