6 SEPTEMBER 2008, Page 63

Q. In our country cottage we have no signal for

mobiles and visitors have consequently always had to use the landline. In the past I have been very relaxed about this but now I want to save money. They always ask first, of course, so how do I say ‘keep it brief’ without spoiling the atmosphere?

Name and address withheld A. Respond enthusiastically, ‘Oh do! But we have a weird new contract with BT which means you can only use so many minutes per month. So can you ask them to ring you back?’