Me: Look at the face I woke up to this morning.
Nell: You spoil that animal. Cuddling him all the time.
Me: He’s my Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: Now David expects cuddles from everyone.
Me: And he usually gets them, too. How about you?
Nell: What do you mean?
Me: Are you ready for cuddles from Knitwear Wolf? He arrives back from Canada today.
Nell: Rupert and I see no need for displays of public affection.
Me: You’re more of a secret cuddler, are you?
Nell: Kindly stop interfering.
Me: What time is he arriving?
Nell: Lunchtime. Beauregard has generously offered to collect him from the station on his motorbike.
Me: I didn’t know Beauregard had a motorbike.
Nell: It’s Rupert’s motorbike.
Me: How is Beauregard getting home?
Nell: In the sidecar.
Me: Will a tiger fit in the sidecar?
Nell: David does.
Me: Fair enough. I’m not sure the villagers are quite ready for a wolf and a tiger on a motorbike but we shall see.
Nell: They’ve got used to the llamas.
Me: People can be funny about wolves and tigers.
Nell: They know Rupert from his paper round.
Me: True.
Nell: And they’ve seen Beauregard prowling around the stately home.
Me: Yes. From afar. He’s much bigger when you get closer.
Nell: Isn’t everyone? Now, Herr Hoffmann has suggested an Italian night so I hope you like lasagne.
Me: I do.
Nell: David has requested bruschetta to start.
Me: Crispy toasted slices of ciabatta rubbed with oil and garlic and smothered in diced tomatoes and fresh basil?
Nell: I know what bruschetta is.
Me: Some people might not.
Nell: Anyway, our ciabatta will not have garlic.
Me: Because of the kissing?
Nell: Because it’s toxic to animals. There will be no kissing.
Me: Right. Sorry.
