Me: What’s Nigel doing here?
Nell: Watching the bus stop.
Me: When did he arrive?
Nell: First thing this morning. He’s covering the early shift for David.
Me: But Nigel doesn’t even live here.
Nell: He does at weekends and now and again in-between.
Me: Why can’t Dave do the early shift?
Nell: David has to get ready for his interview.
Me: Is he applying for a job?
Nell: No. It’s with a reporter from the Daily Growl about ‘Sherlock Bones and the Handsome Hound’.
Me: Are they interviewing anyone else?
Nell: Most probably, but today is all about David. It seems he has quite a fan club.
Me: I’m not surprised. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. Is he nervous?
Nell: No. He’s eating pancakes in the kitchen with the maple syrup you brought with you from Canada.
Me: And bacon?
Nell: What do you think?
Me: Canadian breakfasts are delicious. Shannon made us one when we were in Toronto. Is Nigel going to stand on that chair all morning?
Nell: Yes. Why?
Me: It doesn’t seem fair. You and Harriet are resting comfortably and Dave is having breakfast.
Nell: Nigel is on duty. Needs must.
Me: But there’s nobody at the bus stop. The schoolchildren have gone to school.
Nell: Lady Anwen could arrive at any time.
Me: I think Nigel should be allowed a break. I bet you and Harriet had breakfast.
Nell: Of course we did. Canadian breakfasts are meant to be shared.
Me: We should share it with Nigel.
Nell: Nigel can’t eat and watch. He’ll get maple syrup on the furniture.
Me: I’ll watch while he’s eating,
Nell: Can you spare a few minutes?
Me: No need to rush.
Nell: Nigel is a Labrador. It’s a Canadian breakfast. He won’t need long.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
