Awwww. You're no fun!
At least from a hobbit's point of view the delayed start gets them a good breakfast at The Prancing Pony. And they need a good breakfast for this cheerless part of their journey.
'Very odd," said Frodo, tightening his belt, 'considering that there is actually a good deal less of me. I hope the thinning process will not go on indefinitely, or I shall become a wraith.'The hobbits are still learning about their new friend:'Do not speak of such things!' said Strider quickly, and with surprising earnestness.
The hobbits gazed at Strider. It seemed that he was learned in old lore, as well as in the ways of the wild. 'Who was Gil-galad?' asked Merry; but Strider did not answer, and seemed to be lost in thought. Suddenly a low voice murmured:Gil-galad was an Elven-king........'He [Bilbo] did not make it up,' said Strider. 'It is part of the lay that is called The Fall of Gil-galad, which is in an ancient tongue. Bilbo must have translated it....'
Of him the harpers sadly sing:
the last whose realm was fair and free
between the Mountains and the Sea.
His sword was long, his lance was keen,
his shining helm afar was seen;
the countless stars of heaven's field
were mirrored in his silver shield.
But long ago he rode away,
and where he dwelleth none can say;
for into darkness fell his star
in Mordor where the shadows are.
I think this section develops Frodo and Aragorn; we learn why Aragorn's going to make a great king before we learn that he's going to be a king at all. And Frodo bearing that wound for all those days... well, I'm sorry Jackson cut it out of the movie. Especially when they reach the Ford and Frodo gives that one last act of defiance...."By Elbereth and Luthien the Fair, you shall have neither the ring nor me!" Sorta makes that whole "If you want him, come and claim him" bit seem silly, doesn't it?
'Morning, Longshanks!' he said. 'Off early? Found some friends at last?' Strider nodded, but did not answer.
This takes me back to the scene in the inn with Strider.
'But I must admit,' he added with a queer laugh, 'that I hoped you would take to me for my own sake. A hunted man sometimes wearies of distrust and longs for friendship. But there, I believe my looks are against me.'
Knowing Strider and the whole story, this just breaks my heart.