Chapter 12
The journey to Morton had taken far too long in Edward's estimation. Once he had Jane's address in his hands, he felt he could not reach her soon enough. When he finally arrived at Morton, he had to inquire everywhere as to where to find the place known as Moor House. He wandered the streets of the village knowing he looked like a fool. He was a finely dressed gentleman in a place filled with rustic types. He was such an oddity that the villagers stared at him, but would not exchange a word.
He eventually came upon a finely-dressed gentleman who was strolling out of a bakery with a lovely young woman. The gentleman looked affable. When Edward greeted him, he greeted Edward in return.
"Good afternoon sir," the gentleman said.
"Good afternoon," Edward replied. "May I trouble you for some assistance?"
"What can I help you with?" the man asked.
"I am trying to find the place known as Moor House. Can you point me in that direction?"
"Moore House," exclaimed the gentleman. "Are you a friend of the Rivers family? Estimable people are they not?"
"I am an old acquaintance of Miss Eyre, the Rivers cousin. Shall I take it to mean that you know where they live?"
"Indeed I do," the man said. "By the way, the name is Oliver. I own the needle factory over yonder." He indicated the large building that loomed over the town in the distance and then extended his hand to Edward."
"Rochester," Edward replied shaking the man's hand.
"Mr. Rochester, this is my daughter, Rosamond."
"Hello," the woman said. She was one of the most beautiful women Edward had ever seen.
"She is a good friend of St. John, Diana and Mary. She will tell you how to reach Moor House better than anyone."
Edward saw a shadow come over the young woman's face at the mention of St. John Rivers. Her sweet smile faded. "Do you know Miss Eyre?" he asked.
Obviously grateful for the change of subject, she replied, "Oh yes. What a lovely sweet soul she is. I'm so happy she came to Moor House."
"Rosamond," her father continued. "We can take a rest from our errands right now and escort Mr. Rochester to Moor House ourselves."
Rosamond looked troubled. "Oh no, Papa," she said. "We have much to do. I'm afraid we can't spare the time, but we can find someone who can. I'm sorry Mr. Rochester. I hope you understand. I'm planning my wedding you see."
"Well then, best wishes to you Miss Oliver. I'm sure I can find my way to Moor House if you simply tell me the way."
"No need to tell you," she said. She called out to one of the children playing in the street. When he came to her, she handed him a penny and told him to show Mr. Rochester the way to Moor House.
He exchanged pleasantries with the Olivers who asked Mr. Rochester to please send their regards to the Rivers family and hoped they would all come visit Vale Hall soon. Then he was following a young boy down a road and toward a marsh.
They came in sight of a snug stone house at the end of the marsh. It was not terribly large, but it looked bright and comfortable. He dispatched the child with another penny.
As he approached the house he saw her approaching it from the other direction. She was not alone. Walking beside her was a young man. He wore the collar of a priest, but was otherwise dressed like a fine gentleman. He was quite tall and very handsome. Edward's heart sank. Who was this man and what was he doing with Jane? From this distance neither of them looked terribly happy. He looked angry and Jane looked troubled.
As they grew closer he could see that Jane had seen him. The look on her face went from sadness to shock. She froze in her tracks.
He continued to walk toward her. There was no reason for them to be apart anymore. Jane had nothing more to fear. In a few moments he would tell her so. She continued to stay rooted to her spot. The gentleman beside her looked both surprised and annoyed at the interruption.
He reached them. "Hello Jane," he said.
Jane stammered a moment, but found her voice. "Mr. Rochester," was all she said.
"Jane," he answered. "How are you?"
He could see the young man was extremely curious about who he was, but was far too polite to enquire. Jane glanced between the two men for a moment before answering him. "I am well sir. Allow me to introduce you to my cousin, St. John Rivers. St. John, this is my former employer, Mr. Rochester."
So this was Jane's cousin that she had spoken of in London? He had never imagined Jane's cousin would be so young and handsome. He extended his hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Rochester. What brings you to Morton?"
Edward could see that St. John Rivers was eyeing him suspiciously. He could hardly contain the expression of joy in his face upon seeing Jane. It was obvious Rivers wanted to know why.
"I am here to reconnect with an old friend," Edward said.
"How nice. Do you have the time to join us for tea?" Rivers asked.
"Certainly. Thank you for your kind offer."
"Come inside then." Jane and Rivers walked toward the house and Edward followed. He noticed that Jane seemed very much under her cousin's control. She followed him like an obedient dog. This was not helping him. He wanted Jane alone. He was not about to deliver his news in front of this pompous fellow.
