6 SEPTEMBER 2003, Page 71

Q. I do relish bringing together over lunch friends with

similar tastes and interests. To give us time for more leisured convivial exchanges. I'd like to do it over dinner instead. Can this be contrived without roping in spouses and companions who may not share these likes and interests?

R.V., New Delhi A. Here is a skeleton solution that you can flesh out to suit your needs. Imagine a couple named Bill and Benita. You want Bill but not Benita. You ring them and say, 'I want to organise a dinner for Freddie (for example). Are you both free every night for the next two weeks?' Make a note of the nights when Benita is unavailable. Ring back a few days later saying that those are the only nights when Freddie can come to dinner, so does she mind if Bill comes on his own?