Me: Maple’s a good friend to Poppy.
Nell: Yes, they’ve become close. I think it’s the hours they spent together in the crow’s nest on the Cutty Bark.
Me: And the fact they’re both feisty and small.
Nell: And good with a sword.
Me: Yes. Anyway, Poppy’s feeling a little low so she’s having a rest on the bed and Maple is watching over her.
Nell: How kind.
Me: She can’t really see her, of course, because she only has little legs and the bed is high but she’s doing her best.
Nell: That’s all we can do. Why is Poppy feeling low?
Me: Lionel and those nasty cats should be punished for what they did but instead they’re living the good life at the Burgh Island Hotel.
Nell: We don’t know that.
Me: Yes, we do. Princess and Sir Roger Blubbery saw them laughing on the balcony yesterday when they were swimming around the island.
Nell: It might have been a different lion.
Me: It was him. His ship was parked outside. I don’t know why you’re so blinkered when it comes to Lionel King.
Nell: I’m not. Princess and Sir Roger have become firm friends, haven’t they?
Me: Yes. In fact Babycakes Gillespie is taking bets on a possible engagement before Christmas.
Nell: Good grief.
Me: I think it’s lovely. And I noticed you changed the subject when it came to Lionel King.
Nell: I did nothing of the sort. Now, Sunday Songs are about to begin so we should coax Poppy outside to listen.
Me: Great idea.
Nell: Rupert is providing warm ponchos for everyone.
Me: He’s such a thoughtful wolf. You’ve got a good one there, Nell. Don’t take him for granted.
Nell: Stop interfering and put on your poncho.
Me: I’m right you know. Sorry.
