Me: Is Harriet cooking bacon?
Nell: Yes, to raise David’s spirits. Tony just came to say goodbye. He is off on holiday for 2 weeks.
Me: Dave is going to miss him dreadfully.
Nell: We all are. Tony is part of the family.
Me: Yes.
Nell: Now, Knitwear Wolf is taking me out to dinner this evening.
Me: Is he now?
Nell: Yes, to the Imperial Hotel in Torquay.
Me: I wouldn’t have thought you were in a going out mood.
Nell: It’s where they are holding Poppy and Malcolm, you nincompoop.
Me: That’s a bit harsh.
Nell: We are going to free them.
Me: How are you planning to do that, Nell?
Nell: Fortunately I have a few tricks under my collar.
Me: Don’t you mean up your sleeve?
Nell: Certainly not. I shall probably wear a scarf and my usual Chanel but nothing with sleeves.
Me: What tricks?
Nell: Well, Knitwear Wolf is going to ask if he might congratulate the chef.
Me: Good one.
Nell: And I shall order a Crepe Suzette to be flambéd at the table.
Me: That’s a pancake, isn’t it?
Nell: Yes, with fresh oranges.
Me: What if they don’t have them?
Nell: They do. Today’s menu is online. Notice the clues.
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: Prawn cocktail in a flamingo pink sauce.
Me: Oh yes.
Nell: Swordfish.
Me: Clever. What if your plan doesn’t work?
Nell: We shall storm the kitchen.
Me: But there’s only the two of you.
Nell: Of course there isn’t. The larger animals are on a table of six with Dave and Harriet.
Me: What about Gladys?
Nell: She and Alejandro are performing a contemporary dance.
Me: Where?
Nell: In the ballroom. Babycakes Gillespie is hosting a party. Do keep up.
Me: I didn’t know. Sorry.
