Nell: Stop pacing around. Your interview with BBC Radio Devon isn’t until 11:10am.
Me: I’m not sure I can do this, Nell.
Nell: Of course you can.
Me: What if I say something stupid?
Nell: It won’t be the first time, or the last.
Me: That’s a bit harsh.
Nell: We all make mistakes.
Me: Even you?
Nell: My mistakes are few and far between but they still happen. Occasionally. Why are you wearing your best dress? It’s a radio interview.
Me: It gives me confidence.
Nell: Well, comfortable is important too, so slippers are fine. Have you eaten your breakfast? I know Poppy prepared something tasty for you.
Me: I just had a banana. I couldn’t face anything cooked.
Nell: Now that’s rather odd because I saw David carrying a tray with scrambled eggs on toast upstairs a while ago.
Me: My darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. He probably ate it by mistake. It’s the thought that counts.
Nell: No, it isn’t. If someone is hungry and you’ve eaten their breakfast your good intentions won’t mean anything to them at all.
Me: Well, I’m not hungry anyway.
Nell: I suppose two breakfasts won’t harm him. He has a big day today, too.
Me: Why?
Nell: Didn’t you hear? Walter brought back a note from Stephen Seagull to say he would be calling on David this afternoon.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: Benjamin is in quite a state. He’s changed tank tops twice and it’s not even 9am.
Me: Is he going to the meeting then?
Nell: Of course he is. It’s a mediation between Benjamin and Stephen.
Me: I’m afraid Benjamin is going to lose.
Nell: Not necessarily. Don’t count your biscuits until you’ve seen the bowl. Now just try and relax. It will all be fine.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
