Unfair to Fairlie
Sir: I was astonished that The Spectator should publish such a tasteless article as that by George Gale on Henry Fairlie (to whom I was married and lived with for 17 years).
In addition to causing distress to Henry's family and friends, I consider it was quite unnecessary to identify two women. Cer- tainly the manner in which he referred to all the women mentioned was offensive; and I am informed by reliable sources that some statements were far from the truth, both in fact and implication.
The article contains too many gross `inaccuracies' to enumerate here. But to suggest that I introduced my mother into the family will-nilly is outrageous. In fact, it was Henry who first suggested she should
`Check the sell-by date of the alphabet soup.' join us and only after we had talked it over did she come to live with us in Lewes. It was a joint decision.
George states that I 'was never allowed to live with him [Henry] in America'. This is chauvinistic nonsense! We all lived together in Georgetown until circumst- ances made it necessary for me to return to England with our children.
It is sad that a journalist of George's calibre should sink to the level of the worst tabloids.
Lisette Fairlie
Fern House, Sinnock Passage, Old Town, Hastings, East Essex
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