Marcus was a competent dancer and most ladies liked him. However, there was a certain sort of woman, who cared about finding a husband more than simply enjoying a ball, that preferred not to dance with him.

"I've been turned down by some ladies, of pureblooded pedigree," Marcus replied. He didn't really know whether Miss Higgs was a pureblood or not herself, so he added: "I bear them no ill will. After all, balls are a way for ladies to meet prospective husbands and I understand that everyone has some standards when it comes to their future mate." Just like he probably wouldn't end up marrying one of his seamstresses, or Miss Binns. The old purebloods married amongst themselves.

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