Me: Visits from Tony make you all so happy.
Nell: Yes, although I’ve told David repeatedly that there’s no need to shout right into Tony’s ear.
Me: It’s probably a secret, Nell. He doesn’t want anyone else listening.
Nell: I know for a fact that it’s about bacon. There’s nothing secret about that.
Me: What about bacon?
Nell: David is doing a survey. Do you like red, or brown sauce on your bacon sandwich?
Me: Brown, every time. What does Tony like?
Nell: I don’t know. David says it’s confidential.
Me: Well, there you are. That’s why Dave was whispering.
Nell: The question isn’t confidential. Just the answer. Good grief.
Me: Maybe Dave was telling Tony what colour sauce he has on his bacon sandwich?
Nell: David has any colour sauce, or none at all. He doesn’t care. Everyone knows that.
Me: True.
Nell: Tony had some big news for us, actually.
Me: What was it? Please don’t say it’s confidential.
Nell: Guess who Tony and Sue are bringing home tomorrow?
Me: Is it Toby the Puppy?
Nell: Yes. David and Harriet’s nephew is finally joining us all here in Devon.
Me: You will be Great Aunt Nell.
Nell: Yes, although Aunt Nell might do.
Me: Uncle Dave and Auntie Harriet. It’s strange to think of the puppies having a nephew.
Nell: New responsibilities for us all having a youngster in the family.
Me: Kev and I will pop over to Tony and Sue’s next week to meet Toby.
Nell: I beg your pardon? Did you say you and Kev?
Me: Yes.
Nell: What about me, David and Harriet?
Me: Toby is too young for that, Nell. He can’t be around other dogs until after his second vaccination.
Nell: Other dogs? We are his family.
Me: Yes, I know. Sorry.
