Nell: Is that Marvin in Toronto?

Me: Yes. He likes looking out of the window.

Nell: He’s probably looking for raccoons.

Me: You look for squirrels and he looks for raccoons.

Nell: Nonsense. I never bothered with squirrels and I certainly don’t now.

Me: You didn’t like horses, or bicycles.

Nell: I don’t suppose Marvin does either.

Me: I’m not sure if there are many horses in Toronto but there are lots of bicycles.

Nell: Being up here is a little like looking out of a window.

Me: Is it?

Nell: Yes. You can see things, but from a distance.

Me: Do you still need your reading glasses?

Nell: No, but I keep a pair in my handbag just in case.

Me: Do you remember when Gladys the Pomeranian used to sleep in your handbag?

Nell: Yes, and David would steal it.

Me: Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.

Nell: Naughty animal.

Me: I love the way Marvin has one cheeky ear.

Nell: It’s not cheeky. It just does its own thing. Poppy is the same.

Me: Poppy’s always done her own thing. How is she?

Nell: She’s gone fencing with Charlie.

Me: Sword fighting or actual fencing?

Nell: Swords, of course. It’s St. George’s Day on Thursday so she wants to practise fighting the dragon.

Me: But Dave won’t be able to be her dragon.

Nell: She’s going to use a Heffalump instead.

Me: Isn’t that a little dangerous?

Nell: Poppy knows no fear.

Me: Nevertheless.

Nell: Will you be celebrating?

Me: I don’t think so. I have the dentist in the morning and my Covid vaccination in the afternoon.

Nell: You can still celebrate.

Me: Maybe.

Nell: I think you should. David loves playing the dragon and I’m sure someone will play St. George.

Me: Yes. You’re right. Sorry.

Me: Harriet is doing that Can I Come In Please?

Nell: Come in where?

Me: She’s outside the bedroom. She wants to come in and snuggle with Dave but she won’t walk through the door until I tell her she can.

Nell: Why do you have to tell her?

Me: I’ve no idea.

Nell: That’s ridiculous.

Me: She does this sometimes.

Nell: Harriet has a habit of sitting in the second row.

Me: What do you mean?

Nell: She doesn’t like to appear pushy so she puts herself last.

Me: Dave doesn’t really do that.

Nell: David never does that.

Me: Neither do you.

Nell: If you don’t look after yourself how can you look after others?

Me: True.

Nell: A certain amount of selfishness is necessary.

Me: Anyway, I told her she could come in and she quickly snuggled up to Dave.

Nell: Did he notice?

Me: Not really. He was having a post-breakfast nap.

Nell: Soft-boiled eggs?

Me: Yes, from the farm with hot-buttered toast and a large cup of tea.

Nell: Perfect. I had scrambled eggs this morning with a side of smoked salmon.

Me: Very fancy.

Nell: I thought about The Cat. How is it coping without me?

Me: A lot better than it was.

Nell: Was it very sad?

Me: Sad? Complete and utter devastation. Weeping and wailing.

Nell: Oh dear.

Me: It’s only just out of mourning.

Nell: Out of mourning?

Me: It refused to wear anything but black.

Nell: That’s not like The Cat.

Me: There were feathers and high-heeled boots.

Nell: Well, that’s a relief.

Me: But to answer your question the mourning period appears to be over as I saw it yesterday in a sequinned coat.

Nell: Good. It’s nice to be mourned but not excessively. Take note.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Me: Look at my Big Brave Beautiful Boy. Doesn’t he have a gorgeous smile?

Nell: Silly animal.

Me: He’s not silly. He’s adorable.

Nell: He’s my nephew so how could he be anything else?

Me: I’m not going to argue with that.

Nell: He loves that toy.

Me: I know. Harriet doesn’t care about toys.

Nell: She has other things on her mind. Any news?

Me: The Puppies had an Enormous Adventure on their early evening walk yesterday.

Nell: What do you mean?

Me: Kev said it was actually quite frightening.

Nell: What on earth happened?

Me: They were nearly home and walking down the narrow lane near the farm when a huge deer came running towards them at full pelt.

Nell: Goodness me.

Me: Kev said it was going really fast.

Nell: What did they do?

Me: Kev pushed them all into the side and the deer rushed past them and jumped into the hedge.

