Escape from the ballroom scene in 19th-century literature?

Cafe Society
1

Hi! At the encouragement of a colleague, I’m looking for a book containing a scene I can only describe minimally: a woman (young debutante of society, perhaps?) escapes from a ballroom. It may have been 19th-century, and while I think it may’ve been Jane Austen or Emily Bronte, I haven’t found any matching works so far via Google Books. Feels like a strong proto-feminist slant, but don’t take my word on that.

Does this ring a bell for anyone? Sounds kind of iconic but I haven’t been able to find a tight match thus far. Thanks!

2

Well, there’s a scene in Atlas Shrugged vaguely along those lines… only it’s more objective and individualistic.

3

There was a scene in “pride and prejudice and zombies” where the zombies attack during Mr Bingley’s Ball at Netherfield

4

Actually, it sounds like one of the very early episodes of Upstairs, Downstairs.

Elizabeth comes home from her schooling in Germany full of socialist and progressive ideas, but her family wants her to make her debut in society at a ball. Elizabeth takes little interest as her mother starts planning her ballgown and so on, but on the night of the ball, just as Elizabeth is supposed to go out and be presented to the King & Queen (Edward VII & Alexandra), she darts away and walks home through the streets of London.

The first two seasons of Upstairs, Downstairs were published in novel form in the early '70s, so this might be what you read.

5

Thank you kindly Bryan, willthekittensurvive, and Miss! I’ll check those out — zombies included. :wink: