Oh, well, hobbits DO come of age at 33 after all! Using Dreamflower's "Hobbit Ages" 2/3 comparison, or .64 specifically, Estella, turning 35 the next day, would be just a little shy of 22 and a half in human maturity - probably old enough to know her own mind, certainly, but still rather young to her mother's way of thinking. Estella is her baby after all, and she probably wants to keep her little girl little.

And I'm glad you love Merry finally gathering his courage, nettenya! Me, too. :)