Me: What are Poppy and Dave doing?
Nell: They are waiting for the electricity to come back on.
Me: Why are they looking out of the window?
Nell: They think an electricity man is going to walk up to the house, flick a switch and then the electricity will come back on.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: David is sure he will look like Tony but with a blue top, not a red one, and long trousers, not shorts.
Me: I’m not sure about that.
Nell: The Cat thinks he will have sequins on his shoes which is plainly ridiculous and Gladys thinks his name is Arthur.
Me: Poppy is planning a salad for lunch. It is not what she planned as she wanted to make bread.
Nell: A cold lunch. I haven’t even had a cup of Earl Grey and no prospect of one.
Me: You don’t realise how much you rely on electricity until it’s not there.
Nell: I feel the same way about Charlie.
Me: Are you missing him a lot, Nell?
Nell: I am. It seems to get harder each time he leaves.
Me: He might be your one.
Nell: Yes, he might.
Me: Where are Harriet and Mutley, by the way?
Nell: Harriet is reading Dickens to Mutley in the garden. His eyes are failing and he does enjoy a good book. “Great Expectations” is his favourite.
Me: It sounds rather lovely. Maybe we should join them and suggest Dave and Poppy do the same?
Nell: Yes, listening to a good book in the sunshine surrounded by family. Just what we need.
Me: Yes. Sorry Charlie had to leave, Nell.
