Me: Do you know what’s going on downstairs?
Nell: Probably, but tell me anyway.
Me: Poppy is in the yellow chair, swordless but feisty, watching Dave pretending to be asleep.
Nell: David is lying on her sword.
Me: Poor darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. I wouldn’t sleep either if I was lying on someone’s sword. Is there any particular reason why?
Nell: Poppy is still determined to fight Miss Maple.
Me: But Miss Maple has done nothing wrong.
Nell: I know. Poppy’s refusing to listen to reason. You’re going to have to talk to her.
Me: Why me?
Nell: It was your idea for John to make her jealous.
Me: I told her but she wouldn’t believe me.
Nell: You do realise all this sword concealing means that David has missed his first breakfast and may possibly miss his second.
Me: We can’t let that happen, Nell.
Nell: I know.
Me: Do you think Poppy realises Dave is lying on her sword?
Nell: Of course she does. That’s why she’s watching him.
Me: Oh, I see.
Nell: The second he moves she will jump in and get it.
Me: I think we need to get John the Doberman over here right now.
Nell: Let me guess. To sweep her off her feet?
Me: No. To lie on the sword so Dave can get his breakfast. John’s a big boy too so he can easily conceal it.
Nell: Good grief. This has gone too far. I’m going to go in and speak my mind. John loves Poppy and Poppy loves John. That’s all that matters.
Me: You’re absolutely right and while you’re at it you might want to listen to your own advice.
Nell: What do you mean?
Me: You love Rupert and he loves you.
Nell: Stop interfering.
Me: Sorry.
