Gently but firmly push his hand away

Machiko couldn't believe the boldness of this foreign Prince. Gently but firmly she pushed his hand away and returned to her dinner, determined to drink less wine. She was still polite to the Prince, laughing at his jokes, but he knew he had attempted too much, and soon turned to other conversations.

Her father was pleased with her proper behavior at the dinner table and could not reprimand her conduct.

The night was still young, but Machiko decided that she had other plans.