Here goes John - sink or swim! As for Rochester - he's played his part for the moment - he'll be on his way to Thornfield soon.

JENNY Chapter 12

"Well, if the truth were told," began Lord Richard.

My Grandfather held up his hand to stop him—he rang the bell—the Footman came in, "Yes sir?"

"See that we're not disturbed—I'm expecting two gentlemen from the Naval office—when they arrive, tell Jeffers to see that they're made comfortable and to let me know—otherwise no interruptions unless I ring."

"Yes sir!" and the other servants left the room at a dismissive wave of his hand.

"Now then Janey, before you go, I want you to tell me honestly just what happened out there this morning."

"Well, I had an apple that I was going to share with Buttercup; but when I went into the Stables, John was there and he grabbed me with his arm around my neck so that I could hardly breathe. I started fighting with him, and managed to get away, and then he came at me again, and I had the hay fork, but he snatched it away, and backed me up to the wall—I wanted to scream—but I couldn't. Then he came (I indicated Mr. Rochester) and made John let me go. Then the others came, Lord Richard and Robert, and they told me to go back to the House, and said that they would take care of John."

"I see," said my Grandfather, "He didn't do any more than push you about and maul you?"

"Y-yes," I said, "I have a few bruises, but I'll soon be all right."

"There's my brave little girl—off you go now—we've some business to settle with young John."

"Yes, Grandfather, but first, I wish to say 'Thank you' to Mr. Rochester for his help this morning."

"Ah well, Lass, that's well thought of—go on then."

I went and stood before my new friend, I made a little curtsey, "I want to thank you for what you did for me—I owe you a great deal for it."

He bowed to me, "The pleasure was all mine—there is no debt. You are frowning at me, I see that does not please you—then shall I ask a favor of you? Would you prefer to do something for me in return—a small thing?"

I looked at him inquiringly and smiled, "Perhaps."

"Such an enchanting smile you have, young lady; in a few years, when you 'come out' in Society—perhaps we will attend the same Ball—could I ask that you reserve a dance for me?"

"I should be delighted to do so, sir—but it's such a long time from now!"

"You will be surprised, I think, at how quickly time goes by. Au revoir, ma petite."

"Farewell," said I, "And—thank you again.".

As I went to the door, Jeffers knocked, and came into the room, "Sir, the men from the Naval Office have arrived. I have put them in the Servant's Hall until you require their presence."

"Hah! Of that class, are they? Very well Jeffers—do they have their orders with them?"

"Yes sir, from Admiral Blackwell."

"Not Admiral Porter?"

"No sir—frankly, these fellows look as though they work the 'Press Gang'." Jeffers had a look of distaste on his face when he mentioned this.

"All the better, maybe," my Grandfather murmured. "Hey, Janey! You still hanging about? Off with you, child!" I went reluctantly, but I went.

-xxx-

I saw my Cousin being escorted away from the House later that day by as villainous-looking a pair of men as I could have imagined. I was certain that they would not have been out of place in a Pirate's crew. Neither of them was particularly clean or presentable for polite Society—both of them were great hulking men—one had an eyepatch; the other had an evil smile, made more sinister by the scar which ran down his cheek, tugging his mouth slightly to one side.

John was literally dragged into their coach, I saw that his hands were tied together and that there was a gag on his mouth. Apparently they were taking no chances of his escaping their custody. I saw him try to struggle, to make one last bid for escape—he quickly subsided when the one with the eyepatch threatened him with his cudgel. Then the coach left through the gates, with the scar-faced man riding up top with the coachman, and that, I hoped, would be the last I would see of him.

Perhaps I should have felt sorry for him; I knew that he was going to have a hard time of it for a while; but when I recalled all the misery he had caused, not just to me but to others, I felt he had earned his fate. I could almost feel poor little Jessie at my shoulder, waving good riddance to him.

-xxx-

My new friend left early the next day, riding his great black horse—it seemed that he had merely broken his trip for an overnight stay, and now he was on his way to his Estates up North. I had overheard him remarking to my Grandfather that an absentee Landlord was not a good thing to be, and that he had resolved to spend some time at Home, in order to oversee some improvements to the Property. There was also a need to appoint a new Housekeeper, the old one having retired; and to find a replacement for the local Parson, as the Incumbent had died several weeks ago. He had remarked that his Land Agent was an excellent man, but that there some things that he simply was obliged to do himself. My Grandfather had agreed with him—saying that there was no substitute for the Master taking an interest in how things were done.

So, there you have it. John is on his way to a life at sea - like it or not! Rochester is off to deal with his own problems at home. Jane is about to meet her Governess - a charming young lady, I do assure you!