Q. I took an old friend to Bellamy’s for lunch. We were just settling in for a proper gossip when a couple I know were shown to the next table. Now, I’m on good terms with these two, but for various reasons I don’t want to be on better terms. Nor did I want them eavesdropping. As a result my friend and I raced our way through watermelon salad, iced lobster soufflé and îles flottant and found ourselves standing outside earlier than we needed have. What should we have done?
— Name and address withheld
A. You need only have outlined your dilemma to a member of Bellamy’s staff. All are highly skilled at diplomatic manoeuvres and one would have hurried forward to move you to a bigger table, perhaps on the grounds that friends of yours had telephoned to say they were hoping to join you.
Q.
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