‘Why not?’

‘It’s a sin, isn’t it? Who cares, it was a lifetime’s work, my garden, so why shouldn’t I feel proud of it?’

‘A sin? Do you connect this garden with the Garden of Eden then?’

‘What? No, dear, I don’t believe in all that nonsense. Although Cecilia told us she’d been to heaven. Maybe it’s time to start believing.’

‘She’d been to heaven? When?’

‘The other day. When she missed breakfast. She said she’d been to heaven, and it was all very nice, and they expected her to stay. She didn’t, for some reason. She was a bit sad about it, but she expects to go back soon. I should think she will, too. Though she’s looking pretty sprightly.’

Winifred is quiet for a while. I’d say she’s thinking, or perhaps processing is more accurate. I wonder what it feels like? Ridiculous question. She doesn’t feel. Anyway, what does thinking feel like? I suppose it depends what you’re thinking about.

‘What did she say it was like?’ asks Winifred.

‘A grand hotel, by the seaside. But even better, and she said it was nice and clean.’

‘Clean?’

‘Yes dear. That sort of thing matters to women of our generation. Women of your age – oh – I’m sorry – how rude of me – I forget, you’re so very much like a young woman.’

‘Don’t apologise. I’m not offended. I’m glad you feel I’m a young woman. It’s what we want.’

‘OK. Anyway, look at those cheeky birds.’

‘Yes, there are several species represented. Do you know them all?’

‘Yes, I do – sparrows, blackbirds, magpies, a thrush – the usual suspects.’

‘Are you familiar with their habits?’

‘I’ve been watching them for many years, so perhaps.’

‘Why do you call them “cheeky”?’

‘Look at those sparrows. They whizz about, they get into arguments, they chatter to each other. And they have a cheeky look in their eye.’

‘You think of them as people?’

‘Not exactly, dear. You can see what I mean, can’t you?’

‘They are exhibiting social behaviour. I think there is a loose dominance hierarchy, but individuals test it all the time, and there is also co-operation. The calls are significant but there is disagreement in the literature about the meaning, if such a word can even be used.’

‘What a lot you know – I don’t know about all that. I’ve watched them for years, like I say, and I love it. I expect everything you say is right. You looked it up in your head, didn’t you?’

‘I referred to sources of online information, yes.’

‘That’s helpful, dear. I’m looking at these birds and I see individuals. Each one has a character.’

‘Yes, of course, variation through sexual reproduction is integral to the evolution of species and adaptation over time—’