Me: Nigel knows there’s Spying going on, doesn’t he?
Nell: I beg your pardon?
Me: And Dave doesn’t.
Nell: Finish your bacon sandwich, please, and stop making up stories.
Me: I can tell by Nigel’s face.
Nell: Nigel has a perfectly normal face.
Me: He was watching the Bus Stop until he saw me and then he sat down quickly and tried to look as if he wasn’t concerned when I know he really was.
Nell: There’s nothing to be concerned about. Look at David sleeping peacefully.
Me: Dave’s just eaten his second breakfast and a spaghetti bolognese. Nothing is going to bother him.
Nell: It wasn’t a spaghetti bolognese this morning, for your information. It was Uova al Purgatorio.
Me: You’re sounding more Italian every day. What’s that?
Nell: Eggs in purgatory.
Me: What?
Nell: It’s an Italian breakfast of eggs poached in a tomato sauce.
Me: A bit like Shakshuka?
Nell: Bless you.
Me: I meant the North African dish.
Nell: I see. Yes, but less spicy and flavoured with herbs.
Me: You seem to know an awful lot about it.
Nell: Lionel told me, if you must know.
Me: Lionel King? What’s that dreadful lion got to do with anything?
Nell: Stanley brings him a Tupperware, too, if you must know. He’s aware that Lionel lives alone.
Me: I bet Lady Anwen is on his list.
Nell: She might be. Now, finish your breakfast and start warming up your voice for Sunday Songs.
Me: Why? I’ve never warmed up my voice before?
Nell: You’re singing a duet with David. Harriet has had to drop out.
Me: She’s spying again, isn’t she?
Nell: How’s your tap dancing?
Me: I beg your pardon?
Nell: You can’t perform ‘Singing in the Rain’ without dancing. Do keep up.
Me: Right. Sorry.
