Dear Mary | 2 April 2011

Q. Thank you for your advice regarding my ‘fecundity’ question (24 March), but I did refer in my question to a gastronomic salon i.e. a private house. The location was not a restaurant and no need to drop credit cards around!

—R.S., Bombay

A. I must apologise to readers for advising R.S. how to shake off a tiresome drunk in what I assumed was a restaurant scenario. When a drunk has bearded a happily chatting group in a private house it is a different matter. Here the correct protocol is for the most alpha member of the group to take responsibility. Simulating fascination with the drunk, he can suggest the others leave them alone so they can have a more intimate discussion. ‘I’ve seen you around and admired your style and there is something i’ve always wanted to ask you — it’s a little bit embarrassing so can I ask the others to move away…’ The alpha then embarks on a hypnotically boring story about himself. Provided the drunk is sitting comfortably, they will soon nod off. This trick is easier to pull off when people are staying overnight in the house and the following ruse can be used: ‘Can we go to your room? I have something absolutely riveting to tell you.’ On arrival in the room you say, ‘I’ll just go and get some more alcohol. Back in two minutes.’ There is no need to go back as the drunk will fall asleep and be very grateful in the morning for having been stopped in their tracks.

Q. My daughter and two of my godchildren attend the same boarding school. In the past I have regularly taken them out to Ask or Pizza Express for lunch.