Thursday Thirteen: Barrington Interview

13 Questions for Hugh Leighton

I decided to take Dana’s advice and put the reticent viscount on the spot. Now, I didn’t force him to wear pink or call him “Bo Peep”, he knows if he doesn’t cooperate, he might just be attending the masquerade dressed as such. I think the Duke and Duchess of Bolster could be convinced to help him lose a wager where that was the forfeit.

1. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?

I am the sixth Viscount Barrington, my best friend is the Duke of Bolster and I’ve received no complaints from my looking glass nor the ladies.

2. How do you think others would describe your personality?

Don’t believe the scandal sheets! Half the time, they exaggerate until I can’t even believe I perpetrated such preposterous pranks. The other half, they omit the best parts of the story. However, society must find me an amusing fellow to have me around. I do keep getting invited back.

3. What do you see your role in life?

I feel it’s my duty to provide a bit of levity where there’s none to be found. London can be such a dreary place at times. People reflect their surroundings, you know. If not for me, people like Lord and Lady Threapwood would never have their noses tweaked. Deary people. Dreary.

4. How are you different from your peers?

I don’t pass on gossip and I’m very cautious, considering the source, when I hear it. I’ve been linked with numerous scandals over the years, but never has my name been linked with a woman’s in serious tattle.

5. What do you care most about?

Besides my friends and enjoying life? Not much, family is all and good for others, but it’s best when you can choose your own.

6. How do you deal with problems?

I usually try to laugh them off. If someone else has the problem, I try to make them laugh it off so they can forget about it.

7. What was the most significant thing that ever happened to you?

Must’ve been just after I was sent up to Eton. Was just after my mum passed and Grandmama packed me off saying my father was no fit role model. Anyway, I was set upon by a pair of bullies. Didn’t appreciate my teasing ways. James, er, the Duke of Bolster, stepped in and we’ve been close ever since.

8. What kinds of relationships do you have with the others?

As I mentioned, I’m close with the Wyndhams. Hm? Oh, that’s Bolster’s family. The Duchess and I are quite close; Bolster’s still jealous. Quite amusing, really. His cousins are sweet girls. A bit young for my tastes though. My grandmother? Oh, no, she hasn’t stuck her spoon in the wall yet. She still attempts to control my life and I try to stay just out of reach. She can be a veritable dragon at times. Particular lady friends? No, not at the moment. I try to stay out of reach of the schemers and matchmakers as well. No time for that.

9. What’s your opinion of the opposite sex?

If it’s not my title they want, it’s my money. Or both. Very few of them ever take the time to get to know the real men behind the titles they chase.

10. What would it take to make you change significantly?

It sounds trite, but I suspect the love of a good woman who accepted me for myself could reform my reckless ways. It’s not that I never want to marry, I just haven’t found the right woman. I thought I had once or twice, but we’ll just chalk those up to the ignorance and ill-preparedness of youth, shall we? Are we nearly done? Baring my soul like this is quite unusual and I’m expected at Bolster House.

11. Just three more questions, my Lord. Why do you think your story deserves to be told?

I have surprising depths for such a carefree fribble. No, I wouldn’t care to elaborate.

12. What would you would like to do that you have never done before?

I should like to find where I belong. I’ve always felt at sixes and sevens but what’s to be done?

13. What are you going to do now?

I’m off to Bolster House. The Duke and I are to play billards. And I dare hope this evening at White’s he shall be the one spouting horrid poetry as the forfeit. I’m quite tired of always losing to him.

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