176 The Phantom of The Ball

People dressed in extravagant coats and long ball gowns chattered the night away, waiting for the main event. Men wore long frock coats or tailcoats. On their breasts, silver or golden pins showing their coat of arms hung. They all wore vests of different proportions and cuts. They all looked elegant, sophisticated, a perfect product of high society's upbringing.

Women wore silk gowns with skirts that folded onto the ground. Some wore headbands on their braided hair. Others attached flowers to their smoothly parted one. Some even chose to tie a ribbon around the ponytail they expertly asked their servants to make for them.

Some giggled and laughed. Couples were busy waltzing in the middle of the ballroom while musicians expertly led them with an upbeat tune. There were others, though, that sat by the numerous tables that offered free drinks and watched the show, sullen, or bored.