Alexei scowled when his old friend pulled him aside. Did Nikolai suddenly think him an idiot? Of course he knew the girl was innocent, hence the reason he had no bedded her yet. Had he really wanted to, he could have pushed the issue and claimed her maidenhead already. But there was something about this girl, something that made him want to technically play by the rules. But it didn't mean that he couldn't stoke the fires more than a little bit in the mean time.<br/><br/>His scowl deepened when the old man disappeared as quick as he came. What was wrong with potato stew? He liked potato stew, especially when Baba made it with heavy cream, and little bits of bacon. He couldn't help but think the old soldier was turning out to be more like his wife than was comfortable for either of them. Turning to face his fiance, he was unaware of how quickly his handsome features softened. Extending his arm, he smiled.<br/><br/>"Walk in the garden with me, Ingrid," he suggested. There wasn't a chance in hell he would admit that his own personal mother hen had practically demanded it.