Nell: I wouldn’t have liked that at all.

Me: Neither would I.

Nell: Was the deer being chased?

Me: No. Kev thinks it had lost its way.

Nell: Oh dear.

Me: It could easily have hit them.

Nell: But it didn’t.

Me: No. Thank goodness. Kev is worried about it.

Nell: I’m sure it’ll have found its way back to the others by now.

Me: Hopefully. They were all very shaken when they got home.

Nell: Of course they were.

Me: Frau Hoffmann gave them some tea and homemade biscuits.

Nell: Good idea. There’s nothing like a nice cup of tea in times of stress.

Me: I agree.

Nell: So what are you doing today?

Me: It’s sunny again so we’ll definitely go for a walk.

Nell: Be careful of deer.

Me: We will. Don’t worry.

Nell: But I do.

Me: I know. Sorry.

Me: Isn’t the countryside beautiful at this time of year? It’s truly breathtaking.

Nell: Where are the Puppies? I can only see Nigel.

Me: Dave and Harriet went on a really long walk with Kev earlier so we decided to give Nigel a treat and take him on our own.

Nell: Why didn’t you all go together?

Me: Nigel can be a little reactive around other dogs so Kev needs to take him.

Nell: Oh yes. I remember.

Me: Nigel is a rescue dog and he had a harder start to life.

Nell: Like Mutley and Marvin.

Me: Exactly. Although, Nigel is more reactively fearful of others like Marvin.

Nell: Whereas Mutley isn’t afraid of anything like Poppy.

Me: How is Mutley?

Nell: Still asleep. He’ll wake up when he smells the roast beef Poppy’s cooking.

Me: We’re having the same for Sunday lunch.

Nell: It looks like it’s going to be a sunny day.

Me: Yes. Sunday Songs will be at the Recreation Ground today.

Nell: More room for cartwheeling?

Me: Absolutely, the llamas are very excited.

Nell: The llamas are always excited.

Me: True.

Nell: Make sure you wear a hat in the sun.

Me: I will.

Nell: Is Rupert joining you?

Me: Of course. I believe he and Myfanwy are singing a duet.

Nell: My Rupert is singing a duet?

Me: You know he loves singing and Myfanwy’s a soloist in the Welsh Corgi Choir.

Nell: Yes, you’re right. I need to let him go.

Me: You could always have a little sing-song with the other Guardians?

Nell: A little sing-song?

Me: Why not? Mutley could play the piano.

Nell: Poppy only sings sea shanties.

Me: Any particular reason why?

Nell: She thinks she’s a pirate. Do keep up.

Me: Oh yes. Of course she does. Sorry.

Nell: The Puppies seem to be having a serious conversation.

Me: I thought they were playing Cheeky Animals.

Nell: No, David has a lowered head.

Me: What does that mean?

Nell: My guess would be his sister is giving him some sound advice.

Me: He didn’t mean to eat the bacon.

Nell: You know and I know that he most definitely did but I don’t think this is a food-related discussion.

Me: Dave can’t have done anything really bad. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.

Nell: I suspect it’s to do with his recent behaviour.

Me: What do you mean?

Nell: I’m guessing Harriet might have told Sally about David’s dalliance with Elsie.

Me: It wasn’t a dalliance. He was just having fun. And Harriet wouldn’t do that.

Nell: No. You’re right. It’s probably just a warning.

Me: I still think they’re having a nice little chat or playing Cheeky Animals.

Nell: Either way, I hope David listens to his sister.

Me: You never listened to me.

Nell: I beg your pardon.

Me: When you were having your dalliance with that wretched lion you never listened to anyone.

Nell: That was different.

Me: No, it wasn’t.

Nell: Moving on, what are your plans for today?

Me: The sun is shining so we’re going to take the dogs for a nice long walk.

Nell: Good idea. Will you be watching Saturday Kitchen this morning?

Me: Yes, I expect you miss watching television.

Nell: We have television. In fact Poppy and I are going to watch Saturday Kitchen together.

Me: Really?

Nell: We have whatever we want. I told you.

Me: I like to think of you two watching it up there together but I wish you were watching it down here with me.

Nell: It is what it is.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Nell: You’re up early.

