After Albert returned to the suitcase, Isobel keenly noticed the subtle change in her husband. She reached out, took Albert's hand, and asked softly, "What is it, darling? Did something happen?"
"Ran into a little trouble," Albert said casually.
"Little trouble?" Isobel raised an eyebrow slightly. "It doesn't look like little trouble to me."
She knew her husband far too well. If it really were a minor problem, he would probably have tossed it to someone else to deal with.
"Darling, you're as perceptive as ever."
Albert wrapped an arm around Isobel, kissed her forehead, and reassured her, "Don't worry. It's nothing serious. I'll be back soon. Oh, and make Spanish seafood rice for dinner."
As he spoke, his gaze passed over Isobel's shoulder toward Katrina, who was pretending to read the newspaper. "Take good care of your sister for me."
"I will. When you come back, remember to bring me some pearls while you're at it. They might come in handy when brewing Potions."
Katrina set down the newspaper and smiled at Albert.
"We'll see."
Albert helped Isobel onto the sofa, setting the parchment Mrs. Daisy and Mrs. Mary had given him on the table as well. After greeting Mrs. McDougal, he went off to make his preparations.
"I hate this," Isobel muttered softly as she watched Albert disappear through the doorway. "He always likes going off on adventures. It's not good."
"He's more cautious than anyone, so there's no need to worry. What you should do now is have the baby first, rather than fret over other things, my dear sister." After taking a bite of apple, Katrina carried the plate over to Isobel and said with a smile, "Here, have some apple too. The next few months are when the baby in your belly will develop. You