What was that look for? Had he wronged Chéri as well, or had everyone conspired against him without his notice before he had entered the room? Malachi lifted a brow, but Francis once again distracted him.

"Mm," he hummed in disbelief. No, he did not believe for one second that Francis had been asking a genuine question.

"In any case, I think it would be best if you avoided Father Richards when possible. While I don't fully agree with him..." Malachi glanced at the empty doorway. "It is not in any of our best interests to aggravate him further."

He supposed it did not matter much to Francis whether the other priest was upset with any of them or not, but the less difficult his life had to be, the better.

Returning his focus to Chéri, Malachi assured in French, "you don't have to rush. Take as long as you need."