Staring out the window, longing to go outside
It was typical English weather for early spring; cloudy with a gentle fog rolling on the ground, coming from the woods across the way. Perfect weather for mysticism.
Jane had been at Thornfield for three months teaching Adele. There has been much progress in the little girl since Jane started, increased focus and understanding of basic English and arithmetic, much better since the day she arrived. Jane had put all her time and energy into her little pupil because she could see Adele's potential. And from the looks of the situation, no one saw the potential but her. The lack of attentiveness in properly raising Adele into an accomplished woman was evident. Not to blame the workers, for Adele was not their child, but from whoever was in charge of her; and from what Jane had collected was Adele's benefactor. Jane could see her own situation through the eyes of Adele, no one really caring who she would become. Jane's passion from her youth came back in the form of teaching, teaching this little girl about everything she knew.
Adele, in Jane's eyes, had improved through leaps and bounds; comforting Jane that she knows what she's doing with basic school learning. Soon Jane would teach Adele about the Earth, but at the right moment. She decided to give Adele, and herself, a holiday as a reward for her progress.
Jane stood in the room they use as their classroom, a big observation room with massive windows that touch the ceiling, down to Miss Eyre's waist. One could view the entire front property of Thornfield from here and the sky above. Perfect at night to view the stars and constellations. Looking through one of the windows, Jane longs to go outside, to venture into the woods, to be with nature. But what excuse could she give?
Mrs. Fairfax came into the room. Jane turned her gaze to meet hers. Her dress bustling intensely as she came closer to Jane. Mrs. Fairfax dressed as a more of a refined servant, black dress but with appropriate decorative pattern to signal her status slightly above the rest of the house servants. Her wardrobe was that of an older generation. Jane wore a simple frock of solid grey with slight white lace underneath her dress that poked through at the neckline and at the end of her sleeves. Appropriate attire for a governess.
"Will Adele not have any lessons today?" the elderly lady inquired.
"We decided to have a rest today. Too much focus can cause the mind to wonder. She has done very well that I determined that a holiday would be best a reward for her achievements."
"Very well. I have noticed myself that Adele has improved dramatically during the short time you've been here, Miss Eyre. I must say, there must be some allurement about you to keep Adele so focused that she wishes to learn. I'm glad that you came. But what now will you do on this day?"
Jane thanked Mrs. Fairfax for her praise on her teaching and her pupil then turned back towards the window. Her being desired to be outside, walking on the path towards the woods, the village, anywhere to be with the elements.
"I have not decided yet. There is just so many opportunities I just cannot seem to decide."
Sensing Miss Eyre's desire as if a spirit was telling her plainly, Mrs. Fairfax came up with a suggestion, "Well if you don't mind, would you be so kind as to take this letter of mine down to the village to post? I would voyage myself but, alas, unfortunate drama has occurred among the housemaids that I must address soon."
Jane enthusiastically agreed to post Mrs. Fairfax's letter for her; and was happy that Mrs. Fairfax could be convinced so easily without notice. They both departed the room, each attending to their separate destinations.