Me: Why is my Big Brave Beautiful Boy hiding under the table?
Nell: Yesterday’s afternoon tea didn’t go the way I planned.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: I blame The Cat. Why it had to tell PC Panda I do not know.
Me: What happened?
Nell: It all went wrong when David and Gladys took over the preparations.
Me: Where were Poppy and Manuel?
Nell: Poppy had to fly Harriet up to London to see Sally in her helicopter and Manuel went down to the sea with Princess and Our Penguin.
Me: Is that even allowed?
Nell: Everyone is entitled to a day off. Knitwear Wolf took them in his sidecar.
Me: No. I meant Poppy flying Harriet up to London. We’re in lockdown.
Nell: It was essential travel. Don’t bother asking Harriet about it as she’s keeping her lips sealed.
Me: Not even if I offer her a biscuit?
Nell: I’ve tried that already. She’s not talking. Not even for a scone.
Me: Gosh. So Dave had to take over?
Nell: Yes. Unfortunately he ate the finger sandwiches by mistake while he was reading the recipe for fairy cakes.
Me: It can happen.
Nell: Anyway, David and Gladys decided fish finger sandwiches might do.
Me: Good idea. Seagulls love fish.
Nell: Yes, but the llamas weren’t keen.
Me: The llamas? What were they doing there?
Nell: I have no idea. When Terry arrived PC Panda told him it was an illegal gathering and he would have to wait at the gate.
Me: Did he get the chance to talk to Susan?
Nell: He managed to shout ‘By the way, I’m your half brother’ but he’s not sure she heard him over the singing.
Me: Singing?
Nell: Don’t ask. David and Gladys are never organising afternoon tea again.
Me: No. Sorry.
