At one time engaged to Augusta Gresham, he broke the engagement in an effort to marry Martha Dunstable, and was thrashed by Augusta’s brother Frank. In the Barchester election he opposed Sir Roger Scatcherd.

"...a young man of very large fortune, in Parliament, inclined to business, and in every way recommendable [as a husband for Augusta Gresham]. He was not a man of birth to be sure, that was to be lamented.... he was the son of a tailor ... a nice, dapper man, rather above the middle height, and good looking enough had he had a little more expression in his face. He had dark hair, very nicely brushed, small black whiskers, and a small black moustache"