First set....

In an effort to break the inevitable ice, Marta suggested drinks at her house, before going on to cousin Andrew's for dinner.

Dora arrived first, closely followed by Marta's father Carmelo, and Marisa, looking like a slightly animated hairgrip.

Before Marta could say anything, Dora extended a gracious hand to Marisa.

"How interesting to meet you" she said. "I've heard so much about you....Morticia."

"Marisa" chorused Marta and Carmelo, mentally awarding a point to Dora.

"I'm sure," continued Dora, ignoring them, "that we'll be the greatest of friends, Manuka."

"Marisa! And djes." Marisa's smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "I always get on bery well with the olds people."

Marta winced. A point to Marisa.

"Well that's hardly surprising, Majollica," Dora remarked. "After all, Carmelo's at least double your age...."

Carmelo opened his mouth to protest, but then withered...there was no point.

But Marisa wasn't beaten.
"Ees very hard to tell how olds he ees. I hab heem on no soogar, no fatty, no alcohol, no glutens, no nada! I hab taken 20 years off heem!" she said proudly.

"Well undoubtedly, dear. But only because the poor man will die of boredom 20 years prematurely."

And with that, Dora sailed magnificently over to Carmelo, secure in the knowledge that Round One was hers...