Me: Look at you all soft-eyed this morning.
Nell: I don’t know what you mean.
Me: I know when you are in a good mood.
Nell: Yesterday was most enjoyable.
Me: Yes, it was.
Nell: Collecting Chris from the station, taking Harriet on a gentle walk, dinner at the pub and a walk home in the cool night air.
Me: Did you enjoy your fish?
Nell: Yes. I do like the Catch of the Day.
Me: Have you ever considered going vegan?
Nell: Certainly not.
Me: Apparently it’s very beneficial to your health.
Nell: I would advise you not to mention vegans around Poppy. There was an incident at the cafe with a group of vegan spaniels from Colchester last week and she hasn’t quite recovered.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: They felt she offered a very limited menu for vegans. They suggested Poppy was behind the times.
Me: They didn’t?
Nell: I’m afraid so. She was most upset.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: Fortunately David was able to console her with an excellent review. He is becoming a respected food critic you know.
Me: We are talking about Dave?
Nell: Yes. He has an excellent palate. At our recent wine tasting David identified hints of vanilla and blackberry.
Me: He did?
Nell: Yes. It was impressive. His food column is extremely popular, of course.
Me: Food column?
Nell: Yes. He’s had a column in Barking Weekly for months. Dining with Dave. Everyone reads it.
Me: I never knew.
Nell: Living in a world of your own again.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
