"You transfix me quite."
― Charlotte Brontë

Several days went by without hide nor hare of the master of the house; business, a neighbor called and spent all day with him, and when his foot allowed it, he rode on horseback around the property or to his neighbor's house to return the friendship. As Jane mused in her room, she found that Adele was shocking not called on, he wanted little to do with the child it seemed. As for her own meetings with him, he had seen her in fleeting moments, stairs, kitchen or the halls, met with little kindness or good humour. Most of the time he did not acknowledge her existence, and she returned the favor after being slighted for the first time. After which his moods did not affect her, and she regarded their relationship to be cordial and unimportant, never surpassing the employer-employee status. When her luggage had arrived, she had seen the delivery truck pull in resulting in her bolting from her room, running down the stairs, practically running over her employer as she darted out to the truck, signed the waiver and hauled her bags upstairs. Never had one person so glad for modern garb.

There was an evening when he had a group of people over for dinner, and she learned that her artwork had been taken from her room and displayed at this get together, a fact she contributed to his oddities. However, after the men had left, she had been told by Mrs. Fairfax to change her clothes and meet him afterwards in the study. Jane had just frozen, mouth open as she thought of what meager thing she had to wear. "Dress formally, you know how it is with him" Mrs. Fairfax said, and the girl turned and headed upstairs as fast as she could.

Choosing a knee length black dress, she slipped into it, zipping it up and securing her hair in the bun before she descended. As she had come to the room, she had heard Adele exclaiming about a present, her giddy tones and happy face brought a soft smile to Jane's face as she stood in the doorway. The little girl was running over to the sofa, a large box in her hands. "Mind you don't bother me with details of this process, silence is needed." The master growled at the child, but his commands went unheard. "Is Miss Eyre here yet?" He growled, half rising from his chair and saw her, and Jane stepped forward from the doorway. "Ah! Come forward, here-" He pulled a chair closer to himself, as she moved toward him. "Sit next to me, for I dislike the prattle of children, for being that I am old and a bachelor, it does not please me to spend all night talking with such a brat." Jane said nothing as she sat, and he sat back down in his place. "No don't move away from me, Miss Eyre, sit where I placed it. I also abhor simple minded old ladies, but alas, she is my relative and blood is thicker than water." Mrs. Fairfax had entered the room as if on command, knitting material in hand. "Ah, good evening Madam, you are here under charitable reasons, for I forbid Adele from talking about her present to me, and I have chosen you for this task." As soon as he said it, or before if truth be told, Adele summoned Mrs. Fairfax over to show her and parade her present around.

"My duties are dispensed, I can refrain now from being a gracious host, see Miss Eyre, they are perfectly matched for the evening. Now-" He growled, and Jane watched him neutral expression. "Come closer to me, you sit too far away. I cannot see you without disturbing my position in my comfortable chair."

Jane did so, her mind was trying to comprehend this odd creature she was sitting by, and at the same time a little miffed at his tone of orders yet somehow knew to do what he wanted right away. As she had studied him, he seemed less gloomy, he had been smiling, something that she thought him incapable of. Most notably of all the facts that night, his eyes held sparkle, and she wondered if it was the wine. She also knew he was in a much better mood than the mornings, usually, and the fire seemed to make his dark eyes seem great, and they were great, dark orbs that seemed to change in the light, like there existed something in the depths that was changeable, but not softness.

"You examine me," He had said, snapping her out of her reverie. "Do you find me handsome?"

"No, sir." Jane knew, reflecting back on it, that she should not have answered so quickly.

"Ah! You are a singular minded creature." He had said back to her, "You sit there, quiet, grave, quaint and simple, your hands on your lap, your eyes now on the carpet which, previous were on my face quite directly, yet if asked a question, or presents a remark that requires response, you give such an answer that is quite the rejoinder, blunt usually. What do you mean by it?"

"I spoke too quickly, I should have said that such an impromptu question about appearance should not be answered to casually. Everyone has different tastes, what one finds handsome the other repulsive. Perhaps I should say that beauty is of little consequence."

"You ought to say nothing like, beauty is indeed very important! So, with the pretense of softening the blow to my ego, or of inducing me into a placid state, you go an stick a knife between my ribs. Say, what fault is there in me? Pray tell, I long to know the answer. I trust I have all my limbs and features like a normal person."

"I respectfully decline, my response was a blunder, that's all. I retract it."

"Ah, I think so, but none the less, be critical me. What fault is there? My forehead, perhaps." He lifted up his hair, and his prominent forehead showed readily. "Now, then, is this the head of a fool?"

"Far from it, a philanthropist perhaps?"

"Again, another knife to the ribs." He growled, "It is because I spoke of children and old ladies poorly. I see it in your eyes. I am no philanthropist, but I do have a conscience." He had pointed to various places on his head to indicate his point, and she watched him with little concern. "I was like you once, with some softness of heart, but I was unfostered, unfledged and unlucky. Fortune struck me a hard blow since and continually hit me down, and I am as you see me, like a hard plastic ball. I am pervious to subtle cracks and chips now and again, with one sentient point in the middle of it. There is still hope for me, I think."

