Higgins found himself in a delicate situation when he approached Eliza, only to be met with his mother's grave demeanor. She informed him that Eliza had voiced her grievances regarding his poor treatment of her. In response, Higgins vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that it was actually Eliza who had mistreated him. Mrs. Higgins, however, countered his claims with a firm reminder that Eliza had dedicated herself tirelessly and deserved recognition, while they had been neglectful and unkind.
In a bid to mend the rift, Mrs. Higgins suggested that if both men were to promise to treat Eliza with kindness, she would be willing to come down and speak with them.
When Eliza finally entered the room, her calm and composed demeanor was striking as she greeted them with politeness. Yet, Higgins’s aggression was palpable as he demanded that she return home. Eliza, standing her ground, pointed out that a true lady ought to be treated with respect. She expressed her frustration that Higgins treated her merely as a flower girl, underscoring the disparity in how he perceived her worth.
With newfound determination, Eliza outlined her plans to forge her own path, expressing her intention to marry Freddy, which visibly enraged Higgins. In a moment of boldness, she declared her aspiration to become a phonetics teacher, showcasing her ambition and independence. As she departed, a flicker of realization crossed Higgins’s face, hinting at the possibility of regretting her absence. Meanwhile, Mrs. Higgins was left to ponder the implications for both men involved, concerned for their futures.