They entered the house and St. John led them to the parlor. Two young ladies stood and greeted them. "I see you two have been out for a walk. I hope you had a nice time. It's such a lovely day," one of the women said. She bore a slight resemblance to Jane.
Another young lady who more closely resembled St. John suddenly noticed Edward standing beside them. "You brought a guest back with you. Please introduce us."
"Mr. Rochester, these are my cousins Mary and Diana Rivers. Mary and Diana, this is Mr. Rochester. I was governess in his home before I came to Morton."
The two women were nothing like their brother. They greeted him warmly and without suspicion. "How delightful," Diana exclaimed. "Jane is so clever. I'm sure you must miss having her as your governess, but we're so happy to have her in our family now."
"Indeed. Jane was an exemplary governess. She is very much missed in my household."
He glanced at Jane to see her reaction. She was obviously understood what he meant by that statement. He then glanced at St. John who also seemed to understand he meant more by what he said than simply saying Jane was a good governess.
"Do sit down everyone," Mary said. I'll have Hannah bring us some tea.
"Jane, how are you enjoying your new home in Morton?" Edward asked.
"Very much," Jane said. "After many years of being an orphan, I have yet to grow weary of the novelty of home and family."
"We are so happy she came to us," Diana said. "Her company is so delightful. Her generosity and good heart has saved our home and kept us together."
"I have always considered Jane to be a most extraordinary woman," Edward replied.
"How long was Jane in your employ?" St. John asked.
"About a year," Edward replied. "You would not believe what she was able to accomplish in that time. Not only is she a gifted instructor, but she brought so much sunshine into my home."
"Your children must surely miss her," Diana said.
"There was but one child, and she was my ward. I have since sent her to school for I knew I could never find a better governess." He saw St. John eye him suspiciously once again on the mention of the word "ward". St. John knew its implications.
St. John then asked him, "Is this not decided by your wife then?"
Edward looked directly at Jane. "I'm afraid my wife has passed away." Jane looked at him quizzically. St. John did not flinch.
"I'm so sorry to hear that," Mary said. "I hope you do not mind my brother's rather forward questions."
"Indeed I do not," Edward said. "I like a man who is frank with his curiosity."
St. John made no effort to acknowledge the compliment. An awkward silence fell over the room for a few moments."
Diana finally relieved the tension. "So Mr. Rochester, what brings you to Morton?"
"I am visiting an old friend in the Yorkshire area," he simply replied.
"How very kind of you to remember your former governess and stop to see her," Mary said. "I know our former employers have not cared so much for our welfare."
"So you were governesses too?" Edward asked. Soon the four of them were engaged in the kind of merry conversation that the Rivers sisters had a talent to inspire. They discussed their earlier careers and plans for the future. St. John stayed out of the conversation for the most part until Edward decided to draw him in.
"So Mr. Rivers, you are a parson? Do you like the Morton parish?"
Rivers replied stoically, "I'm afraid the duties of a country vicar do not suit me. I am leaving England for India in six weeks. I am going to be a missionary."
"Admirable," Edward said. "It is a rare man with the heart and the sense of duty to take on such a lofty task."
"Indeed," Rivers replied. "That is why I hope to not have to go to India unassisted."
"Is there no curate willing to join you in your endeavors?" Edward asked.
St. John looked at Jane. "I would prefer a wife. I have wanted a helpmeet who could labor completely by my side. It is difficult to find a woman with the devotion and courage to take on such a task."
Jane looked away. She was clearly uncomfortable. Edward was beginning to see what the problem was here. Was it possible Rivers wanted Jane to marry him and go to India? Jane's distress and discomfort and St. John's harsh glances seemed to imply that. If this was the case, it was clear Jane did not want to go. However, her obedience to St. John seemed to imply to Edward that she took little joy in saying no to her cousin. Why? What would make St. John think Jane was the person suitable for a wife and why would Jane be upset with her decision to say no?
"Perhaps you should look elsewhere than to the female folk for your assistance. Few wives are willing to toil among the savages. Civilized men are savage enough for them," Edward said jovially.
St. John remained serious. "Those who are committed to serving God will make the adjustment. They are giving their hearts and souls to the greater good."
Jane continued to look uncomfortable. He could not stand to see her this way. He wanted to take her in his arms right now, assure her that Bertha was indeed dead, and ask her to marry him right away. But Jane looked too distressed and too much under the influence of her humorless cousin. She looked almost terrified.
