A staff officer at Aldershot, and a cousin of the Marchesa Baldoni and Lady Albury, both of whom aided him in his courtship of Ayala Dormer. Despite his high character, Ayala did not at first recognize him as her "Angel of light," but he was persistent and at last was accepted.

"His hair was ruby red, and very short and he had a thick red beard; not silky, but bristly, with each hair almost a dagger, and his mouth was enormous. His eyes were very bright, and there was a smile about him, partly of fun, partly of good humour." -  Ayala's Angel.