Me: Why are Poppy and the twins waiting at the top of the stairs?
Nell: I don’t think you can say David and Harriet are twins. There were eight of them.
Me: I know what I mean.
Nell: Mutley is annoyed. So they are Keeping their Distance.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: Exactly. It doesn’t happen very often but when it does, it is best to steer clear.
Me: It is. Do we know why?
Nell: Something to do with his sandwich chain. Hostile takeover bid from some high flying flamingos in the city.
Me: I didn’t know he had a sandwich chain.
Nell: Pupways. You must have heard of it. David always goes for the footlong.
Me: Actually, I didn’t know there were flamingos in the city either.
Nell: I worry about you sometimes. Everyone knows there are flamingos in the city. Do keep up.
Me: I hope Mutley doesn’t stay grumpy for long.
Nell: So do I. David is dreadful at Keeping his Distance.
Me: I know.
Nell: Our plan is that Harriet will sit with Mutley and talk things over quietly while Poppy gets on with the baking.
Me: What about Dave?
Nell: David will go shopping with The Cat. They need to track down some edible glitter and a pumpkin. Gladys thinks hers is going off.
Me: That’s unfortunate.
Nell: Poppy wants ideas for Halloween cakes for the cafe, by the way, as we have another tasting panel coming up.
Me: I’ll have a think.
Nell: In the meantime a pot of Earl Grey is just what we need.
Me: Yes, and maybe some ghost and marmalade?
Nell: Do stop.
Me: Sorry.
