Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-26037921-20150309212855/@comment-10583149-20150406034525

I think that Pearl's overreaction and ridiculously defensive attitude came from the fact that at that point her entire life's purpose had been undermined.

It is entirely possible that there was a unrequitted romantic relationship, but I think Pearl was just insanely devoted to Rose, like a knight to a king or queen.