Possible Clues:

• The peony is chancy for the beginner
• The peony represented a newcomer on the scene
• They open possibilities for new convert
• A convert to join new fight, we hear
• Pet honey for a religious novice
• Although he's no vice, he may sound offensive at last
• Novice found they open awkwardly
• New convert, unorthodox type one church finally admitted
• Beginner, nervous one, has struggle to be heard
• Absolute beginner — Eton hype (anag)