Me: Look at Nigel. He’s smiling.
Nell: If you say so.
Me: He is.
Nell: He’s certainly giving you his Encouraging Look, if that’s what you mean.
Me: Well, whatever look it is, I appreciate it.
Nell: Good. It takes years to perfect. Why are you up so early again?
Me: I’m on old time and I couldn’t sleep.
Nell: Old time?
Me: I’m an hour later. You’re the same.
Nell: I’m never late. I pride myself on my Punctuality.
Me: I mean you’re still thinking it’s later than it is, like me.
Nell: I’m nothing like you at all.
Me: Never mind.
Nell: Now, although Charlotte is improving a little she’s still extremely weak.
Me: I know she is.
Nell: Did I hear talk of going back to work?
Me: You did.
Nell: Absolutely out of the question.
Me: I agree. Unless there’s a huge improvement today she’s not going anywhere.
Nell: She’s not.
Me: I’m glad we’re on the same page.
Nell: Of course we’re on the same page. It’s our conversation.
Me: I meant figuratively. We’re in agreement.
Nell: I wouldn’t go that far but Charlotte isn’t going back to work.
Me: It’s hard to slow down when you have lots to do.
Nell: Needs must. I’ll ask Rupert to read to her. He has a calming voice.
Me: He does.
Nell: He’s bringing her a soft blanket, anyway. It’s in blue. Her favourite colour.
Me: He’s such a kind and thoughtful wolf.
Nell: Talking of kind and thoughtful, Lionel King was asking if Charlotte might like a little ride around the village.
Me: What?
Nell: He said Bobby can walk very slowly.
Me: Charlotte’s recovering from an operation. She’s not going horse riding with a lion.
Nell: Which is what I told him.
Me: Right. Sorry.
