Perhaps you should just stay close the rest of the evening...

Doc feels the blush at the tip of his ears and he grins.

"Well then if the lady wishes for my company then I don't think I can stay away and keep a clear conscience," he explains. Because really. That's his reason.

It's certainly not that he enjoys her company, or dancing with her, or anything like that. Of course not. It's all about defending the lady from unwanted attention, of course.

Or protecting himself from whatever the townsfolk may be planning.