Nell: You’re not going to believe this.
Me: I might.
Nell: It concerns Lionel King and a Palomino.
Me: Are we talking horses, or shawls?
Nell: Horses. You’re thinking of a Pashmina.
Me: Oh yes. Apologies. Has Lionel King taken up riding?
Nell: Not exactly. He’s fallen in love.
Me: We all know that, Nell. He’s been in love with you for years.
Nell: It’s not about me.
Me: Is Lionel in love with someone else?
Nell: Supposedly.
Me: Do you mean Lionel King has fallen in love with a Palamino?
Nell: It’s probably more of an infatuation, but he’s been seen with a pony in the village and they both have plaited manes.
Me: Gosh. Does the pony have a name?
Nell: Yes. It’s ridiculous.
Me: Horses often have unusual names. What is it?
Nell: Bobby Socks.
Me: Bobby Socks?
Nell: Yes.
Me: Does she like Frank Sinatra?
Nell: I have no idea.
Me: It’s actually rather a good name for a Palamino. They often have white socks.
Nell: What are you talking about?
Me: Maybe we’ll see them galloping past the house?
Nell: I have better things to do than watch Lionel make a fool of himself with a flighty mare.
Me: You’re jealous.
Nell: I am not.
Me: How do you know about Lionel King and Bobby Socks?
Nell: It’s the talk of the village.
Me: I suppose it would be. I wonder if Lionel sits on her back, or just canters along beside her?
Nell: Lions don’t canter.
Me: Lions don’t have plaited manes.
Nell: True. Have you ever ridden a horse?
Me: Yes, in Africa. It didn’t go well. What about you?
Nell: I’m a Lady Labrador not a Welsh Corgi.
Me: Corgis love horses, don’t they?
Nell: What do you mean?
Me: Nothing. Sorry.
