Angelique smiled at the doctor; he seemed such a gentle soul and treated her like a lady, something she had missed. She looked him over. True he was older, but it was customary for the young women on the marriage mart to marry older gentleman. The lucky ones would find a good, loving husband.<br/><br/>“Where is your wife Dr. Yelkin? Surely, she would not let you out of her sight. I know if I were your wife, I would be hard pressed to stray from your side. A handsome man such as you must have the ladies all atwitter.” She graced him with a genuine smile such as she had earlier.<br/><br/>He was handsome for an older gentleman and if he was in fact unattached, she had no doubt that many women pursued him. She would not stand a chance.<br/><br/><strong>"Ah, my dear girl,"</strong>he said gently.<strong>"We are under orders from Baba to make sure you have a lovely time tonight, and I assure you that I will do my utmost to see to it that it happens."</strong><br/><br/>He shuddered slightly and grinned.<strong>"For you have no idea what will happen to me and poor Nikolai if you do not enjoy yourself. Baba does not take to failure well."</strong><br/><br/>Angelique’s face fell, her smile dimming, but she recovered quickly, pasting a smile back on her face. She sighed, so she was an obligation, he was under orders to ensure she had a good time. Lowering her eyes, she nodded. “I’m sure I will Doctor Yelkin, I will report to Baba with glowing terms regarding you and Nikolai.<br/><br/>Spotting the Czar and Czarina, he steered her in their direction for introductions.<br/>