Nell: David looks rather blue.
Me: That’s probably because he ate Harriet’s piece of steak pie by mistake and wasn’t allowed another one.
Nell: No. I mean literally blue.
Me: Oh, I see. He isn’t really. My camera keeps doing that to me.
Nell: Doing what? Turning animals blue?
Me: Picking up on whatever the main colour is in the picture.
Nell: Tell it to stop.
Me: I’m not sure how to do that.
Nell: Never mind. I hear you have some troubling news.
Me: I do. In fact it’s probably the reason why we’re all feeling blue.
Nell: Is it about Kev?
Me: No, he’s still doing well.
Nell: Or you?
Me: No, I’m fine. It’s the Cottage Hotel in Hope Cove.
Nell: The Cottage Hotel?
Me: Yes. Sarah and William have sold it.
Nell: I don’t believe you.
Me: It’s true. The rich buyers are going to turn it into a luxury resort.
Nell: That’s absolutely dreadful news.
Me: Yes, it is, isn’t it?
Nell: Mutley and Poppy are going to be extremely upset.
Me: We’re all upset.
Nell: Now I can fully understand why David has turned blue.
Me: He hasn’t really turned blue, Nell.
Nell: I think I might have a bluish tinge myself if you look closely.
Me: I wish I could.
Nell: This is the end of an era.
Me: It is.
Nell: So many happy memories gone in an instant.
Me: It will probably take a little time to actually happen.
Nell: Thank goodness it will live on in your book.
Me: Yes, I’m very glad about that.
Nell: And our conversations.
Me: A lot of things live on in our conversations.
Nell: Things?
Me: I mean people and animals. Not just places.
Nell: The Cottage Hotel has been sold.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
