Me: Harriet was off exploring everywhere when we were out on our walk.
Nell: What do you mean?
Me: She went in and out of the trees then over the bridge to the bluebell fields and right up the hill.
Nell: Did she find anything?
Me: I don’t know but Dave was watching her closely all the time. Bless him.
Nell: David’s her brother. He’s going to want to keep her safe.
Me: Yes. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. I hope he understands why we have to keep him on the lead.
Nell: Don’t worry. I explained it to him.
Me: He’s just not very good at coming back.
Nell: No, I’m afraid he doesn’t listen.
Me: Harriet always comes back.
Nell: Yes, and she’s always listening. It’s her job.
Me: She’s actually becoming a little like you, Nell.
Nell: In what way?
Me: She’s started grumbling.
Nell: I didn’t grumble,
Me: You barked orders.
Nell: I had no choice. Someone had to run the household. I don’t know how you’re managing without me.
Me: Not very well, to be honest.
Nell: It will pass.
Me: Harriet doesn’t bark orders but she makes her feelings known.
Nell: Good for her.
Me: And now Dave’s started too.
Nell: David is grumbling?
Me: It’s more like whining.
Nell: Whining?
Me: He seems to think he needs permission to come upstairs.
Nell: Does he?
Me: Of course not. He can come and go as he pleases.
Nell: What about when you have your Wednesday Writers workshop?
Me: I have to close my door then.
Nell: Or you’re changing the bed?
Me: I have to close it then, too.
Nell: So he can’t come and go as he pleases, can he?
Me: Not all the time.
Nell: No wonder he’s whining.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
