Who is Lord William Hale from Sharpe's Trafalgar: Richard Sharpe and the Battle of Trafalgar, October 21, 1805 and what is their importance?

Lord William Hale is Lady Grace's husband. He is described as a cold, demanding, wealthy man, who is accustomed to having everything his way. When Hale learns that his secretary is dead, he is more worried about a missing paper than the man's death. When his wife is attacked, he steps aside. He later threatens to kill Grace after discovering her affair, but she kills him instead.