Me: I can’t believe Mutley wants to go to London for the day.
Nell: Apparently, he has important business to attend to and it can’t wait.
Me: But it’s quite a way. Is James driving him?
Nell: No. Poppy has agreed to fly him up there by helicopter. David is being allowed to accompany him. It’s his first flight so he is a little over excited.
Me: What about Harriet?
Nell: No. Harriet needs quiet after her ordeal. She is not happy about it but her health has to come first.
Me: I’m surprised you didn’t want to go yourself.
Nell: Mutley is taking The Cat. I am not going anywhere with that vulgar animal.
Me: Does Poppy know?
Nell: Of course she knows. She’s charging Mutley double the usual rate for extra baggage. Very apt.
Me: I don’t think you should be so harsh on The Cat. It likes Harriet.
Nell: Everyone likes Harriet. Poppy has to meet some of her suppliers so The Cat is taking David to lunch and a show.
Me: He will love that. What are they seeing?
Nell: Chicago. I’ve asked Young Cuba if they can go backstage. He finishes his run soon and that ballet boy is taking over. The golden twin with the strange eyes.
Me: Do you mean Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet? He’s not a twin though.
Nell: Yes. That’s the one. He played one of the Krays before dear Tom Hardy. Mutley knew them.
Me: Who? The Krays?
Nell: Of course. Did I tell you Tom and I had a lovely chat at the wedding and he was quite taken with David? He thought he had huge potential.
Me: Dave is a natural performer.
Nell: Nothing will beat Mutley’s performance in Chicago all those years ago. He was an amazing Billy Flynn.
Me: I never knew.
Nell: Oh yes. Standing ovations.
Me: When you said Poppy is meeting her suppliers you didn’t mean drugs did you? I know she likes the odd cigar but…
Nell: I despair of you sometimes. Her food and drink suppliers. She has an excellent wine merchant. Drugs! Whatever next?
Me: Well, Mutley is the Dogfather.
Nell: Just calm down Bugsy Malone.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
