Me: What have I done now?
Nell: You know.
Me: No, I don’t.
Nell: You completely overdid it yesterday.
Me: Not really.
Nell: Dashing around like a mad thing changing beds and washing cushions.
Me: I want everything to be nice for Alice.
Nell: The cushions were absolutely fine.
Me: They were a bit doggy.
Nell: Doggy? They were just right.
Me: You might think so.
Nell: We all do. David was shocked when he got on the sofa last night.
Me: Bumper will be pleased with me.
Nell: Never mind, Bumper. I’ve told him he can’t take that stuffed tiger everywhere with him but he won’t listen.
Me: I think it’s rather sweet.
Nell: He’s a grown animal. Anyway, we were talking about you.
Me: Alice should be texting soon to let us know which train she’s on.
Nell: Stop changing the subject. Why all this walking in such hot weather? You are exhausted.
Me: It’s for Cancer Research, Nell.
Nell: When Alice gets here it’s time to put your feet up and have a cup of Earl Grey.
Me: Are you coming to the station?
Nell: Of course. Now, we need to discuss Harriet.
Me: Why?
Nell: Rupert thinks she might have a crush on Bumper.
Me: I suppose Knitwear Wolf would know all about crushes.
Nell: What do you mean?
Me: Half the Whippets Institute are in love with him and as for the Welsh Corgi Choir.
Nell: Enough.
Me: He’s a very handsome wolf.
Nell: We aren’t talking about Rupert.
Me: You were.
Nell: I was discussing Harriet and Bumper. Rupert thinks someone needs to have a word with her. Bumper obviously doesn’t feel the same way.
Me: He only has eyes for the stuffed tiger.
Nell: He sees her as a friend.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
