He was surprised that Cecily had not found a husband — she was charming and enthusiastic, even if she was far too into Quidditch for most people. Surely someone wanted access to her dowry? Or, since that was bleak, surely someone wanted a wife who could talk with them about the sport. And yet — Cecily, unmarried, and now twenty-three. (But only twenty-three — she may be alright.)

Cash did not have much to say about marriage-arrangements that did not involve betrothals, so was almost relieved to have Theo offer the anecdote of The Ear. He grinned at Theo, feeling warm and wry at the memory for all it had been gruesome in the moment. "Well," he said, "I suppose you didn't want to hazard a surprise party for her?"