Nell: Someone has annoyed Harriet.
Me: To be fair, nobody likes Mondays.
Nell: What did you do?
Me: I didn’t do anything. Why do you think it was me?
Nell: Because it often is. Where is David?
Me: Up in the top garden building a nest.
Nell: Excuse me?
Me: AJ the gardening Afghan, Jim the Farm Dog and Ron Gilbert the Great Dane are helping.
Nell: Why?
Me: For Malcolm and Susan. I think Gelato is popping over later and Alejandro is out gathering twigs with Gladys.
Nell: Well, now we know what’s wrong with Harriet.
Me: Do we?
Nell: Yes. She’s been Left Out.
Me: Nest building isn’t really her thing.
Nell: But it’s nice To Be Asked. David knows that. It was part of his training to be a Good Kind Boy.
Me: He is a good kind boy.
Nell: He’s forgotten his sister.
Me: Actually, I think he asked her to make the tea.
Nell: Even worse. Imagine if you wanted to join in and I told you to fill my bowl?
Me: You do. If food is late you definitely let me know. In fact you let me know even before it’s late.
Nell: That’s not the point. Harriet needs to feel included. Where is The Cat?
Me: Designing a sequinned blanket with Timothy for the happy couple.
Nell: Yes. Alejandro has offered his fleece as soon as it grows again.
Me: I don’t suppose Harriet would like to spend some time with me? I’m working on the cast list and she could advise me.
Nell: Perfect. We can feed two dogs with one bowl.
Me: You mean kill two birds with one stone.
Nell: I most certainly do not. The mere idea. Just concentrate on your cast list. I’ll fetch Harriet.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
