[Gabriel watches the two curiously and is well aware of the cahoots playing out before him. Unplanned cahoots and a poor attempt to misdirect him from uncomfortable conversation. He'll buy into it and keep his mouth shut though. As William trips over his excuse he'll gently take the plate and pull the rhubarb pie to his side, glad to have a taste for himself. He'll wait though...]

Ned, bring us a slice of apple, a la mode.

[A smile for the pie-maker.]

Please. I'll not be letting the boy leave this establishment without first tasting perfection.