Gussie was a student with Bertie Wooster at the Rev. Aubrey Upjohn's private school. As a young man, Gussie became engaged to Madeline Basset. Bertie spends a great deal of effort keeping Gussie engaged to Madeline, because if their engagement is ever broken off, Bertie will have to marry her himself.
It must be noted that Gussie dislikes London, and prefers to spend his time in his scientific studies of newts.