Me: Don’t you and Knitwear Wolf look amazing in your summer hats?
Nell: I knew you’d tell everyone.
Me: What?
Nell: People keep congratulating us.
Me: Do they?
Nell: Yes. Babycakes Gillespie gave Rupert a free coffee and a doughnut on his paper round this morning.
Me: That was kind of him.
Nell: The doughnut had ‘Congratulations’ written on it.
Me: Gosh. How thoughtful. Was it tasty?
Nell: Yes, but that’s not the point. Our engagement was supposed to be a secret.
Me: I know. I just couldn’t help myself.
Nell: Well, I suppose we might as well have a party.
Me: Are you sure?
Nell: We could hold it at the stately home and pretend it’s just a bridge afternoon at The Cat’s apartment with a few friends.
Me: Could we?
Nell: While secretly inviting the whole village and absolutely everybody we know.
Me: That’s a lot.
Nell: Having circulated flyers with our photo on them giving the time and the date and asking people to keep quiet about it.
Me: Quiet?
Nell: And choosing this Saturday because it gives everyone time to travel.
Me: So you’ve seen a flyer?
Nell: Of course I’ve seen a flyer. They’re everywhere. Even the Beefies have got one.
Me: They’re not invited.
Nell: Well, they’re the only ones who aren’t. Have you gone crazy?
Me: Dave thought we should make it inclusive.
Nell: Of everyone?
Me: It might have got a little out of hand.
Nell: What part of ‘don’t tell anyone’ didn’t you understand?
Me: I’ve messed up, haven’t I?
Nell: No. Rupert and I are actually rather flattered so many people want to celebrate with us.
Me: You are?
Nell: Yes, but that’s our secret. We’re pretending we know nothing so it can be a surprise. Understood?
Me: Absolutely. Sorry.
