Ingrid's expression didn't change in the slightest, but something in her stomach gave an unpleasant lurch as she saw Alexei smile warmly at the young woman. She still couldn't get over the fact that this gorgeous, voluptuous creature before her was the same "cabin boy" who had shuffled around the ship, hauling coal scuttles and tying off ropes and knots.<br/><br/>No, this beauty was regal...and charming...and undoubtedly quite attractive to the male eye. Ingrid felt silly for worrying, yet still, a moment like this brought back all the memories of the rumors about Alexei Romanov's legendary womanizing and insatiable appetite. He had seemed like he was interested in her - the scene in her boudoir had definitely proven that - but he seemed equally appreciative of this other woman.<br/><br/>Suddenly, she wished that Pavel would send her packing back to England on the next boat, even if it went by way of China. She knew he wouldn't and that the right thing to do would be to give her refuge at the court. But still....<br/><br/>Feeling slightly ashamed of herself, Ingrid smiled at the young woman but said nothing - it was not her place to speak on this matter. But while she was silent verbally, she could speak volumes with her body. Keeping her upper body perfectly still, she subtly hitched a corner of her skirt up so that her silk-stockinged leg was brushing up against Alexei's thigh underneath the white tablecloth.<br/><br/>***<br/><br/>Dr. Yelkin was pleased with the Czar and Lord Romanov's replies. He would speak to them personally on behalf of the young lady. It would be a shame for the girl to be returned to such an unfeeling father, or worse, an unloving husband.<br/><br/>He took the girl's delicate little hand - so soft, like bird bones! - in his big, gentle doctor's hands and patted it reassuringly.<br/><br/>"There, my dear," he said with a reassuring smile, the same one he used for the sick and the suffering. "You have nothing to worry about for the moment. We are good people, and we will not let anything bad happen to you."<br/><br/>He extended his arm to her with a old-fashioned, courtly bow. "Perhaps we should rejoin our table, Miss DeWarrenne? I hear that Baba  has created a magnificent feast, and I for one, do not wish to miss it."