The Chrysanthemums

Eliza's interest in the fights are actually her way of pushing the envelope..... her husband initially suggests them as a joke. She later pursues the topic of the fight by asking questions, leading her husband to ask her what's wrong.... what's the interest. Her interest stems from her own desire to do as she pleases..... go somewhere women don't often go, to get her husband to bring her somewhere she generally isn't included. In the end, his offer to take her to the fights if she really wants to attend is enough..... she'll settle for the wine.