Chapter 9

Never before had I heard such an animal cry. It seemed to ring from one end of Thornfield to another. There was no chance that no one had heard it. I would have to find some explanation for the sound. I would have to buy the servants'silence for the rest of their lives.

I ran to attic staircase to find Grace coming down. "What is going on Grace," I asked.

"She's delivering I think," Grace said. It's too soon. I doubt the baby will survive. I would be surprised if your wife does. Can we please fetch a doctor?"

All I needed now was for another person to witness this disaster. "You will attend her, Grace, as planned. She is strong and will survive. If the baby doesn't survive, then it wasn't meant to."

Grace gave me a look of disgust. "You are a hard-hearted man," she said. "At least let me fetch some water and clean linens."

I escorted her as she went on her errands, making sure no one saw us. We returned to the attic together. I found Bertha lying on her back on her bed. She was moaning and ghashing her teeth, her legs spread apart and her head flailing. She looked every bit the mad woman she was.

"I think you should leave us now, Mr. Rochester," Grace said. "Wait by the door and watch for anyone. If anything happens to her, it will be on your conscience."

I retreated to the front room and kept guard through the night, listening for sounds from within as well as without. Such inhuman cries were like any other and they continued through the night.