When Liz kisses China Iron, in "Lost in Thought, into the Muck I Sank," how does China Iron respond?

When Liz kisses China Iron, she is surprised and confused, but quickly realizes that she finds it entirely natural. She tries to prolong the kiss. She is unsure if the kiss is something that British women do or if it is an "international sin," but she does not care because she thinks that it means Liz loves her (33).