Final answer:
The phrase "some officious fool" reflects the Duke's contemptuous attitude towards his wife's admirers, implying he is annoyed and dismissive of them.
The correct option is D) He is contemptuous of them.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "some officious fool" suggests a derogatory attitude held by the Duke towards his wife's admirers. The word 'officious' implies that someone is assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, particularly with regard to trivial matters.
In this context, the term 'fool' denotes a person who is lacking in judgment or sense. Thus, when describing the admirers in such a manner, the Duke displays a sense of contempt and ridicule. It reveals that the Duke views these individuals as irritating and foolish, and holds himself above them. Based on this interpretation, the Duke's attitude towards his wife's admirers can be defined as contemptuous.
Therefore, the correct option in the final answer is D) He is contemptuous of them.