Me: Oh Nell, it’s my darling mother at Claridge’s in London when she and I went for one of our last Christmas afternoon teas together.
Nell: Yes, I thought you would like to see it again.
Me: It’s such a happy memory. The waitress was so lovely and it turned out she trained at The Cottage Hotel down here in Devon.
Nell: Of course she did. There’s a reason why it’s our favourite hotel, you know.
Me: I miss going there so much, Nell. It is such a haven and my happy place.
Nell: You will be going there again soon. Just be patient. One step at a time.
Me: I am so glad that everyone is enjoying the Christmas Special. Their comments have been wonderful.
Nell: Yes. It is extremely gratifying.
Me: I knew they would love your voice.
Nell: And yours.
Me: I’m just me, Nell. You are special.
Nell: Nonsense. And dear Mutley. So lovely to hear him again.
Me: And to know he is there.
Nell: He’s always there, along with the other Guardians.
Me: Yesterday was quite a day.
Nell: It certainly was.
Me: And then out of the blue my phone rang and it was Alice and the grandchildren on FaceTime and I could see their dear faces.
Nell: A wonderful surprise.
Me: Yes. Jonathan showed me their Christmas tree and Faye stole baubles off the tree and brought them to Alice. She’s walking around now.
Nell: In a very determined way, if I may say so.
Me: Yes. It was lovely to see.
Nell: So, you’re finally feeling Christmassy then?
Me: Yes, I am. All those lovely comments and knowing we’re going to get through this together.
Nell: That was never in any doubt. We are like one big family.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
