More on My Lady

I like Paul Dean’s writing. Usually. But the irritating use of my lady to describe his travel companion (one assumes he hasn’t bothered to marry her), combined with his description of the “near-piddling” $514 weekend package at the Hotel Del Coronado (“Birthday Suite,” Jan. 30), nearly caused this “tonstant reader” to “fwow up.” (Sorry, Dorothy Parker.) Get a grip, “my man.”

BARBARA NICHOLS

Los Angeles

Lynda Fairman (Letters, Jan. 16) was “annoyed” because Paul Dean referred to his female companion as my lady in his article on Santa Paula (“Weekend Escape,” Dec. 5). The term denoted “to her, and possibly to other readers, ownership and possession.” My lady conveys feeling or regard this man had for this woman, not possession. Fairman’s “annoyance” was not Dean’s use of my lady , but her own stupid interpretation. Why don’t Fairman and women like her who go around trying to straighten out the world according to them, do what Professor Higgins advised in “My Fair Lady” and “clean up the mess inside.” Maybe then Fairman could have some opinions worthy of respect.

J.L. HARDISON

Lake Forest