Me: Harriet blends into the background in this dry weather, doesn’t she?
Nell: Only when she’s on spying duty.
Me: She’s a similar colour to the crops.
Nell: Not the green ones.
Me: Never mind.
Nell: Just because Harriet is quieter than David doesn’t mean she can’t be noticed.
Me: I wasn’t saying that. When we’re out and about Harriet isn’t shy at all.
Nell: She didn’t much like the Dog Show.
Me: True. Dave loved it.
Nell: David craves attention.
Me: He does. You can be like that.
Nell: Absolute nonsense. I merely expect people and animals to listen to what I have to say.
Me: I remember.
Nell: It’s why I’ve been nominated as Chief Guardian.
Me: Goodness me. Does that mean you will be in charge of all the Guardians?
Nell: Don’t be silly. Only the Labrador Division.
Me: I see. Do you think you’re going to win?
Nell: I’m up against a rather pompous retired Yellow Labrador so I hope so.
Me: Aren’t all Guardians retired?
Nell: Certainly not. Poppy is never going to retire.
Me: I stand corrected.
Nell: How was Hope Cove?
Me: Lovely. We had a sandwich up at the Cottage Hotel and spent the afternoon at the beach.
Nell: I hope it was a prawn sandwich.
Me: Yes, full of lots of juicy fresh prawns.
Nell: You’re sounding fishy again.
Me: Am I?
Nell: You want to keep an eye on that.
Me: Stop fussing.
Nell: Did you swim in the sea?
Me: Yes. It was cold at first but not for long.
Nell: Did the children swim?
Me: Everyone did.
Nell: Was the beach busy?
Me: Very. There was even a wedding.
Nell: On the beach?
Me: Not an actual ceremony, just photos.
Nell: That’s not a wedding.
Me: No. Sorry.