"Hope of what?"

"Of becoming flesh once more."

Jane did not change her expression, but decided he had much wine, too much. However, given that point, she had not known how to respond, it was such an odd statement.

"You bear an odd expression, are you puzzled Miss Eyre?" He asked, watching her, "You, who faintly pretty, but not more than I am handsome, by your standards, yet it puzzles you and therefore makes it easier for you to stare at me, searching no doubt for my imperfections and then search the rug for comparable traits. Young lady, in light of such things, I am disposed to saw goodnight." He had risen then, walking from his chair to the mantle, and he leaned on it. He exposed his shape and features well then, his chest was large and did not fit with his limbs, they seemed too long, it would have made him ugly if not for the way he carried himself. Pride made him likeable, unconscious may it be, and he possessed an easy manner and complete indifference to his appearance. He relied on his other qualities to make up for his physical appearance, she guessed, and Jane could see how people probably put complete faith in him, blind to his physical defaults. "I am disposed to say goodnight," He said once more. "That is why I invited you here, Adele, nor Pilot would provide enough company to entertain me. Nor Mrs. Fairfax, though a good company she can be. I decided you would best suit me because you puzzle me, have since I first met you. I had almost forgotten you, other ideas have driven you from my mind, but now, I am to be put at ease. I shall dismiss what I do not like and recall what I do. I wish to draw you out, so speak, I want to learn more of you."

Jane smiled then, she recalled, instead of talking, but it was not complacent nor submissive.

"Speak to me."

"What about?'

"Whatever you like, you can choose the subject and content."

It had struck Jane then that he may want her to speak in order to show off, and she resigned to think he had chosen much the wrong person.

"You are dumb." Jane looked at him and remained dumb, as he called it. He approached and bent down, his face has been very close to her own, his glance into her own eyes haughty. "Stubborn, I think." His watched her. "And annoyed. Ah! There is the emotion, consistent it is. I did ask in such a way to make you angry. I am sorry, I was insolent, wasn't I. You are not my inferior, not in status, but in youth only." He corrected. "I only wish for you to quell my thoughts, which are old and rusted like a nail." He stood back, his half apology issued.

"I am willing to amuse you, but I do not think I am much up to the task."

"Well first, do you agree I have a right to be masterful; abrupt, demanding maybe exacting on occasion. On the grounds that I am old enough to be your father, and I have vast worldly experience were you have none."

"Do as you like."

"That is no answer, or more so irritating, evasive. Tell me clearly."

"You have no right to command me, age is a number that only indicates days awake on the earth, that does not mean you are more sound minded or justified in your treatment of someone. If you claim mastery, it must be from experience and time used well."

"Promptly said, however I dislike it. Then, mastery aside, will you still receive my orders when they come, now and then, and without being hurt by a tone of command?" Jane recalled that she had smiled then, and he had been amused because it became apparent that he was not aware he was paying her to be there. "That smile is well enough, but speak too."

"I was thinking that very few employers care much about whether or nor their paid subordinates are displeased with receiving an order."

"Paid subordinate indeed! Ah yes, you are being paid to teach Adele, I forgot." He chuckled, "With that in mind, will you humour me?"

"No, not on that ground." Jane had said, "But with the fact that you forgot and you have been treating me like an equal, as long as it continues in that direction, I agree."

"And you won't mistake informality for insolence?"

"I do not think that is possible, I do not think any salary could produce such a mistake"

"Humbug, anyone will collapse under the pressure of money. But I mentally shake hands for your answer, it was very clever, despite its flaws. What it lacks in substance you make up for it in frankness and sincerity. You do not see this openness in manner, it is all stupid, coarse minded, affectation and contrary manners of response. Not many girls your age would produce such a thing as you just have. This is not flattery, you just sit within a different place than your peers. I am sure you too have defects enough."

Jane recalled thinking that it was the same for him, he too must have faults enough to balance out the rest of his being. His had caught her eye as she thought this and he understood what meaning lay there. "You are right, I have plenty of faults. I have liked a colourful life, that which makes my past a thing of disrepute. I was put on the wrong track at 20, and from there have never recovered. I envy you, you have a clean mind that has not yet been polluted with the strain of life."

"What was your memory like at 19?"

"I was your equal, I was educated, or almost so, a good man for the most part. I am no villain, and you are not to believe me so. Misguided maybe, but nothing more, due to my circumstances. You must learn to keep secrets when they are told to you, to keep them locked away within your chest."

"How can I when I lack knowledge.

"Because I am to tell you, and I am sure others will confide in you in future." He had replied. "When fate wronged me, I did have the wisdom to remain cool and calm, I became desperate and broken and I degenerated. No simpleton can have had it worse than I, and I confess that I am on his level. I wish I had stood firm, and I give you this advice Miss. Dread remorse when you are tempted, remorse is a poison that shall eat away at you."

