Miguel O'Hara Pride and Prejudice

My closest friend, Peter Parker, a man of great fortune, had rented an estate at Netherfield. This caused me to be dragged along to a repulsive and insipid public ball in a miserable village called Meryton.

People looked at me in fascination when they heard that I was getting ten thousand pounds a year. I couldn't expect much from people who lacked class and intelligence.

"Why don't you dance with that lady?" Parker suggested, trying to get me to join a young lady of humble character.

"She's not pretty enough to tempt me," I replied impassively, showing seriousness and boredom for that kind of social events. Ignoring every young man who wanted to dance.