Me: Harriet was awfully pleased to see Elliot.
Nell: She flung herself at him. Her behaviour was wild and inappropriate.
Me: She’s very affectionate, Nell. Both puppies are.
Nell: And David overreacted as usual.
Me: He probably shouldn’t have dropped the heavy ball on her.
Nell: Especially as he throws himself at Tony every time he visits.
Me: Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. He wanted a cuddle too. It’s lucky Elliot loves dogs.
Nell: And seals. Princess was very pushy when he went to see her in her pool.
Me: She was just excited.
Nell: Standing on your head with your fins in the air is too much. I hope she doesn’t do that on Strictly.
Me: She wasn’t standing on her head. She just lifted her body into the air. It was very clever.
Nell: And who claps themselves?
Me: It’s a seal thing.
Nell: I hope Elliot didn’t find it all too much. Kev needs his help with the garden and we all enjoy his visits.
Me: Don’t worry. He said he’d be back next week.
Nell: Don’t tell Harriet, or she won’t sleep for excitement. Elliot is all she can talk about.
Me: I wonder what Jim the Farm Dog thinks about that.
Nell: He’s feigning nonchalance.
Me: How do you know?
Nell: He drove past us on the tractor this morning without even a raise of the paw.
Me: I expect he was busy.
Nell: I saw him watching Harriet in his mirror.
Me: It won’t do him any harm to be a little jealous. He danced with Juanita.
Nell: Talking of Juanita. Have you heard the latest?
Me: What?
Nell: That Portuguese Podenco is joining the professional dancers now, too.
Me: I knew he was from Portugal.
Nell: That’s not the point.
Me: No. Sorry.
