Me: Why do I get the feeling the puppies aren’t happy that I’m going away?
Nell: They will be fine once you’ve gone. The waiting is always the worst.
Me: Yes, I’m a bit like that when the children leave.
Nell: You are a lot like that. Just live in the moment.
Me: When are Harriet and Knitwear Wolf going on tour?
Nell: I’m not sure they are anymore. I have a meeting with the director this afternoon.
Me: What director?
Nell: The director of ‘The Sound of Music’ of course. He needs to know his cast are most likely hypnotised and could stop singing at any moment.
Me: Who is he?
Nell: I have no idea. I’ll know more later. Stop fussing.
Me: What if he doesn’t listen to you?
Nell: Everybody listens to me.
Me: Isn’t Harriet going to be awfully disappointed?
Nell: Harriet is aware of my misgivings. We discussed it at Morning Thoughts.
Me: Good.
Nell: David was extremely supportive.
Me: Well, he would be, Nell. He doesn’t want her to go. What about Knitwear Wolf?
Nell: Rupert said I shouldn’t count my biscuits before they’re in the bowl but he is happy to go along with whatever I decide.
Me: He is right. You don’t actually know if Sven Gully is behind this.
Nell: I do. The whole set up is classic Gully. The tortoise agrees.
Me: Does it know Gully?
Nell: No, but it can speak Swedish.
Me: Hang on a minute, Nell. Didn’t you say we should be worried about anyone speaking Swedish?
Nell: The tortoise is a linguist. It’s different.
Me: Well, make sure you keep me posted. I shall be worrying about you all.
Nell: Just concentrate on writing and retreating and leave the worrying to me.
Me: I’ll try. Sorry.
