Nell: Who is that?
Me: Naughty Nigel. He wants to know about Harriet’s accident. How did it happen?
Nell: The wind blew the stable door shut as Harriet was coming in from the garden and it caught her leg.
Me: Oh no.
Nell: Kev called Alex who was out treating a sick horse at the time and he told him to bring her over as soon as he got back.
Me: Did he X ray her?
Nell: Of course he did. He’s a vet. No bones broken. Just bruising. She had an injection and is on painkillers.
Me: My darling girl.
Nell: We cancelled the party, of course, and everyone rallied round.
Me: Good.
Nell: David wrote a healing song and performed it with Gladys. They were waving long silk scarves around. Gladys got dreadfully tangled up at one point and David fell over. Harriet laughed and laughed.
Me: Well done, Dave.
Nell: Poppy cooked steak, medium rare the way she likes it and Malcolm made his signature macarons. Jim brought flowers.
Me: Lovely.
Nell: Kev lit the fire and Mutley read to her before bed. The Wind in the Willows. He does a very good Badger.
Me: He does.
Nell: I was on night duty and David took over this morning.
Me: Did she sleep well?
Nell: Yes. After all the excitement she curled up on the sofa with a soft sequinned blanket from The Cat and David by her side.
Me: I’m relieved.
Nell: Poppy is cooking a full English breakfast and Harriet will have hers on a tray. When are you coming back by the way?
Me: I arrive late afternoon.
Nell: Good. I shall accompany Kev to the station. “Where are you going with that?”
Me: What?
Nell: David just walked past with Gladys in my handbag and a bacon sandwich. He was supposed to be on duty. I’ll have to go.
Me: Looking forward to seeing you all and please give Harriet an extra cuddle from me.
Nell: Don’t think I haven’t noticed that Naughty Nigel is on your bed. We shall discuss it later.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
