Me: Why are you giving me that look?
Nell: Mutley is sleeping on my sofa and there are footstools everywhere.
Me: The sofa is huge, Nell. There’s plenty of room.
Nell: He doesn’t like to be moved.
Me: There’s another sofa and an armchair.
Nell: It’s my favourite sofa.
Me: Kev has even made us a fire because it was a bit chilly this morning.
Nell: You have a favourite armchair.
Me: I know I do.
Nell: And I have a favourite sofa.
Me: Why are you in such a difficult mood?
Nell: I don’t like the fact that both puppies have gone to London with Sally. I don’t think David is ready to be Considered.
Me: Charlie thinks he has great potential as a spy. He has such winning ways.
Nell: I know. But he isn’t worldly wise like Harriet.
Me: No, but he is a big brave boy and he knows what’s right and wrong.
Nell: He would do anything for a scone.
Me: Apparently that is part of his test. He has to learn to resist temptation. Now that he’s two he might have matured.
Nell: Rubbish. And why on earth did they allow Gladys to accompany him and The Cat? They’ve even taken my handbag.
Me: Charlie says they are part of Dave’s team.
Nell: Well, I am very glad they will be home this evening.
Me: Yes. They can tell us all about it.
Nell: If that’s a pelican at the door, ask him to go through to the kitchen, please.
Me: A pelican? Here in Devon?
Nell: Yes. He is here to see Malcolm about the wedding.
Me: I didn’t know Malcolm had invited any pelicans.
Nell: He’s not a guest, he’s a celebrant from Exmoor. Do keep up.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
