A dinner plan that guarantees Gallic disdain

SIR – John Kelsall (Letters, January 17) tells us with relish how an extra-mature cheddar provides a perfect finish to a meal.

I am reminded of my French mother-in-law’s comments when she learnt of the English habit of ending dinner with cheese, rather than taking it before the dessert.

“Your poor wives!” she exclaimed in unfeigned horror. “Your poor wives!”

Patrick Gloyens Guildford, Surrey

Say cheese: an illustration from Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management