Tamara laughed softly at the familiar charm in his tone.
"You always knew how to flatter women properly." She turned toward Olga and extended both hands. "Olga, my dear. You look wonderful."
Olga rose from the couch and accepted Tamara's hands with a composed smile. "You are too kind, Tamara. Thank you for receiving us on such short notice."
"Nonsense. I have been expecting you." Tamara squeezed her hands once before releasing them. Her gaze shifted to the sofa where Tatiana sat with her ankles crossed and her back straight.
"And this must be Tatiana."
Tatiana stood immediately. "Good morning, Mrs Crown."
Tamara studied her for a moment — the blonde hair, the pale skin, the bright eyes that held more intelligence and a faint smile touched her lips. "You are lovelier than the photographs your father sent."
"Thank you." Tatiana dipped her chin politely.
"Please, make yourself at home." Tamara gestured toward the couch as she settled onto the closest single-seater.
