When they have gone Molokov is quick to turn on Florence and condemn Freddie’s accusations. Florence has a tough time trying to make Molokov see that her side is the blameless one in this current argument. Meanwhile the Arbiter is trying to exert his authority, but nobody is really listening to him. Anatoly has been a little shocked by his desire to protect the woman who is his opponents second. She has sparked an inherent but until now hidden desire within him to protect. He discovers he has a fondness for her and feels a need to express this. He realises that what Molokov had been trying to get him to do, is actually something he now wants to do himself, but for very different reasons to those of Molokov. Anatoly sees in Florence a free spirit he wishes for himself. He takes his chance and makes a few coy remarks to Florence. They don’t go unnoticed by her, but she doesn't quite realise what he’s doing and she is too much on the defensive at the moment to allow it to have much of an effect on her. She does however feel just a little bit flattered and does begin to see Anatoly in a slightly different light.
The Arbiter eventually has enough of this discussion which, is simply going round in circles. He brings it to an end by reminding all concerned that they have 24 hours to sort out their differences and that he expects both champions to be in attendance and be on their best behaviour at the opening ceremony the following day. If they are not, fines will be imposed and he will not be happy at this kind of disrespect to the game of chess. He leaves and Molokov orders Anatoly to leave too. Molokov and Florence are left to sort out the next move.
Molokov wants a public apology for Freddie’s accusations. Florence is quick to point out that their room WAS bugged and so there is no way an apology will be given. Molokov is not happy, but after some discussion he decides that a public meeting between Anatoly and Freddie, to show that there is no acrimony between them, is what is required. He wants them to meet in the hotel riverside bar, which Florence thinks is a bit of a ridiculous idea, but she goes along with it and agrees to try and get Freddie to attend.
YOUR ONLY FRIEND / SOMEONE ELSE’S STORY
When he hears about the meeting he is even more furious and refuses to consider the idea. Florence is almost at breaking point and in an attempt at scaring him into a change of attitude she threatens to leave him. He in turn tries to deflect her move by accusing her of changing sides and not being supportive enough of him. He practically calls her a traitor - to him and her people and suggests that if her father were still alive he’d be dying of shame. This is the worst possible insult he could throw at her and she is deeply hurt by the remark. She realises that if he can say such a thing, he can not respect or love her in the way in which she thought he did. Freddie then stages another of his walkouts and leaves her to reflect on her relationship with this man who seems to no longer appreciate her. She realises that things have gone very wrong between them. Maybe leaving him should be her next move, but can she really do it?