Me: You’re a classic beauty, Nell.
Nell: Thank you.
Me: Somehow your greying chops make you even more beautiful.
Nell: Greying chops?
Me: The grey around your mouth.
Nell: Well, say that then. Have you noticed David has a slightly grey chin?
Me: No. Not my darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: According to your theory it should make him even more beautiful.
Me: But he’s just a puppy.
Nell: David is six years old.
Me: I keep forgetting.
Nell: Harriet has had a greying chin for quite a while.
Me: She’s always been the more mature one.
Nell: Which has absolutely nothing to do with it.
Me: It might do.
Nell: Mrs King says Roary is growing out of the tree house.
Me: Oh dear. I suppose it must be a bit cramped with two lions and a tiger.
Nell: Don’t forget the opossum.
Me: Is Oliver still living with them?
Nell: Of course. Lionel wants to take Roary on holiday during half term.
Me: I hope Mrs King refused to allow that.
Nell: He’s Roary’s father.
Me: He’s a villain and no good will come of it.
Nell: Fortunately, it’s not your decision to make.
Me: Beauregard won’t like it.
Nell: Beauregard does not have a say in this.
Me: He’s Roary’s stepfather.
Nell: Nevertheless.
Me: And he’s a fierce tiger.
Nell: Being fierce doesn’t mean you’re right.
Me: Poppy was fierce.
Nell: She still is.
Me: Poppy wouldn’t have allowed Lionel to take Roary on holiday.
Nell: This is between Mrs King and Lionel. Keep out of it.
Me: Can I smell bacon?
Nell: Of course you can smell bacon. It’s Saturday. We can’t start the weekend without a bacon sandwich.
Me: Right.
Nell: Standards must be maintained you know. Poppy would expect it.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
