Throughout the quest to reclaim Erebor, Bilbo learned to deal with the many vexing behaviours of the Dwarves. One thing he could never adapt to, however, was their belief in superstition.
“I made a promise to your mother, before she passed.” "And?” Bilbo prompted. “I promised your mother I would find you a husband.” “W-what?” Bilbo spluttered, pushing his tea aside as he leapt from his armchair. “I - how could you - who would I even -” “Why, Thorin Oakenshield, of course,” Gandalf answered with a far too smug smile.
Thorin temporarily settles in the Shire to work as a blacksmith. There he meets Bilbo, a middle-aged bachelor who insists on over-paying (“tipping,” according to the insufferable halfling) for his work.