Ah, so Mister Tully was taking his generosity for granted then.

Malachi did not remind him that, if he wanted, he could take that promised food and bed away from him, whether he cleaned the church or not. Didn't he know how easy it would be? Father Richards, Mister Tully is stealing from the church again, and he threatened me physically too. It didn't have to be the truth. Malachi's gaze fixed on the little movement of his finger as it tapped against his knee.

He turned just enough in his chair to face Mister Tully, once he'd joined him at the table.

"No," Malachi shook his head. "Of course not. There are simply things I cannot provide you with, Mister Tully, on account of my vows."

On account of a lot more than that, in fact, but he did not feel the need to state the rest. Was the beggar so certain that he was even interested in men? Or did he not care, and supposed that any handsome priest would do, if only he could convince them? Malachi offered a small smile regardless, as he did not wish for Mister Tully to think that he was particularly displeased.

"I did not mean to insinuate that I expected you to serve me. It's quite the opposite."