It hadn’t been his intention to dissuade the man in any way, but Malachi also didn’t feel it appropriate to lie. It was his word as a priest, after all, and he did not want this farmer thinking him a liar if Edmund did end up doing anything.

He didn’t think he would, of course. It was just a minor concern.

“Yes, of course. It wouldn’t be a problem.”

He couldn’t imagine the two willingly separating like that, but if it came down to it – if Edmund needed him to care for Mable – he would gladly do so.