Bank Holiday

Nell: Where did you get that photo?

Me: Poppy said it was of you when you were a matron.

Nell: It’s clearly been photoshopped. My hat isn’t like that.

Me: I thought it looked a bit ancient.

Nell: It’s insubordination.

Me: It made me laugh and I haven’t done that in a few days.

Nell: Anyway, I’ve just come off the phone to Noel. He has been most concerned about Harriet, as you know, and was all for rushing over here but I told him she is doing really well and we will stay in touch.

Me: So what exactly happened?

Nell: Harriet was bleeding internally from the ovarian stump. It is a complication from surgery that shouldn’t happen but sometimes does.

Me: Oh dear.

Nell: The bleeding will have been going on the whole time so Kev probably saved her life by noticing it leaking and moving so fast.

Me: By the time we got to Richard she had lost a lot of blood.

Nell: Yes. Fortunately Richard was able to get her into surgery quickly and stop the bleeding. She is making excellent progress now and had a good sleep and an excellent breakfast.

Me: Can we just have a quiet family day, Nell? No dramas?

Nell: Harriet is having a quiet day but there will be drama this afternoon as we are performing The Importance Of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde for her entertainment.

Me: You are doing what?

Nell: We had to keep ourselves busy so we decided that a play would be a good idea. I am playing Lady Bracknell of course. Mutley is an elderly, but wise Jack. He doesn’t always hear his cue but I am prompting. David will make an excellent Algernon.

Me: I wondered why he was wearing a cravat.

Nell: Poppy is Gwendolyn and has roped in a visiting spaniel to play little Cecily.

Me: And Miss Prism?

Nell: We are breaking boundaries here, but after much discussion we are allowing the cat from the big house to play her.

Me: Gosh!

Nell: Kev will play the butler Lane and any other characters needed and is directing. As a former actor he knows about these things.

Me: What about me?

Nell: You, my dear, will be sitting next to Harriet and enjoying the performance. The last few days have taken their toll. But don’t forget the ice creams in the interval like last time.

Me: Yes. Thank you. Sorry.