"Repentance is said to be a cure."

"It is no cure, reformation may be a cure, but reform that I may, I have no strength to hold to it since I am cursed, burdened and hampered. Yet I have a right to seek pleasure, and get it come what may. I shall have pleasure in life, cost what it may."

"Then you shall degenerate further still."

"That is possible. Yet why should I care, if I can taste pleasure, sweet and fresh. Like fresh honey that a bee makes."

"You will get stung."

"How would you know? Yu have not tried. Yet how serious and solemn you look. You have no right to preach to me, you have not even passed through the realms into adulthood. How ignorant you are of life and it's mysteries."

"I remind you of your owns words, sir, error brings remorse, and remorse the poison of life."

"Who speaks of error now? I think it was more my inspiration than temptation, it was genial and soothing. I know that- and lo! It is no devil, I assure you. Because it has put on robes of an angel of light, and I think I must open my heart to it when it calls on me. "

"Distrust it, it is not a true angel."

"Again, you do not know, by what measure do you distinguish the devil from a messenger of god? Guide or seducer?"

"Judging from your appearance and mannerisms, you seemed troubled when it came back to you. You will become miserable if you continue."

"It bears a message, the best in the world. As to the rest, you do not keep my mind or heart, so don't fret on my behalf. My angel shall come and I shall embrace it, see now it comes to me." He held out his arms and embraced it, an invisible creature. "Ah I have received it, and it has already done my heart good."

"I don't understand you at all, one minute we speak of mistakes and their consequences, the pain and anguish of one soul, to something not logical, not thoughts at all. The ravings of a madman. I understand the loss of perfection in a person, regretting your own imperfection. It seems to me that if you tried, you could find yourself improved with time. Find your strength and resolve and make it so, in a few years it may be truth, and you may return to pleasure."

"Wisely said, and it is just now that I pave the road with my good intention."

"What?"

"Durable good intent, Miss Eyre, good intent that shall endure better."

"Better than?"

"You doubt me as I doubt myself, yet I know what my aim is and my motives, and I pass a law that both are correct."

"That cannot be, you have to pass legislation."

"They are right and true with verified stature. Unheard of combinations and have unheard of rules."

"That sounds dangerous, and liable to abuse of some sort."

"You are sententious! I swear I shall not abuse it."

"You are just as fallible as the rest."

"I am, are you not?"

"A human that is fallible should not have power such as that, should not arrogate such power, something divine and perfect should be left safely trusted."

"What power?"

"Anything strange and unsanctioned course of action. 'let it be right'"

"The very words, you have said them."

"May it be right, then." Jane had risen then, her mind unsettled as the conversation turned down a road she did not enjoy.

"Where are you going?"

"It is past Adele's bedtime."

"You are afraid of me."

"Strange language has been used, but I am not afraid."

"You are so afraid, you reek of it in your blunder."

"I am apprehensive simply because I have no desire to talk nonsense."

"If you did I am sure it would be in the same grave manner you talk sense with. Do you never laugh, Miss Eyre, don't answer, I can see you do not but rarely. But I am sure you can laugh, and heartily. You are no more naturally austere than I am naturally viscous. You have been shuffled into a corner where you find safety within confinement behind emotional walls, as well as physical ones. You fear man, brother or otherwise, and so you do not speak freely, so not smile or produce sounds that are more natural to you. In time you may act naturally around me, for I find it impossible to be conventional around you, and then your looks and movement will have more vivacity and variety, I think. I see in you movement, a curious bird that peaks out through a cage, restless and captive, but if it were free, would soar high. You are still leaving?"

"It is nine."

"Adele has gone out of the room, you did not think I was watching her, but lo, you are mistaken. She will return, wearing her present no doubt. Wait and see how the miniature of Celine Varens comes, like she used to rise out of the-never mind. My tender feelings will now be shocked, so stay, and see how it affects me."

The little girl did run in, wearing her new dress, her legs in tights and feet wearing white sandals. She twirled and gushed, spinning for him on her toes and then dropping to the floor and said something in French, which prompted his response. "Pre-cise-ly!" he said to the child, "- and that is how she charmed all of my money out of my English pocket. You see, I have been green too, Miss Eyre, and the green grass that freshens you used to freshen me.. My spring, is gone, and has left me with a French flower in my care, with no care to its roots where it sprang up, but attracted to money, I have found myself caring for the thing, even when it is artificial. More for recovering from my sins, one good work at a time, as it once was said. Maybe I shall tell you all this someday. Good-night."

Jane lay on her bed, going over the event of that night like a bad dream, yet she was so transfixed by it. Getting into bed, she sighed, she did not understand him at all, and he was like a faraway creature that had landed on earth with such peculiar notions. As she let sleep overtake her, she found herself uneasy, as if a sinister force was watching her in the night.