Final answer:
Based on the historical context provided, the sentiment that Barker and Mr. Douglas's friendship caused irritation to the husband aligns with option B, indicating that locals believe it led to conflict, resonating with the southern culture of honor and dispute resolution seen in the case of Hammond and Hampton.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the friendship between Barker and Mr. Douglas caused irritation to the husband suggests that locals believe it led to conflict, as is illustrated in the historical account of James Hammond and Wade Hampton II. In the dispute between these two figures from South Carolina's past, strong emotions and societal expectations fueled by a culture of honor and the practice of dueling were prevalent. Instead of challenging Hammond to a duel after discovering Hammond's involvement with his daughters, Hampton sought to damage his former friend's political career, thereby violating the southern code of honor and diminishing his own reputation.
This instance demonstrates how relationships and personal actions could lead to social and personal conflict, and resonate with the locals' perception of the friendship between Barker and Mr. Douglas as one that sparked animosity. In the final part of the question, to best capture the sentiment of the historical context and the opinions of the locals on the matter, I would choose one option, which is option B: They think it led to conflict.