Arthur laughed at Miriam's teasing, though it took another moment for him to realize what she had meant.  While the rest of their company made their way to the dining hall, Arthur shot a bewildered look to Malachi.  Had - had Miriam intended the meaning behind that?  Or was she just not careful with her words?

And to think, Arthur thought the evening couldn't get any worse.

It would get better, first, if just for a moment it seemed.  Malachi looked absolutely lovely sitting at the table beside him.  Had they been alone, Arthur would have pulled out his chair for him, poured his drink for him, slid beneath the table and stayed there all throughout his meal, releasing him of his trousers and stress and hunger all in one hour.  But their company, he thought, might object to that, so he saved that idea for another time.

"Oh, there is nothing more rewarding than being a doctor," he said to Levi meanwhile.  "I find that serving the public, helping people is truly the most fulfilling profession one can pursue - but profession is such a harsh word for it, I feel.  Healing, helping, it is more of a life style for me."

Underneath the table, Arthur could not position himself, but he could reach out and subtly place a finger on the edge of Malachi's seat.  Not touching him, not yet, but hopefully reminding him that he was not alone.

"My studies began some ten years ago, but my passion began long before that.  My mother, she was sickly growing up, and I always wanted to help her feel better.  Over the years it developed into - well, into what you see now before you."

He shrugged, feigning humility, and tilted his head at Levi and Mara.

"Your mother tells me you run a tailoring business.  How is that?  Busy, I assume, there's always a demand for beautiful clothes."