Me: What a beautifully frosty morning.
Nell: You’re only saying that because you’re in bed with your electric blanket switched on.
Me: True. I’m enjoying admiring it from afar.
Nell: I think I might join you in bed actually.
Me: Please do. Poppy and the puppies are already here but there’s plenty of room.
Nell: You know David and Harriet will be six next year. They really aren’t puppies anymore.
Me: They are to me.
Nell: I wish David would stop whispering in Harriet’s ear like that.
Me: They’re sharing puppy secrets.
Nell: Good grief.
Me: Actually I think they’re excited about the football match this evening. Remember Dave trained with the England team a few years ago. He and Harry Kane are best buddies.
Nell: How could I forget?
Me: He was an excellent goalkeeper.
Nell: They’re waiting for our guests too, of course. What time are your sisters and Hattie Button arriving?
Me: About 4pm. They’re going to try and get here while it is still light.
Nell: Yes, we don’t want them driving on dark and icy roads. Hattie Button is only young.
Me: So, you’ve decided to be nice to her now, have you?
Nell: Yes. I realised I might have been a little short tempered and unwelcoming.
Me: You were a bit frosty. See what I did there? What changed your mind?
Nell: I was talking it over with Rupert and he reminded me that I have a duty of care to the younger members of the family.
Me: Yes, you do and Hattie might find you all rather overwhelming.
Nell: You’re excited about seeing your sisters again, aren’t you?
Me: Yes, I’ve missed them. I hope I don’t get too emotional.
Nell: Emotional is absolutely fine and understandable at the moment.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
