Me: Cheeky animal. I win.
Nell: I was merely licking my nose.
Me: I still win.
Nell: You and your sisters were very loud yesterday.
Me: It was great fun and so lovely to have them here.
Nell: It was good to see you laughing.
Me: Kev enjoyed himself too. I think he liked all the attention.
Nell: He enjoys being surrounded by ladies.
Me: Does Poppy need any help preparing the roast beef?
Nell: It’s all under control. Malcolm is peeling vegetables and Manuel is making the batter for the Yorkshire puddings.
Me: Are you sure Dave isn’t doing that?
Nell: David doesn’t cook. He eats.
Me: It’s just that he had a little batter on his nose.
Nell: That was cheese sauce. Poppy is making cauliflower cheese for Scarlett as she’s a vegetarian. Do keep up.
Me: What’s that got to do with Dave?
Nell: David taste tests all sauces. You know that. He has an excellent palate.
Me: Did Harriet’s parcel arrive, by the way?
Nell: Yes, it was most odd.
Me: It wasn’t bananas, was it?
Nell: No.
Me: Flowers?
Nell: No. Salmon en croute.
Me: Fish in pastry?
Nell: That’s what I just said.
Me: But Harriet’s not that keen on fish. Was it home made?
Nell: No. It was from Barks and Spencer.
Me: Isn’t that The Cat’s favourite ready meal?
Nell: It is. The Cat says you can’t go wrong with a Salmon en croute and some fresh asparagus.
Me: I’m inclined to agree. Do we know who sent it?
Nell: No idea.
Me: I don’t think it was Jim the Farm Dog.
Nell: Of course not. Why even suggest that?
Me: It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow.
Nell: Jim’s a meat eater. If he was sending food it would be steak.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
