Me: It’s wonderful to have everyone together again, isn’t it?
Nell: Yes, although Poppy and Harriet might be in need of a quiet few moments.
Me: Why do you say that?
Nell: I found Poppy outside on the table this morning and Harriet pretending to be asleep on your garden chair.
Me: Bless them. I’m not surprised they’re a bit tired. It’s all been rather full on.
Nell: I didn’t appreciate being squished between the two children in the car yesterday.
Me: It was the only way you could come to the station to collect Chris.
Nell: It’s usually just me.
Me: I know but they wanted to come too and he was delighted to see them. They rushed into his arms and they’ve hardly left his side since.
Nell: David slept in Chris’s bed.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: I told him not to but he said nobody would notice.
Me; Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. He thinks he’s small.
Nell: Well, he isn’t.
Me: Chris doesn’t mind.
Nell: David is supposed to sleep downstairs with me.
Me: He just needed a few extra cuddles.
Nell: I hope he remembers he’s opening the village fete this afternoon.
Me: I’m sure he does.
Nell: I heard him telling Chris they could go paddle boarding.
Me: They can go beforehand. They’ve got plenty of time. Knitwear Wolf could take them down to the beach on his motorbike.
Nell: The Mayor of Kingsbridge can’t turn up to address his public all salty-faced with sand between his claws.
Me: I don’t see why not.
Nell: His chain is already a little rusty.
Me: That’s because it’s a safety chain.
Nell: You do realise The Cat found marmalade in his feathers.
Me: Dave hasn’t got feathers.
Nell: His feathered hat. Do keep up.
Me: Sorry.