"Any woman who marries St. John would indeed have a hard life," Diana said. "We were hoping he would find a woman and fall so madly in love with her that he would stay in England for her."
"Indeed," Mary said. "I wish you had been wise enough to marry Miss Oliver while you still could."
Edward remembered the beautiful woman from the village. She had looked so sad at the mention of St. John Rivers. Edward realized why now.
"No mere mortal tie will ever keep me from my Christian duties," St. John said in reply.
Jane was silent. She refused to look at either St. John or Edward anymore.
Diana seemed to notice everyone's discomfort, although she did not understand the reason. She changed the subject. "Mr. Rochester, are you stopping with your friend tonight?"
"No," he replied. "I was planning to stay in Morton tonight."
"Nonsense," Mary said. "There is no place to sleep in Morton other than those disreputable rooms over the tavern. You must stop here."
"Thank you for your kind offer," Edward replied.
"We love company," Diana said. "You are always welcome. I'll have Hannah prepare the spare room for you."
Edward saw there would be no way of finding time alone with Jane that evening. Diana and Mary would be chatty all evening and St. John would never release Jane from his disapproving gaze. It was all right for now. He had come this far and he had found Jane. If he had to wait until tomorrow before he revealed all that had happened, he would do so. One more day would not matter so much.
The evening was spent in more conversation. Before bedtime St. John did a nightly prayer and Bible reading to the assembled group. Edward was restless. He cared little for this pompous preaching and the Rivers family had no use for spirits. He was all too accustomed to a glass of brandy after supper and it was clear none was forthcoming.
St. John read a passage from the book of Revelation. He read the passage of how the unbelievers would be thrown into the lake of fire with passion and fervor. Edward was impressed that a man so stoic could show such a display of passion. If a woman like Jane did not love him, it would still be difficult for her not to admire him. He glanced at Jane. She looked fearful as if Rivers were addressing threat of eternal damnation directly to her.
He concluded the evening service with a prayer. "Heavenly Father, I appeal to Thee that all of us can shake off the desires of the flesh and remember our duties as soldiers of Christ. Guide us in making the right decisions needed to walk in your path. Not my will, but Thy will be done."
Diana, Mary and Jane all stood when St. John put his Bible down. Each of the women said goodnight to him. He politely kissed each of his sisters. When Jane approached to bid him goodnight, he simply stood frozen. Jane appeared to be near tears as she walked away with Diana and Mary.
Edward said goodnight to all four of them and thanked them for their generous hospitality. St. John remained in the parlor, but the three women headed for their rooms. He lingered behind them hoping to hear their conversation.
"I fear you and St. John have been quarreling Jane," Diana said. "Why don't you return to the parlor and settle your differences. I cannot stand to see you so sad."
Jane sighed and turned around and walked back the other way. She did not acknowledge Edward as she passed him. Edward slowed his pace until the sisters were in their rooms. He quietly followed Jane back to the parlor and stood outside the door to listen.
"St. John," he heard Jane say, "I hope you will forgive me."
His reply was cold, but it was what Jane seemed to need to hear. "There is nothing to forgive. You have done me no harm."
"I fear that we are no longer friends, St. John," Jane said. Ah Jane! How like her to worry over losing love.
"I hope we are friends," was the stoic reply.
"I fear we are not friends," Jane's voice countered. "I feel I have wounded you terribly by rejecting your proposal."
So he had proposed – and Jane had rejected him. It gave Edward some hope that Jane was not lost to him.
"So you will not marry me? You adhere to that resolution?" asked the voice of St. John.
He heard Jane answer, "I adhere to that resolution. I cannot go to India with you if I must go as your wife."
What madness was this? Jane was offering to join Rivers as a missionary as long as she did not have to marry him. How noble of her to be willing to take on a task! It seemed to show how much St. John had influence over her. Jane was a devout and dutiful woman, but he doubted she would even consider a missionary life on her own. He wondered if this influence along with this desire to please him and not lose his friendship would have eventually changed her mind if he had not come to Moor House that day.
St. John said, "I will remember you in my prayers." Edward heard nothing more from either Jane or St. John, so he quickly escaped to his room before Jane could see him.
He reached his room and said a prayer of thanks. Jane did not love St. John and he could stop her from marrying him. He had come in time to claim her as his own. Eagerly he waited for the new day when he could tell her everything.
