(02-28-2021, 03:05 AM)Pearl Carrington Wrote: She was probably going to shake for some times, she thought as she rested her head against his chest. She held fast to him, her sobs almost silent as she mourned for a man she felt guilty for mourning. Her head lifted and she looked into his eyes, hers miserable. There was no telling her the tears didn't look good, for she knew they didn't. In fact, nothing about this felt good to her at all. Her brother was dead and she had possibly shot him. What would her father think of her? She didn't care what her siblings might think, but to devistate papa in such a manner? God, that would hurt more than anything in the world, she thought. And so would hurting Joe, she suddenly thought. "If you don't ever want to see me again after what happened tonight, I will understand." She lifted her chin a little.

Joe was silent for a moment, reflecting on the events that had led him to this point, from their initial encounter at the railway station, the dinner for two, his dismissal, Rose's wedding and their quiet chat, now the events of tonight. She was right, he could leave, he probably should, that would be the safe thing to do. Joe took her hand gently.

"Pearl, you are a remarkable woman.  I've only known ye for a short time, but I want to know ye better. I said I'd stay, and I mean it.  Whatever happens, I'll be right 'ere with ye. Count on it."