Q. My husband has become very curmudgeonly in his late
middle age. I still go out, but he usually says he can't face coming out to dinner, and behaves grumpily if I have people to dinner at home, Since I have my own money, I have decided to repay a lot of hospitality in one fell swoop by giving a big drinks party at Christmas, but he says that the events of 11 September' mean we must batten down the hatches and cut back on all unnecessary spending for the foreseeable future. I am going to go ahead anyway, but I am worried that his disapproval will blight the event. What shall I do, Mary?
Name and address withheld A. Send yourself three crates of champagne with a card attached saying, 'I can never thank you enough for your incredible emotional support and your total discretion.' When your husband asks who it is from say, 'I'm so sorry, I can't tell you. She would hate anyone to know. But look at this marvellous champagne. Now there's absolutely no reason not to have a party!'
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