"Emmet's very late for work this morning, dear" Hyacinth Bucket said to her inattentive husband.
"Umm" was his automatic response, as he continued to read his morning paper.
"I do hope he isn't ill" she said taking the paper from Richard, before putting it in the magazine rack.
"Who?"
"Emmet, dear. Do try and pay attention, Richard." She said crossing over to the window, taking out the duster from her pocket and began violently dusting the window sill.
"What makes you think he is ill?" Richard asked retrieving his paper.
"He hasn't left for work yet, he usually has by now, do you think I ought to call in on him and see how he is?"
"Maybe he has the day off" Richard reasoned.
"No, no dear, Elizabeth would have said if he had the day off, for some reason she feels compelled to tell me everything about what Emmet gets up to, I think she senses he has a soft spot for me."
Richard laughed under his breath at his wife's statement. "Well don't go and bother him, if he is ill."
"Oh Richard, you know me, I never bother anyone, I can see when people need space. No I will simply call round and ask Elizabeth how he is and if she says he is ill then I will send him my regards and hope he has a speedy recovery."