(02-17-2021, 03:13 PM)Pearl Carrington Wrote: "Oh!" she covered her nose and mouth with her hand and giggled, then wiped at her nose until the streak went away. "I always do that." She chuckled and then grabbed her fork, looking down at her food with a little bit of a blush. Then after a moment, she began to cut up the chicken breast meat she put on her plate. It looked tender and juicy and the skin was brown and crisp from butter.

"I've been thinking about it, and it just seems so silly for you to call me, 'Miss Carrington.' At least when we're here. Please call me Pearl," she said, looking back up at him. She then put a small bite into her mouth and chewed. When done with that bite, she went on, "May I call you, 'Joe?'"

He looked down at his plate and over at his companion. Once again, Joe felt woefully outclassed, a bit ashamed really as manners at the Blacke table were lacking.  Unsure of what to do with his hands, he copied her haltingly.  The food was as good as home, and there was no higher praise.  

Sitting there in that moment in a proper house, at a table filled with proper food, not to mention with the beautiful company, Joe was struck by decidedly domestic yearnings.  A life of adventure didn't have all this, this security, and warmth. It didn't have her. This must be what paradise was like.  Aye, he could get used to it. 

"Yes, you can," he was going to add "Miss" because of habit, but added "Pearl" instead. He could get used to that too.