Nell: Well, Poppy certainly deserves that bone.
Me: Yes, poor little thing.
Nell: Harriet is wearing herself out watching over everyone. First David and the poncho and now Poppy and her knee.
Me: What happened?
Nell: David accidentally barged into Poppy on his way down from the top garden.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: He definitely didn’t mean to, he was just being enthusiastic. Unfortunately Poppy tripped and her knee popped out.
Me: I heard her scream. It was awful.
Nell: Yes. David nearly fainted but Poppy stayed strong.
Me: Does she have to have an operation?
Nell: Hopefully not. The vets are expecting it to pop back in. But no walks for a week.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: Quite. At least we have Chris’s visit to keep her busy. She was up with a bark making scones.
Me: Don’t you mean up with the lark?
Nell: Certainly not. I know we have a flamingo, a seagull, and a turkey staying with us.
Me: That’s not what I meant.
Nell: Not to mention Walter Pigeon and those wretched Beaky Blinders with their knitted socks.
Me: It’s just a saying.
Nell: And the Beefies, of course, who have started wearing knitted waistcoats for some reason, but I don’t remember any larks.
Me: Never mind.
Nell: You say the oddest things sometimes. Larks indeed. How fanciful. Now, where was I?
Me: You were talking about Poppy baking scones.
Nell: Yes. Chris will need a roast dinner, of course, so Poppy thought chicken. Turkey would be insensitive. We have Timothy to consider.
Me: I can’t wait to see Chris. I’m so excited.
Nell: Yes. We all are.
Me: He won’t have to wear a poncho, will he?
Nell: Don’t be ridiculous. Chris doesn’t do sequins. He’s not Anton du Bark. Good grief.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
