[Content warning: Sexism and class discrimination and gender complementarity bs]

Arthur nearly choked on his brandy when Miss Rosewine mentioned the vote for women. The franchise still had not extended to the very bottom of male society, and Arthur fought tooth and claw to keep it that way. It was bad enough that they now had to consider the uninformed opinions and preferences of near-illiterate factory workers. It was even worse that a few of the very same group had now managed to get a seat in parliament, and that he had to pretend to take them seriously as political opponents. God help them if the curs below that got influence as well. Trying to extinguish that fire was bad enough, without having to worry about women derailing the art of politics further. It would become a business of emotion; not to mention the larger societal dangers if women started acting like men. The Baron coughed, pulling a sour face, and put his brandy down.

"Apologies..." he said, when the burning sensation had left his airpipe. "Well, I'm glad to hear you had some gentlemen to protect you from the worst, Miss Rosewine." He did agree that her being there was unlady-like, but he also did not agree with misconduct towards a lady. I requested your services... well, for your reputation." Whether as chef or as circus act, that was another question. "I want to impress my guests, and you, Miss Rosewine, are quite the latest sensation, if my ears have not deceived me."