Me: Are we having a Lazy Sunday?
Nell: Yes, we are.
Me: I thought so. When I went into the living room everyone seemed extremely chilled.
Nell: Turn the heating on.
Me: No, chilled as in relaxed.
Nell: What nonsense. You can’t be relaxed when you’re cold.
Me: Never mind.
Nell: Are you hungry?
Me: Not yet, I’ve just had a boiled egg and soldiers, but I will be later.
Nell: We’re having apple crumble for pudding today.
Me: Wonderful. Autumn has finally arrived.
Nell: Yes. Somebody left some apples on our doorstep so Herr Hoffmann thought a crumble might be just the thing.
Me: He’s right. I love a crumble, especially with custard.
Nell: I prefer cream.
Me: I’m sure we have some in the fridge.
Nell: Of course we do. We live in Devon. There’s always cream.
Me: True. I wonder who left the apples?
Nell: A neighbour, I expect. People are very kind in the village.
Me: Yes, they are. Remember when Jim the Farm Dog used to bring us fresh eggs?
Nell: Don’t talk about him in front of Harriet. She’s having trouble moving on.
Me: Why don’t we invite him to lunch?
Nell: What?
Me: We could ask Walter Pigeon to fly over. There’s still time.
Nell: I’m not sure that’s a good idea.
Me: Jim used to join us for Sunday Songs and the Sunday roast.
Nell: That was when we lived on the farm.
Me: I think we should give it a try. Just imagine Harriet’s little face when she sees him.
Nell: Fine. I’ll go and talk to Walter. He might not have time, though.
Me: He’ll make time for this. There’s nothing more important than making our darling girl smile.
Nell: Enough of the guilt trip, please. I’m going.
Me: Sorry.
