It was still early enough that the priest did not appear from within the church, but from the presbytery door nearby. In his hands he held a bible, old and clearly well-read, for it bore the marks of age and wore the scent of lavender that clung to the priest himself.

Hence Malachi's distraction as he walked. A pair of spectacles sat upon the bridge of his nose, while his eyes were trained downward on the book in his hands, as if searching for something specific. Upon reaching the doors of the church, he turned and pushed against them, stepping backwards into the building.

Only... it wasn't empty. Malachi noticed as much as soon as he turned around, and his eyes fell upon the kneeling form of a familiar woman.

He did not immediately call out to her. Did not wish to interrupt her, but he did make his way closer and sat in one of the front pews. Setting his bible to the side, Malachi waited a bit before he spoke up.

"Miss Mason," he greeted, voice kept soft, mouth drawn into a polite smile. "It is good to see you here again."