Thomasina went to Oz's events, although she was not particularly happy about it. It did not seem like a good use of her time. But Oz would be uncomfortable today, with the masses, and so he needed his wife's support — or her chiding, on occasion.

She had not expected many friends here, and Sina beamed at Ziya. Ziya, who was finally out of mourning; Ziya, who had always struck her as smart (a rarity for people); Ziya, who she was elated to see at an event like this. Ziya, who could vote! "There should be a debate of the wives," Thomasina joked, happy to be with someone who knew her for a moment. "I would clear the field in a heartbeat." She did not expect she would have to be the Minister's wife — it was unlike Britain to make good choices, after all.