Ah – Helen, right. He thought he had recognized her, but someone else in the room had stolen his attention.

“That’s very kind of her,” said Malachi, before he quieted again to let her continue.

At least she had Helen to do those kinds of things for her. Her presence in Nettie’s life made him feel slightly less guilty for considering leaving... but not enough to make a difference.

His brow furrowed lightly as she spoke, doing her best to be polite about what sounded like a handful of unpleasant women. In truth, he tended to assume that most people were that way – nice on the surface yet malicious behind closed doors – but he had hoped that an embroidery club would not foster such behaviors.

At the mention of Nisa, he gave a nod.

“I see. She didn’t seem like the kind of person to tolerate much of that, no,” she hadn’t seemed all that tolerant of much in general. Malachi gave her the benefit of doubt, however, as he had not exactly acted to the best of his abilities either.

They passed by a row of familiar houses. One of them he’d visited just last week, as the elderly man could no longer make his own way to the church.

“If they’re still bothering you next time, you could mention it to the host. Or ask Nisa to mention it for you,” he pulled his hands from his pockets, clasping them behind his back.

“Is she your friend? You seemed quite taken with her and her brother.”

Well. He might have been projecting a bit, with the latter.