Nesah had just picked up her cup again, but put it down just a little to loudly. Her fingers remained on the handle, turning pale. She did not take her gaze off the man. His response was perhaps not surprising, but it still made her angry. Was he mocking her?

She finally let go of her cup, and took her serviette off her lap to pat her mouth clean, despite not having finished her meal. "I didn't say I dislike everything ordinary. I just don't see the point in painting it," she said quite sharply. "Anyway, one can do very little, ordinary or extraordinary, without money or the independence that results from it. And as for the vote: If a woman is educated and pays rates, I do not see why she should be denied influence over where her money goes." She raised her chin slightly and looked him in the eye unapologetically, as if daring him to disagree.