Me: Summer walks are all about dappled sunlight and rolling in the long grass.
Nell: I presume you’re referring to Harriet?
Me: Yes, look at her.
Nell: She does rather throw herself into it.
Me: Yes. Literally. Bless her.
Nell: I prefer a gentle sniffari.
Me: I’m on your side. Not the sniffari, but the gentle part. My rushing days are over.
Nell: Did you ever rush?
Me: When I lived in Berlin I rushed all over the place.
Nell: Goodness me.
Me: Isn’t it strange that when you’re older, even though you take things at a slower pace, time seems to move more quickly?
Nell: Yes.
Me: Maybe it’s because it feels more precious?
Nell: Anyway, much as I enjoy all this early morning philosophising I have a busy day ahead.
Me: Why?
Nell: Uncle Archie’s invited Rupert and I to the yacht club for lunch as a thank you for yesterday’s afternoon tea.
Me: What about the Hoffmanns?
Nell: What about them?
Me: Surely they should be the ones going for lunch? They made the tea.
Nell: The Hoffmanns don’t have time for lunch. It’s Midsummer Eve.
Me: I know they celebrate Midsummer in Scandinavian countries but I didn’t know we celebrated here.
Nell: The Hoffmanns are German bears.
Me: And?
Nell: All German bears celebrate Midsummer. Do keep up.
Me: Just German bears?
Nell: I have no idea. If there are Scandinavian bears they’ll probably be celebrating too.
Me: How?
Nell: It appears to involve flowers in your hair, potato salad and lots of fish.
Me: Princess will love that.
Nell: Yes, she and Sir Roger have organised a pool party.
Me: Are we invited?
Nell: Everyone’s invited. Make sure you wear something floaty.
Me: Floaty?
Nell: A scarf will do. But no shoes.
Me: Right. Sorry.
