‘He will only hear more of such things if he goes with you, Bilbo, and is alone with you at Bag End. Esmie and Sara may speak evilly, but they are not the only ones to say such things. You know what I think of you, Bilbo, brother! You know I think no such evil of you. Bilbo, I would trust you sleep unattended next to my own wife, or to care for my grandchildren. But others don’t! I might be able to silence Sara and Esmie, but I can’t put a muzzle on every gossip in Buckland, let alone the Shire.’