= 3 =
The day of the ball arrived sooner than expected. We breakfasted early, so by the time the clock struck ten, the Ferndean contingent was safely on their way to Ingram Park.
"Why do we need five trunks for a two night visit?" I bemoaned to my husband when we were some miles from home.
"When a whole trunk is devoted to your evening things, my love, I say that it's very reasonable. What I find extraneous is bringing along both Mary and John."
"You know that John is to act as your valet so that he may attend to you when I cannot."
"Humph, any occasion you cannot attend is not worth attending! I had rather stay in the chamber with you."
"One cannot be always be in bed, my love," I teased, "As much as one wishes it. But I hope that we need not argue about Mary's presence. There is no way on earth I could get in and out of those gowns without her aid."
"What about me? I have plenty of experience in assisting you with your gowns – though I suppose it has mostly been getting out of them instead of into them."
I laughed heartily and gave him a playful slap. "Well, you may get your chance, Mr. Rochester – but not until tonight!"
It did not take us long to reach the gates of Ingram Park. The estate was a property of some significance, situated in a pretty valley ten miles from Millcote. As the carriage wound its way up the drive, I saw lush pastures surrounded by wooded hills. The house itself, when it finally came into view, was smaller in dimension than Thornfield, but what it lacked in size it made up for in sheer elegance. A modern home, it was built from honey-coloured stone and fronted by a row of Grecian columns.
"Isn't it a pretty place, Jane?"
"It is very elegant."
He grinned. "But?"
"Not quite to my taste."
He burst out laughing. "Don't let the Ingrams catch you saying that! I know old Lord Ingram invested a pretty penny doing up the place."
"Forgive me, but I am only a simple governess with simple tastes."
"And how I value that honest simplicity, Jane!" he said, "So unlike the young lady who came to me wanting to redecorate Thornfield from cellar to tower!"
I smiled, guessing who he was referring to.
"Be assured, Mr. Rochester, that I will not be adding Grecian columns to Ferndean Manor."
"Why ever not?" he quizzed jestingly.
"Because then it would no longer feel like our home."
This induced a sweet smile from him. "Well said, Jane." he said, taking up my hand and squeezing it affectionately. "I would readily forsake Versailles to live in a cottage with you, for my home is wherever you are, my love."
Our arrival attracted more attention than I thought. In fact, the entrance hall was filled with curious guests and more than a few curious staff. It seemed that our notoriety had preceded us, an instance that I was more than a little uncomfortable with. I was glad that Edward took it all in his stride, greeting all his old acquaintances with gusto.
The young Lord Ingram and his sister Mary greeted us with civility, his mother less so, eyeing me with disdain, while his eldest sister refused to say anything but 'how do you do'. All of this was not very encouraging; hence it was a relief to see Mr. Eshton enter the fray.
"Rochester! I am heartily glad to see you!" he cried, vigorously patting him on the back. He then turned and greeted me warmly with a firm handshake.
"How do you do, my man?" answered Edward cheerfully. "I am so pleased that you are here."
"You look very well, Edward – indeed you do. For awhile I seriously thought that none of us would ever see you again."
Edward beamed. "You may owe my reappearance to my wife, Eshton. Frankly, I would not be here without her."
"Ah, I guessed how it was when I heard of your marriage. Many congratulations to you, Rochester – and to you Mrs. Rochester." said he, kissing my hand most graciously.
I curtseyed, touched by his kindness. "Thank you, Mr. Eshton. And shall we hear the latest about your research on twins?"
"That you certainly shall! Although I have lately discovered that mysterious modes of communication are not only restricted to them. I heard of a sailor on a voyage to South America who was summoned by…"
But he was interrupted by a maid who came to direct us to our chamber.
"Well," said Mr. Eshton laughingly, "My story shall have to wait for this evening."
"And we shall look forward to it." I replied.
"Yes, yes, we do live for your curious tales, Eshton." Edward interjected, a wide smile on his face.
I took Edward's arm and followed the maid upstairs, and as we walked down the long corridor, he turned to me and said, "Well, my dear, perhaps this ball won't be as bad as you first thought?"
And thinking of Mr. Eshton's warm greeting, I replied, "Perhaps you are right? Who knows, I may even enjoy it."
