It was everything to belong. To descend the stairs knowing the knock and the passwords, to find a partner to dance with under the soft chandelier glow, to know you were among friends though you were among masquerading strangers. They were also sharing the feeling of being welcome, and even wanted. All were one.
It was a grand private dining room by day, but by night it was another world, part speakeasy and part social club. Nobody knows how the invited were found and contacted, but they came, and they came together under the dim lights and soft music, sharing in the comfort of illicit company. Outlawed Lady Liquor flowed, spirits danced, encounters occurred.
The next day all returned to their solitudes and longings. But for one night, one swing across the floor, one toast to one chance meeting, it was enough to belong...
