“Most unnatural, how your gardener’s lad has tied himself to young Frodo,” Lobelia sniffed.
Unnatural? Bilbo could see the look of concern growing in Dora’s eyes at the mere hint of impropriety.
But how could he fault young Sam? Did not Hamfast follow his own orders, doing all Bilbo asked of him? Sam merely followed his father’s example. Sam had made it plain he was Frodo’s man, a faithful vassal to one who promised to be a most puissant of lords. He would do aught asked of him by Frodo Baggins.
If only most masters were as honorable, Bilbo thought.