Me: I think Harriet might have been a mermaid in another life. She loves the sea so much.
Nell: You know perfectly well that mermaids do not exist.
Me: You can never be sure. Stranger things have happened.
Nell: Nonsense. Did you notice those greyhounds in red coats on the beach?
Me: I did actually.
Nell: Retired athletes. Charming manners.
Me: Dave seems a bit overexcited today.
Nell: He ate a bowl of yoghurt by mistake. He thought it was whipped cream for Poppy’s Pavlova.
Me: He shouldn’t be eating whipped cream and why is Poppy making Pavlova?
Nell: Lady Anwen is coming to tea to discuss the royal visit.
Me: Is everything going to plan?
Nell: The Whippets Institute have said we can borrow their minibus to get to the Palace.
Me: That’s kind of them.
Nell: But there has been an issue with the larger animals.
Me: No room in the minibus?
Nell: That too, but the main issue is that Her Majesty is not keen on hooves inside the Palace.
Me: Oh dear. I suppose she has a point.
Nell: Yes, her horses never join her in the state rooms. Meetings are held in the stables.
Me: Quite. Could you all eat outside?
Nell: It isn’t really the weather for a garden party. No, I’m afraid it looks like they will have to stay at home.
Me: But Alejandro has a new sombrero. Gladys would never leave him behind.
Nell: I know.
Me: I’ve had a brilliant idea.
Nell: Oh dear.
Me: What if they all wear boots?
Nell: Boots?
Me: Knitwear Wolf wears boots all the time. He must know where to get some.
Nell: Good idea. Well done.
Me: I’ve got a hat and boots.
Nell: It’s animals only. Next time, perhaps.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
