Nell: It’s far too hot.
Me: Yes, I know it is. Why don’t you cool your paws in Princess’s paddling pool like the others?
Nell: No. Thank you. I shall wait until we go down to the stream later.
Me: There is plenty of room for all.
Nell: No there isn’t. The larger animals take up all the space.
Me: Just ask them to get out then.
Nell: This hot weather is bringing out the worst in everyone if you ask me.
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: Haven’t you seen them in The Cat’s latest designs?
Me: If you’re talking about Gladys in her sequinned swimsuit then I think it suits her.
Nell: Gladys can carry it off but the larger animals need to be sequin free.
Me: Henry and Horst look very sweet in theirs though.
Nell: Lounging around the pool drinking Alejandro’s cocktails and being filmed by Our Penguin.
Me: Alejandro makes excellent cocktails.
Nell: Yes. Alpacas do. There was one who used to work in the bar at my favourite hotel when it was still open. His Margaritas were legendary.
Me: What about the llamas?
Nell: Llamas can’t be trusted to make cocktails.
Me: Why?
Nell: They spit.
Me: Of course.
Nell: Now, I don’t know about you but I’ve been smelling fish everywhere recently.
Me: We live near the sea, Nell, there’s always that lovely salty smell in the air.
Nell: I suspect the Beefies. They’ve been suspiciously quiet recently.
Me: Have they?
Nell: And it’s a Beefy kind of smell.
Me: Maybe it’s Princess’s new perfume?
Nell: What?
Me: The Beefies gave it to her. Gull No 5. It’s all the rage, apparently. Flying off the shelves. See what I did there?
Nell: Why didn’t you tell me before? This is serious.
Me: Sorry.