Me: I couldn’t sleep.

Nell: Don’t wake Harriet. She needs her rest.

Me: I won’t. Don’t worry.

Nell: Where is David?

Me: Up here next to my bed.

Nell: That’s where I used to sleep.

Me: Yes. It’s like he knows.

Nell: He does.

Me: Do you remember how you always walked down the stairs next to me? Almost like you didn’t want me to fall?

Nell: I didn’t.

Me: Well, Harriet’s started doing that since you left us.

Nell: I know. And I haven’t left you, by the way.

Me: You know what I mean.

Nell: Anyway, enough chit-chat who is that cat?

Me: His name is Angus and he lives with my writer friend Clare. He’s beautiful, isn’t he?

Nell: He’s a cat. Why is he up a tree?

Me: He likes to go for walks in the countryside with Clare but whenever he sees a dog he goes up a tree.

Nell: Sensible animal. Showing respect.

Me: I’m not sure that’s the reason.

Nell: Cats don’t usually go on accompanied walks.

Me: No, it’s more of a dog thing.

Nell: When did you meet Angus?

Me: I haven’t met him yet. I was telling Clare about the bluebells and she showed me the photos. Isn’t the scenery beautiful?

Nell: I don’t think you should be featuring cats you don’t even know.

Me: Why not?

Nell: You’re a dog person.

Me: I love cats, too.

Nell: Cats are different.

Me: Nigel’s best friend is Xav the Cat.

Nell: Typical Nigel.

Me: I think it’s sweet. They’re adorable together.

Nell: Is Nigel coming to stay this weekend?

Me: Of course.

Nell: Don’t let him bring that cat.

Me: Don’t worry. Xav always stays at home.

Nell: I’ve seen enough cats for today.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Nell: David and Harriet seem transfixed. What are they looking at?

Me: Bluebells. They’re everywhere at the moment. The countryside is so beautiful.

Nell: I remember.

Me: There’s nothing like Devon in spring. it’s my favourite time of the year.

Nell: I don’t think they’re looking at bluebells.

Me: They are, Nell.

Nell: They don’t care about bluebells.

Me: Yes, they do.

Nell: I think they’re looking for squirrels.

Me: Squirrels?

Nell: Yes.

Me: Why are they looking for squirrels?

Nell; Because that’s what we dogs do. You might think we’re admiring the countryside but we’re actually hoping to spot a squirrel.

Me: Gosh.

Nell: Or a rabbit.

Me: Dave loves chasing rabbits. I’ve never seen him run as fast as when that rabbit got into the activity field.

Nell: He caught it.

Me: Yes, he did but he didn’t harm it and he let it go again when we asked him to.

Nell: We Labradors have soft mouths.

Me: You do.

Nell: I’m afraid Poppy and Mutley could not be trusted to let a rabbit go.

Me: They’re terriers, Nell.

Nell: Poppy never really lets anything go, truth be told.

Me: Do you have rabbits and squirrels up there?

Nell: We have everything. But nobody is supposed to be chased or caught.

Me: Does Poppy know that?

Nell: She does, although Knowing doesn’t necessarily mean Doing in her case.

Me: Oh dear.

Nell: She wants to go on a Heffalump Hunt.

Me: That’s dreadful.

Nell: Don’t worry. There won’t be any Catching.

Me: Are you sure?

Nell: Yes. It’s all about Finding.

Me: What if the Heffalump doesn’t want be found?

Nell: Nobody does.

Me: I wouldn’t.

Nell: Nobody’s going to hunt you. You’re not a Heffalump.

Me: I feel like one sometimes.

Nell: Don’t be silly.

Me: Sorry.

Nell: David has A Guilty Face.

Me: Does he? I hadn’t noticed.

Nell: You know he does.

Me: Maybe he ate something by mistake?

Nell: He never feels guilty about food. He does it all the time.

Me: Maybe he stole a tea towel?

Nell: He does that all the time, too. Maybe he’s been flirting with a certain pretty young Chocolate Labrador called Elsie?

Me: He says they’re just friends.

Nell: Sally is not going to be very pleased with him.

Me: Sally doesn’t need to know.

Nell: Sally knows everything.

Me: She’ll understand. Stop making a mountain out of a molehill.

Nell: Why bring moles into this?

