[ His heart does cling to such prospects, though it may be painful to — what if he's wrong? What if he, Goodsir, and Hickey are all that will ever remain...?
But what if they aren't?
He has to keep believing that there may be more. That whatever spared the three of them, for whatever reason... could spare the captain, the others. It's the first time he's ever voiced such a hope to another person, and hearing Kate's affirmation of the thought makes something tight and aching feel looser, more comfortable in his chest. 'I believe it's totally possible', she says. Someone else thinks so... and it helps. It means a great deal to him. Edward gives a soft sigh, relieved, warmed and perhaps even a little emboldened by her response. ]
I shall. [ It's another thing to hold onto, another secure knot in a rope fastened securely to his heart. If any of the others come here, and they could, then he'll direct them to her for syrup, for care.
Ah but, what comes next.... it's uncomfortable, but necessary, to address. The man glances down, gloved hands slowly worrying themselves a little in front of himself, before he stops them. ]
....I must deeply apologise for being too forward with you. [ Edward, please, that's not... ]
Referring to you as "Miss Kate".... I must admit, I did not realise your true age. Where I am from, one's clothing is... telling, and here... such things are much more difficult to tell.
[ He won't dare look to her legs, but his eyes do drop a little. He.... thought you were younger because your skirt doesn't cover your ankles. Please, he is just a Victorian.... He's fretful, anxious; he feels so out of place here... and terribly ashamed for it. Even more ashamed the more he speaks, because he's delving into her personal business here, her age.... it's all quite inappropriate, but he needs to explain.... and with that, he dips his head. ]
But I realise now, you must be... older than I had presumed. Please, I hope you may forgive my lapse of judgment, Miss Marsh.
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But what if they aren't?
He has to keep believing that there may be more. That whatever spared the three of them, for whatever reason... could spare the captain, the others. It's the first time he's ever voiced such a hope to another person, and hearing Kate's affirmation of the thought makes something tight and aching feel looser, more comfortable in his chest. 'I believe it's totally possible', she says. Someone else thinks so... and it helps. It means a great deal to him. Edward gives a soft sigh, relieved, warmed and perhaps even a little emboldened by her response. ]
I shall. [ It's another thing to hold onto, another secure knot in a rope fastened securely to his heart. If any of the others come here, and they could, then he'll direct them to her for syrup, for care.
Ah but, what comes next.... it's uncomfortable, but necessary, to address. The man glances down, gloved hands slowly worrying themselves a little in front of himself, before he stops them. ]
....I must deeply apologise for being too forward with you. [ Edward, please, that's not... ]
Referring to you as "Miss Kate".... I must admit, I did not realise your true age. Where I am from, one's clothing is... telling, and here... such things are much more difficult to tell.
[ He won't dare look to her legs, but his eyes do drop a little. He.... thought you were younger because your skirt doesn't cover your ankles. Please, he is just a Victorian.... He's fretful, anxious; he feels so out of place here... and terribly ashamed for it. Even more ashamed the more he speaks, because he's delving into her personal business here, her age.... it's all quite inappropriate, but he needs to explain.... and with that, he dips his head. ]
But I realise now, you must be... older than I had presumed. Please, I hope you may forgive my lapse of judgment, Miss Marsh.