22 AUGUST 1992, Page 19

LETTERS Talk of Alexander

Sir: A distant relation by marriage, I would like to attest the 'legendary charm' of Lord Hesketh, disputed by your correspondent, the Hon Mrs Fermor-Hesketh, his sister-in- law (Letters, 15 August).

In April of 1990, my wife and I invited a mixture of local citizens, from former mayor to our current plumber, for a barbe- cue lunch in the garden of this house in a small provincial town in France.

Alexander, who was staying nearby with his little daughter, served our guests with such expedition and courtesy that they won- dered who he could be.

When I told them, they were none the wiser.

I have noticed, however, that when con- fronted with hostility, the Hesketh charm can be suspended.

Anthony Blond

9 Rue Thiers, 87300 BeIlac, France