Q. I am a hereditary peer. I am also in
the auctioneering business and my work takes me to the United States, where confusion frequently arises over my Christian name. What is the most tactful way for me to correct those who have misunderstood the details on my business card and assume that my parents actually chose the name 'Lord' rather than it being thrust upon me, as it were?
Name and address withheld
A. Let us assume that you are Lord Blunderbuss and that your true Christian name is 'Peregrine'. The very first time the misunderstanding is confirmed — when, for instance, someone says, 'Good to meet you, Lord' — you should reply, 'Oh, just call me Peregrine. I never use my title.' If, however, you wish to pull rank for any reason, say, 'Thank you very much for using my title. You know, five years ago in England everyone referred to me as Lord Blunderbuss. These days people are much
less courteous. .
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