The niece of a woman named Lady Walpole-Wilson, Barbara is introduced to Jenkins by her cousin, Eleanor Walpole-Wilson. She is described by her aunt as "noisy." Upon their first meeting, she takes control of the situation and asks Jenkins if he is going to hurry up and ask her to dance. He enjoys her outspoken way but comes to realize that he does not really like her after she pours sugar on Widmerpool's head at a dance.