*What if Jane Eyre had been persuaded to accept St. John Rivers' marriage
proposal?*
Disclaimer- Jane Eyre and all other characters from the novel, Jane Eyre, are the creation of Charlotte Bronte.
Chapter One: The Will of God
"Were I but convinced that it is God's will I should marry you, I could vow to marry you here and now- come afterwards what would!"
After I, dear reader, spoke these words I was awkwardly embraced by St. John Rivers. He was delighted by my response and only awaited confirmation of God's will.
"Show me my path," I asked Heaven silently.
After a moment of waiting silently, eyes closed to the world, a most peculiar thing happened. St. John kissed me, more softly and sweetly than Mr. Rochester ever had. Something in me awoke as St. John backed away.
"I'm sorry," he exclaimed, though not distressed. "I know not what came over me, Jane."
Well, that was enough of a sign to convince me of God's will, for softness and sweetness in my cousin St. John could only be a miracle. I made my decision quickly.
"I see it is the will of God!" I cried. "I will accompany you to India as your wife."
Another embrace followed this pronouncement, which I happily returned. I thought, perhaps, that St. John was not as cold and hard as I had thought. I entered into the engagement with almost equal parts free will and desire to do God's. This, however, would not always remain the case. St. John immediately began to talk excitedly of the missionary work he had planned for us as we walked back to the house. I listened, my anxiety mounting with each sentence he spoke, but I could not say why.
After what seemed like hours, we were back in the house, St. John conveying his happy news to Mary and Diana. They were very much astonished at my change of mind, but they were delighted to have me for a sister as well as a cousin. After the appropriate conversation, I excused myself, and made my way to my room, where I quickly fell asleep.
Disclaimer- Jane Eyre and all other characters from the novel, Jane Eyre, are the creation of Charlotte Bronte.
Chapter One: The Will of God
"Were I but convinced that it is God's will I should marry you, I could vow to marry you here and now- come afterwards what would!"
After I, dear reader, spoke these words I was awkwardly embraced by St. John Rivers. He was delighted by my response and only awaited confirmation of God's will.
"Show me my path," I asked Heaven silently.
After a moment of waiting silently, eyes closed to the world, a most peculiar thing happened. St. John kissed me, more softly and sweetly than Mr. Rochester ever had. Something in me awoke as St. John backed away.
"I'm sorry," he exclaimed, though not distressed. "I know not what came over me, Jane."
Well, that was enough of a sign to convince me of God's will, for softness and sweetness in my cousin St. John could only be a miracle. I made my decision quickly.
"I see it is the will of God!" I cried. "I will accompany you to India as your wife."
Another embrace followed this pronouncement, which I happily returned. I thought, perhaps, that St. John was not as cold and hard as I had thought. I entered into the engagement with almost equal parts free will and desire to do God's. This, however, would not always remain the case. St. John immediately began to talk excitedly of the missionary work he had planned for us as we walked back to the house. I listened, my anxiety mounting with each sentence he spoke, but I could not say why.
After what seemed like hours, we were back in the house, St. John conveying his happy news to Mary and Diana. They were very much astonished at my change of mind, but they were delighted to have me for a sister as well as a cousin. After the appropriate conversation, I excused myself, and made my way to my room, where I quickly fell asleep.
