Me: Harriet seems exhausted.
Nell: Yes, preparing for the auditions has tired her out. I’ll have to wake her soon.
Me: Where are they taking place?
Nell: Torquay, so just under an hour away.
Me: How are they getting there?
Nell: James is driving. Poppy will pack a picnic. Just chicken sandwiches, crusts off as a treat, and a few scones. I thought about carrots to keep David busy while he is waiting, but he crunches them so loudly.
Me: Are you going too?
Nell: Yes, I think they need my support. Jim the farm dog has asked if he can accompany Harriet.
Me: How sweet.
Nell: Yes, He is very protective of her. The Cat is coming too, of course.
Me: Are Poppy and Mutley going?
Nell: Mutley has a meeting in London with some forward thinking Boston Terriers. He’s opening a new chain called MuttDonalds. I’m not sure if it will catch on, but everyone likes a burger, don’t they?
Me: And Poppy?
Nell: Poppy is taking the Puerto Ricans on her motorbike. Rita will ride in the sidecar with their luggage.
Me: Not in your handbag?
Nell: Certainly not. I put a stop to that nonsense when I found a half eaten scone at the bottom.
Me: That’s not very nice.
Nell: Quite. Imagine not finishing one of Poppy’s scones? Outrageous.
Me: Well, let me know how it all goes. I do hope Dave gets the part of Bernardo.
Nell: I’m confident that he will. He’s got the dance moves and the swagger. I’m not sure about the sequinned waistcoat but The Cat seems confident.
Me: But Bernardo is mean and Dave could never be mean.
Nell: Didn’t you see him when that farm dog stole his sausage at the last barbecue? Now, let’s wake Harriet.
Me: Yes, sorry.
