It was the most wonderful night – everything I have dreamed of for years. The atmosphere of the room was filled with excitement and possibility – I am sure my soulmate must have been amongst the number, but I cannot yet tell who it is. My dance card filled up almost immediately, although my feet are suffering the consequences now! I must go and begin to make a list of who I wish to call upon tomorrow.

– An extract from a debutante's diary, January 1812

The Balls

A London social season is filled with dozens of balls, soirées and other social events. This game focuses on the three grandest balls held during the season, hosted by the Chesterton family in their Mayfair mansion. More information about the balls held during The Social Season and the Chesterton family can be found below. During the balls, there will be a few opportunities for in-character dancing, as described more here.

The Debut Ball -- 19th January 1814

The first ball of the season provides an opportunity for old friends and old enemies to reconnect after time spent in the country. This ball also serves as the debut of young adults entering society, a moment they have spent years preparing for. Debutantes may view this occasion with excitement, dread, or simply curiosity at the prospect of meeting their future spouse. London is cold and foggy, and at the end of this month the Thames will freeze over completely, giving rise to the 1814 Frost Fair.

The Spring Ball -- 17th April 1814

The Spring Ball marks the midpoint of the social season, and attendees traditionally take inspiration from nature for their outfit choices. The hosts have had many weeks to prepare for this ball, so it is the most extravagant of all, with lavish food, floral centrepieces around the room and elaborate chalk drawings of scenery on the floors. It is also a popular time for proposals, as a spring betrothal provides plenty of time to arrange a wedding before the end of the social season.

The Final Ball -- 13th July 1814

The final ball of the season is a time for celebration but also holds a touch of sadness, as it may be many months before the attendees see each other again next year. It is the time for long-standing schemes to come to fruition and for last-minute dramatic proposals of marriage.

The Chestertons

The Chesterton family have always been granted the high honour of hosting these prestigious balls through their friendship with the Queen. The family has recently gone through a difficult period as the late Duke John Chesterton died just after the conclusion of the last social season, soon after marrying his second wife. Some have theorised that the late Duke might have been cursed, as the previous year he lost his first wife and son to consumption. Upon his death, the Duke’s title passed to his nephew, Thomas, from a lesser known branch of the family. Duke Thomas’s mother, Lady Katherine Chesterton, insisted that the family continue to host the balls (despite having less connections and prestige compared to the late Duke), and the Queen granted this request.

A drawing of the Chesterton family tree can be found below, but players are welcome to add to it through their character submissions.

Relevant NPCs

Name	Pronouns	Age	Description
Lady Katherine Chesterton	she/her	41	The organiser of the three balls attended throughout The Social Season. Lady Chesterton has recently been thrust into a far more prominent position in society after her son inherited the Dukedom. Those who knew her previously would remember her as a quiet, introverted woman, but she now seems to be enthusiastically embracing her new role as an influential member of the Ton.
Duke Thomas Chesterton	he/him	22	At only 22 years of age, Thomas is very young for a Duke. He has performed well in most of the duties of his position so far but seems to avoid social occasions (these balls being a notable exception, no doubt at his mother's insistence). Previously known as a friendly but otherwise unremarkable man, it feels a little wrong for him to hold such an important rank.
Dowager Duchess Mary Chesterton	any	44	The Dowager Duchess was set to claim a pivotal role in society, before the unexpected death of his husband. They are rather frosty and unfriendly generally but particularly when forced to interact with Lady Katherine and Duke Thomas, whom she clearly holds a grudge against.
Lord Charles Crawford	he/him	30	Owning a large estate in the North of Scotland, Charles has recently returned from years spent travelling around the world and is therefore unknown to everyone in the Ton. Despite his lack of reputation, he is still respected by those who meet him, due to his obvious wealth.
Mx Ivy Shelton	she/he	18	Ivy is a shy wallflower with few friends from the notorious Shelton family, famed for their terrible annual concerts featuring performances from the Shelton debutantes. Having recently made her debut, Ivy must surely now be dreading the upcoming performance organised by her mother, or perhaps he shares his family's belief in the incredible musical talent of its members.
Countess Constance Ackroyd	she/her	40	Mother to Lucy Ackroyd and sister to Temperance Ackroyd (who she almost never talks about). Constance is friendly enough but concerned by social appearances.
Lord Albion Starling	he/him	18	Debutante brother to Henry Starling. He seems to be greatly enjoying the freedom which his brother’s absence has provided him with.
Portia Prakash	she/they	29	Sister of Father Vincent Prakash. Despite generally being a social butterfly, she is rarely seen talking to her brother.
Anne Nevill	she/her	48	Mother to Walter J. Nevill-Fox, Anne is rather serious but cares deeply about her family and their prospects.
Frances Hall	she/her	36	Governess and acting chaperone to Parthenia Fortescue.
Leslie Undrell	he/they	55	Music teacher with a far too high estimation of their own abilities as an instructor.
Duke Richard Scott	she/they	41	Unfriendly nobleperson who has a grudge against Major General Fortescue.