"Alright, Alice. Just keep an eye out, I wouldn't want it to come back." He nodded towards her and then looked at Anne. "Tea? Well, if it won't be an inconvenience. You weren't planning on an extra seat" 'or three' he thought since originally they were going to eat at his own home.

He walked over and patted her shoulder, "only if I can help. "He smiled hoping it really wouldn't put the girls out since they had enough to deal with without making suddenly extra places for dinner.