Nell: That’s not our sofa.
Me: I know.
Nell: What’s Dave doing on there?
Me: That’s not Dave. It’s Toby. Isn’t he handsome?
Nell: Of course it has to be Toby. He lives with Tony the Postman and Sue.
Me: He looks awfully like a young Dave, doesn’t he?
Nell: He would do. My dear departed sister Maisie was his grandmother and her daughter Mist is his mother.
Me: I remember when they went missing and everyone was looking for them.
Nell: They went on a short adventure. It happens.
Me: Doesn’t it just.
Nell: You’ll be going on an adventure at the end of May.
Me: I will.
Nell: Flying off to Berlin to see Alice and the grandchildren.
Me: I can’t wait.
Nell: Celebrating two birthdays.
Me: Faye’s and Andre’s.
Nell: With no thought for those you’ve left languishing at home.
Me: That’s not fair, Nell. I haven’t been away since last August.
Nell: You went on a writing retreat in November.
Me: That was only to the Cottage Hotel.
Nell: Dogs fly on planes nowadays.
Me: Service dogs do.
Nell: I’m your companion. I live to serve.
Me: That’s a slight exaggeration.
Nell: Just saying.
Me: You’re not coming with me. You wouldn’t like flying and you’re needed at home.
Nell: It was worth a try. I miss them.
Me: They’re coming over for three weeks in August, so you’ll see them then.
Nell: Good.
Me: Why are you sitting at the top of the stairs?
Nell: I’m monitoring all Comings and Goings.
Me: Any particular reason?
Nell: Running this house is a full time job, you know. I can’t go swanning off to other countries whenever I like.
Me: You and Rupert went to France recently.
Nell: That was an emergency, but fair point.
Me: Sorry.
