Me: Did Dave find any sign of Rupert in the barns?
Nell: No, but he and Harriet checked the stream and feel sure Rupert walked through there.
Me: I thought you couldn’t track anyone in water?
Nell: I didn’t say they could actually smell Rupert. It was more of a feeling. A sense of him.
Me: The trouble is he will definitely have walked through there before so it doesn’t really tell us anything.
Nell: No, I’m afraid it doesn’t.
Me: I’m sure he will be in contact soon, Nell.
Nell: I hope so. I’m feeling rather lost without him.
Me: I know exactly what you mean.
Nell: Henry and Horst are sending out insect trackers so maybe they will discover something.
Me: I think a few of them should hide in that lion’s mane.
Nell: Lionel King doesn’t know anything.
Me: I bet he does. I’d put a few in Stanley Smoochy’s feathers and on Lady Anwen’s hat. They could hide in her veil.
Nell: I’ll pass on your suggestions at our next meeting.
Me: Good. I’m not sure they can get to Sponge Finger or Stephen Seagull but it would be worth a try.
Nell: We don’t know the Italian rook is Sponge Finger. I mean Savoiardi. They all look the same to me.
Me: He’s Sponge Finger. It’s in the eyes.
Nell: Anyway, we’re not giving up until Rupert is safely home.
Me: What’s happening to all the knitwear without him? Aren’t we close to the launch of his Spring Collection?
Nell: It’s on hold. The Cat’s stepped in to coordinate production and distribution of the Winter collection but it doesn’t want to start any new lines without him.
Me: Quite right. We might end up with sequinned cardigans.
Nell: That’s not the reason.
Me: No. Sorry.