Me: It’s just a saying.

Nell: Handsome Labradors like David need to tread carefully when they’re around young impressionable animals like Elsie.

Me: They simply enjoy each other’s company.

Nell: There’s nothing simple about it.

Me: You can talk after stringing that wretched lion along for years.

Nell: I beg your pardon?

Me: You knew Lionel King was smitten with you.

Nell: Nonsense.

Me: You persisted in forgiving him over and over.

Nell: His heart was in the right place.

Me: Was it?

Nell: Yes, he’s not a bad lion. He’s just lost his way.

Me: If you say so

Nell: Where is Lionel, by the way?

Me: He’s been seen with Stanley and Sponge Finger at the Bus Stop but he seems to be spending most of his time on the island.

Nell: It’s understandable. He’ll be struggling without me. I was one of his only friends.

Me: He loved you, Nell. You were more to him than just a friend.

Nell: Try and be nicer to him when you see him next.

Me: I’ll try.

Nell: In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Nell: Harriet is concerned about something. I can tell from her stance.

Me: Harriet is fine. She and Dave had some kind of disagreement after their walk yesterday so she’s a little bit off today.

Nell: A little bit off?

Me: Yes. She’s out of sorts.

Nell: That’s not like her at all.

Me: No, it isn’t.

Nell: What did David do?

Me: I don’t know, but I feel like Elsie might be involved.

Nell: Who is Elsie?

Me: She’s a pretty young chocolate Labrador who lives a few doors down from us. I’m not sure if you ever met her.

Nell: I’ve seen her out and about with her Golden Retriever friend.

Me: Yes, they’re always together.

Nell: She’s a little full on.

Me: She’s just young and enthusiastic.

Nell: She keeps twirling around.

Me: She does, especially when she sees Dave.

Nell: Oh dear.

Me: In fact, I think she might have a crush on him.

Nell: I see.

Me: It’s not surprising. He’s ever so handsome. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.

Nell: What about David? How does he feel about Elsie?

Me: It’s funny you should say that because Kev thinks Dave might have a bit of a thing for Elsie.

Nell: A bit of a thing?

Me: He’s always delighted to see her.

Nell: Where does Sally fit in to all this?

Me: Sally?

Nell: David’s girlfriend. Head of MI5. Harriet’s boss.

Me: Sally has nothing to worry about. It’s just a harmless flirtation.

Nell: Harriet doesn’t seem to think so.

Me: We don’t know that.

Nell: I’m afraid David’s head has been turned.

Me: He’s just having fun.

Nell: Like Rupert and Luna?

Me: They’re business colleagues, Nell. And Luna’s gone back to Shropshire now.

Nell: Why didn’t you tell me that before?

Me: Sorry.

Nell: I see David has a new toy.

Me: Yes, Kev bought it for him at the vet’s. He absolutely loves it.

Nell: Why was David at the vet’s? Is there something wrong with him?

Me: No. He had to have his nails cut. He behaved really well and got lots of cuddles. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.

Nell: I expect it was difficult to go back there.

Me: Yes, it was the first time since we lost you. I stayed at home.

Nell: Probably for the best.

Me: Kev saw Chloe. She was very sad and they talked about you.

Nell: Chloe has been giving me regular massage and hydro for years. She is bound to feel a little low.

Me: Yes. You are greatly missed.

Nell: Not by everyone. I presume Rupert is still out and about with his new lady friend.

Me: Luna is his supplier. They talk wool.

Nell: As if.

Me: She has a sunny disposition and she makes him laugh.

Nell: Charlie makes me laugh.

Me: There you are.

Nell: You’re right. I need you all to be happy if I’m going to be happy.

Me: Exactly. I had some happy news yesterday.

Nell: Tell me.

Me: Alice and the grandchildren are coming to visit for two whole weeks in the summer.

Nell: That’s wonderful.

Me: It is.

Nell: Has Kev put the number of days until they arrive on the whiteboard?

Me: He has.

Nell: He always does that when family are coming to visit and he changes it every day.

Me: You know him so well.

Nell: I do.

Me: We still feel you’re here with us, Nell. When we go into a room we expect to see you there.

Nell: I am there. You and me. Always. Remember?

Me: Yes. Sorry.