Nell: It’s very early.
Me: I know but we have to take Alice to the station.
Nell: Not for a couple of hours.
Me: I couldn’t sleep, Nell. Lots of thoughts were milling around in my head.
Nell: Nothing new there.
Me: No. Sometimes it’s just easier to get up and write them down.
Nell: We had a lovely time at the activity field yesterday, didn’t we?
Me: We did. You were extremely sprightly and Poppy positively skipped along. I know you’re trying to cheer me up.
Nell: Is it working?
Me: Not really. I’m awfully sad that Alice is going.
Nell: I know you are but she needs to get back to Andre and the children and her life in Germany.
Me: She does.
Nell: They’re going to be so excited to have her home.
Me: Yes, and she will be happy to see them.
Nell: Which is just as it should be.
Me: It is.
Nell: I think today might have to be a Cuddling Day.
Me: Is there such a thing?
Nell: Of course. David will play a vital part but I shall be there for chats and Poppy will provide tea and scones.
Me: What about Harriet?
Nell: She’s spending the day with Jim the Farm Dog.
Me: Is she, indeed?
Nell: After her talk with Sally she realised she had a handsome suitor on her doorstep.
Me: Exactly.
Nell: So when he knocked on the door with a bunch of wild flowers she was delighted to see him.
Me: Nice touch.
Nell: Rupert’s idea.
Me: Good old Knitwear Wolf.
Nell: Less of the old, please.
Me: Noted.
Nell: The time just before you say goodbye is always the most difficult.
Me: It is.
Nell: She’ll be back.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
Nell: No sorries. Not today.
