Those who attended the party could be divided into two broad categories: principal guests and general guests.
Naturally, those to whom Marianne sent special invitations in her own handwriting were principal guests. They were Duke of Hubble, Duke Lamont and his daughter, Grand Duke Christopher, Marquise Chester and her son Ober, Marquis Euclid and his daughter, the Earl Renault couple, Colin and Jed, the emperor's closest aides, and several other powerful nobles.
Those of lesser importance participated as general guests. Although Earl Lonstat and his daughter as well as Earl McMillan would be regarded as principal guests at most parties, the place they were coming this time was a banquet-cum-ball on the eve of the emperor's engagement ceremony.
"Madame, guests are coming."
A maid reported to Marianne at the head table the parlor.