Me: It was lovely to be back in the activity field again, wasn’t it?
Nell: Yes, it was.
Me: It seems ages since we were last there.
Nell: You’ve been too unwell.
Me: I suppose I have. Can we talk about the Semicircle of Power, please?
Nell: Not that again.
Me: I know you allowed me to sit there.
Nell: Yes, I did.
Me: Even though I didn’t have the password.
Nell: You’re not well.
Me: But nobody else was allowed in at all.
Nell: No password. No entry.
Me: It’s not your Semicircle.
Nell: Whatever. Now, rumour has it that Bernard tried to enter your bedroom window this morning.
Me: What?
Nell: Fortunately he found his way out almost immediately, so all was well.
Me: Who is Bernard?
Nell: Our local Honeyman.
Me: Someone climbed through my bedroom window and you’re only telling me this now? Why didn’t he knock on the door?
Nell: Don’t be silly. Bees don’t knock. Bernard flew in by accident.
Me: Oh, I see.
Nell: One of the Martins did the same thing a few days ago. I think it was Maureen. She got herself caught in the guest room curtains. Poor thing.
Me: I don’t know a Maureen Martin.
Nell: You can’t know them all. There are so many.
Me: I feel like I should if she’s family.
Nell: I wouldn’t call the House Martins family. They live in the eaves of our house but we’re not related as such.
Me: Oh, I see.
Nell: Anyway, if Bernard flies in again, please escort him out. He’s not an inside bee.
Me: Is there such a thing?
Nell: The Queen Bee rarely leaves the hive.
Me: Being queen is awfully tiring. You should know all about that.
Nell: I beg your pardon?
Me: Sorry.
