Oh dear. He had not planned on holding her this long.

Hopefully the poor young woman would not find his actions too terribly inappropriate. He only wished to comfort her, and aware as he was of the use of words in times of great sorrow, this was the next best thing he could do. Malachi kept a steady hold around her smaller form, her head reaching only to his chest, and hoped that the calm repetition of his own deep breaths might slow the shudders that shook through her.

After a while, once Miss Mason seemed to calm somewhat in his embrace, Malachi lowered his chin to look down at her.

"Are you alright?" he repeated, careful to keep his voice soft. "I can show you to the guest room, if you're tired."