Debutante balls were a way for noble families to introduce their daughters to high society and find them a worthy mate. Of course, preferably from among the wealthier men, as marriage was the only possible career for girls of the time.

Preparations began months before the event, immersing you in a world of strict rules and expectations, where a carefree life under a caring parental wing could be forgotten. You spent long hours learning foreign languages, honing your dance moves, perfecting your manners and, of course, practising an elegant curtsy.

Your mother gently consoled you after failures, and your father promised that he would not put you in the hands of an unworthy man.

And you were afraid of disappointing your parents because you were in no hurry to leave your father's house at the age of sixteen, and you didn't want to.

Now you are standing at the front entrance to the hall, and your heart is racing as you look at all those young gentlemen walking with their parents. For a second you even thought you caught a glimpse of one of them smiling directly at you, but your mother's hands, gently encircling yours with gloved hands, distracted you.

"It's going to be okay, honey." - the woman whispered, seeing how nervous you were.