Me: What are the puppies doing outside?
Nell: Waiting.
Me: But Tony’s on holiday.
Nell: They aren’t waiting for Tony. After yesterday’s success David is Brimming with Confidence and has taken matters into his own paws.
Me: Your afternoon tea did go well.
Nell: My reading group said it was the best fun they’d had in years and bacon sandwiches and builders tea should always be on the menu.
Me: How lovely.
Nell: David can be impossibly charming when he wants to be. Flowers for each of the ladies on arrival and a compliment on departure.
Me: I thought you didn’t like Dave being over familiar with guests.
Nell: I object to him sitting on them. A gentle compliment from a handsome hound, however, can make a lady’s day. Apart from Agnes, of course, who doesn’t hold with ‘flowery talk’. I quote.
Me: Was that the troubled looking Weimaraner?
Nell: No, the elderly Pekingese in glasses.
Me: Oh yes. Anyway, what is Dave planning to do?
Nell: Sally is on her way.
Me: That’s wonderful news.
Nell: She is coming to Sort Poppy Out.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: Underneath that beautifully elegant Golden Retriever exterior there’s a strong and determined female with nerves of steel.
Me: I suppose there must be, as she’s Head of the Secret Service.
Nell: Sally is going to look into Babycakes Gillespie.
Me: Oh my. He’s in for it now. I’m not sure Poppy is going to be very pleased.
Nell: We have gone beyond pleased. Do you realise she served me burnt toast for breakfast with watery marmalade and no butter?
Me: Shocking.
Nell: We need to get Poppy back and Sally is the dog to make it happen.
Me: Have you ever thought about making your own toast?
Nell: Don’t be ridiculous.
Me: Sorry.
