Me: Where’s Dave?
Nell: Upstairs having a quiet time with Poppy after an Over-Exciting Breakfast.
Me: What’s an Over-Exciting Breakfast? Huevos Rancheros?
Nell: Certainly not. He had bacon sandwiches.
Me: Why is he over excited then?
Nell: It’s Sally, if you must know.
Me: Of course it is. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. His little face when she walked in yesterday. He squealed with joy.
Nell: Yes, he did.
Me: The way he keeps looking at her is so sweet. As if he needs to check she is really there.
Nell: He adores her.
Me: Adoring someone is awfully tiring, isn’t it?
Nell: Yes. But that’s not the reason he’s having a rest. He needs to gather his strength for the weekend.
Me: Why? What’s happening?
Nell: Sally’s taking him to the Agatha Christie hotel on Burgh Island.
Me: Oh my goodness. How romantic.
Nell: Yes.
Me: Just the two of them on an island in the sun.
Nell: Actually the weather forecast is a little mixed.
Me: Never mind.
Nell: And it’s not going to be the two of them.
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: Some of us will be joining them.
Me: That’s not fair, Nell. It’s their special time together.
Nell: I know but it’s been a difficult year and we all need a little pampering.
Me: Why does it have to be that hotel?
Nell: Why do you think?
Me: I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking.
Nell: Would roaring be a clue, perhaps?
Me: Is Beauregard going too?
Nell: Maybe.
Me: Have you got something in your eye?
Nell: I spy with my little eye.
Me: This isn’t the time for games, Nell, and why are you whispering?
Nell: It’s not a game. David and Sally are going undercover.
Me: Oh, I see. Sorry.
