Nell: That’s Rhubarb, the Bernese Mountain Dog from Toronto. She came to tea with Pamela yesterday.
Me: I know.
Nell: She’s sitting on a table, smiling.
Me: Yes.
Nell: I bet that photographer Martyn took it. He has a thing about tables.
Me: No. It was taken by Chris in Toronto. Rhu is a family friend. He sent it over.
Nell: Why?
Me: Dave asked him to. He was telling Chris on WoofsApp how well they got on.
Nell: I noticed. Do you know David offered her the last scone?
Me: Bless him. What a good boy.
Nell: Personally I think his head has been turned.
Me: Well, they are both big and beautiful. She says he can be an honorary Mountain Dog and he should fly over to the convention in September.
Nell: Sally will have something to say about that.
Me: They are just friends, Nell. You know how sociable Canadians are.
Nell: Talking of Canadians. When are Shel and Jaime arriving tomorrow? I can’t wait to see them.
Me: I’m not sure. They are at Highclere today.
Nell: Otherwise known as Downton Abbey. Delightful place. I remember dancing the night away there with a most handsome young Labrador.
Me: Really? Gosh, you moved in high circles.
Nell: Yes. I was able to give Maggie a few tips when she was filming.
Me: Maggie Smith?
Nell: Of course. We’ve been friends for years.
Me: You dark horse.
Nell: I beg your pardon? I may be dark but I have nothing of the horse about me at all.
Me: It was just a saying.
Nell: Please tell me that isn’t a wolf hiking through the fields in a knitted waistcoat.
Me: It’s Knitwear Wolf. I was hoping to see him. Shall we wave?
Nell: Certainly not.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
