Those Barren Leaves · Character

Lord Hovenden

A young, titled Englishman at the villa, amiably out of his depth in Italian and in the emotional errands others assign him.

supporting

Also known as Hovenden, Young Lord Hovenden

First appearance: part i an evening at mrs aldwinkle s

As a supporting figure in Those Barren Leaves, Lord Hovenden is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Walks apart, humming loudly to show he is occupied with his own thoughts, disturbed by Irene's knowledge of passion, and asks Mr.

In the storyIVOpen this moment free

When crisis strikes, Lord Hovenden is dispatched to Rome to fetch a specialist, dutifully writing down the talismanic name and confessing he is 'no good at ve language.' His blushing evasions about his own English doctor suggest a young man more comfortable being managed than managing. He embodies the well-meaning, slightly helpless Englishness against which the villa's artistic intensities play.

See Lord Hovenden in IV Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

14 connections

A slice of how Lord Hovenden sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Romantic
Other

Character groups

Villa guests and romantics

+9 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the protagonist’s intellectual reverie about democratic ideals and his own unworthiness is vi…

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Relationships

Irene
romantic · positive
Irene and Lord Hovenden are young lovers, with a sweet but somewhat naive romantic… How this plays out →
Irene
romantic · positive
Irene and Lord Hovenden are young lovers, with a sweet but somewhat naive romantic… How this plays out →
Irene
romantic · positive
Irene and Lord Hovenden are young lovers, with a sweet but somewhat naive romantic… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Lord Hovenden in part i an evening at mrs aldwinkle s

In the story

Lord Hovenden appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IV
Walks apart, humming loudly to show he is occupied with his own thoughts, disturbed by Irene's knowledge of passion, and asks Mr. Falx about Fascist Trades Unions.
VI
Sighs over Irene's affection for her aunt; laughs at the suggestion he become an artist; defends Irene against Mrs. Aldwinkle's criticism.
VII
Finds Calamy's introspection incomprehensible; knows he likes dancing and desires Irene; drinks little wine.
VIII
Mentioned by Mrs. Aldwinkle as the object of Irene's supposed affection; she claims he follows Irene 'like a dog.' Irene expresses genuine surprise at the suggestion.
Part III: The Loves of the Parallels
Hovenden confronts Irene, reflecting the emotional snobbery and performance in their relationship.
IV
Confronts Irene about her avoidance and jealousy over Chelifer, then apologizes and kisses her, causing her distress.
Mrs. Chelifer's Arrival
Welcomes Mrs. Chelifer; her arrival ends Irene's duties as a spy.
XI
Subject of Irene's thoughts and Mrs. Aldwinkle's speculation about his sexual orientation.
Part IV: The Journey
Confronts Irene about her behavior, adding tension to the group dynamic.
I
Transformed by speed from a shy, diffident boy into a cool-headed hero; his courage peaks in the car but wanes on solid ground.
II
Accelerates the car; whispers to Irene about the paintings at Spoleto.
IV
Avoids the Labour Conference to spend time with Irene; shops for antiques and discusses wedding plans.
V
Appears suddenly on a barrow, runs to greet the party, and diplomatically avoids shaking Irene's hand.
VI
Mentioned as one who often pays for the dinners ordered by Mr. Cardan.
VIII
Drives to Rome with Chelifer; admits he is poor at Italian and blushes when questioned about a previous doctor.
II
Mentioned as Irene's love interest; she plans to marry him at the New Year.

Chapter companion notes

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See Lord Hovenden in part i an evening at mrs aldwinkle s

See Lord Hovenden in IV