He came to these things because that was what was done—Julius had surrendered much in his life, but while he was happy to remain well out of the spotlight, he would not completely relinquish his place in society. Besides, everything he could do to undo his father's ills to the family reputation would help the family (in particular, Araminta) moving forward—and was that not his duty, as the reluctant patriarch?

Having friends present helped, and having colleagues present was...fine. He could almost pretend that this was just another work-related function, were it not for the abundance of young women whose mothers would turn up their noses at him. How long, the wizard wondered, did scandal stick?

Though her collapse was far too genteel for him to hear, he certainly saw the woman go down from his vantage point on the outskirts of the dance floor. Scarcely even thinking—those latent auror instincts, it seemed, were not entirely comatose—he moved to the floor beside her, down on bended knee as he gingerly moved his hand so that his fingertips rested ever so slightly upon her clothed shoulder, not wishing to shock her into wakefulness with impropriety.

"Miss, can you hear me?" Julius asked tentatively, knowing that if she couldn't, are you alright? would be rather ineffective.