Even Anthony was surprised by the swift shift of the conversation. The commissioner was quickly put in his place and practically fled the scene. Elsie had slipped her hand over Oscar’s, confused by his aid and even more so by the seemingly affectionate gesture. He’d defended her. While the man spewed the doctrine of their misogynistic society, the very one she wanted to break through, Oscar came to her rescue, knocking the commissioner down a few inches.<br/><br/>The tension at the table never quite dissipated, but Anthony commended Oscar, forgetting that he had never quite disagreed with the drunk. The excuse for the man’s behavior wasn’t enough for Elsie, neither was his apology, but she nodded her head with the rest of them and slowly sipped at the wine. It was solace she was hoping to find in the glass. She’d almost made a fool of herself in front of one of her most admired and Oscar had to dig her out. While she hadn’t been the one to dig the hole, she proved she couldn’t get herself out.<br/><br/>Dinner went by without incident. The chatter lifted once again, dinner was served and the wine poured freely for them. Yet, Elsie felt something no one else did at the table. While he smiled and fell into conversation with Pohler, Oscar had remained silent with her.<br/><br/>He had decided when they left. As usual, the decision had been his alone and she was expected to agree. And she did. She left the restaurant with a heavy feeling of foreboding and a contact for Anthony. Both of which made her nervous.<br/><br/>“I had a nice time.” She said softly when they pair were seated within their carriage. Elsie didn’t dare bring up what the commissioner had said and feared he would instead. She slipped her hand into his, leaning her smaller frame into his as if she was seeking his warmth and not just to closeness.