Claude Percival John Delamere Cobbold, fifth Earl of Shortlands in Spring Fever. A stout, smooth-faced man of 52 who looks like a discontented butler. Master of Beevor Castle, Kent, but financially dependent on his daughter Adela, who makes him live all the time at his castle. Wants to borrow £200 to buy a public house and marry Mrs. Punter, his cook.

• Spring Fever