See, told you I wouldn't make you wait for too long!

I scrambled to my feet, my mind a whirl. I hadn't done anything wrong. He was a married man and I a free woman. I could do whatever I wanted with whomever I wanted. Yet, why did I feel like I had betrayed him? And why did I see hurt deep in Mr Rochester's eyes?

My lips still felt the heat of Mr James' kiss and I'm sure my face was aflame at being caught in such a situation.

Mr Rochester stood there, tall and not a little intimidating. He wasn't angry though, or at least he was making an effort not to appear so. He looked down at me as Mr James also stood up. The men were matched in their heights but Mr Rochester was slightly broader at the shoulder. They looked at each other and I had no idea what passed between them.

"Mr Rochester," Mr James nodded politely and stuck out his hand in greeting.

Mr Rochester took it and shook it firmly, "Mr James, how are you?"

"Quite well, thank you, sir. Would you like to go in for something to drink?" The offer was polite and not quite as diffident as one would expect from a subordinate.

With a shake of the head, Mr Rochester declined, "Thank you for the offer, I actually came to give Miss Eyre some good news." His eyes turned to me.

"Miss Eyre, Adele has woken from her surgery and is being moved back to Thornfield Hall," His eyes were steady and the flash of pain I had seen in them was long gone.

I tried to smile but I was still a little shaken, "Does that me that she has regained her memory?"

He shook his head again, "Unfortunately not, but the doctor is hopeful of a positive recovery now. Even if she does not remember, she will build new memories. Her recovery will be a long one, however, and we felt it was best for her to recuperate at Thornfield."

"I see," I nodded my head, "That sounds logical. I- erm…thank you for coming to tell me."

"I thought you should know, in case you wish to take residence at Thornfield again."

"I-" Why couldn't I get my thoughts in order? Could I go back to Thornfield? Should I go back to Thornfield?

Mr Rochester saw my hesitation and smiled wryly, "You do not have to return if you do not wish to, I merely asked as a courtesy to you as Adele's governess. I can see you may have other reasons for not wanting to return." His dark eyes flicked to Mr James and I saw the hint of anger in their depths.

How dare he judge anything that had happened between me and Mr James? I was single, unmarried, and had every right to kiss a decent, kind man if I wished. Not all kisses had to be fire and brimstone, and after the shock of what had happened, Mr James' kiss was far from unpleasant.

"No, I will return." His tone had brought about my own stubborn nature. "I had said that I would return once Adele had come back and I am a woman of my word." My voice held its own heat and barely contained anger.

"Very well," he nodded curtly. "I'll send John with the carriage to get your luggage in a few hours while Mrs Fairfax makes sure the rooms are set up again for you and Adele."

"Thank you."

"Mr James, thank you for your hospitality towards Miss Eyre," he smiled a little stiffly at the innkeeper.

"It was my pleasure, sir."

"Clearly," he said archly and turned to leave.

I felt the breath leave my body as he disappeared over the hill back towards the road. I hadn't realised that I had been holding it in. I turned to Mr James.

"I'm sorry, Mr James, he-" I began.

He stepped forward and took one of my hands, "I think at this point, we might be on a first-name basis with each other, Miss Eyre. Please call me Daniel."

I felt the blush rise on my face again, "Yes, Mr J- Daniel."

"I need to apologise for what happened earlier. We barely know each other and I was far too forward in my behaviour. I just felt as if there was some kindred spirit between us…but I am truly sorry for my actions."

I looked up at him and his eyes were gentle and warm, and he was holding my hand with both of his, a soft, calming pressure and I was speechless.

"Thank you, Daniel, but there is no need to apologise." The words left my mouth before I could think of them. He smiled down at me, a satisfied, happy smile that faded away as I withdrew my hand from his grasp. "You have been so kind to me and I am grateful for all your efforts, big and small, but I have to leave to go back to Adele now."

"Do you have to, Jane?" His voice was low, his eyes serious.

It was so odd to hear another man use my Christian name. "I do, she is my concern now, and I must be there when she returns to the hall."

"I understand," he said and took a step back. He said nothing more but helped me pack up my supplies and carry them back to the inn.

I ran upstairs as soon as we entered and had my luggage packed as quickly as I could. I was still unsure if going back to Thornfield was the best thing to do but I had to be there for Adele, and that helped to set my mind at ease. I may be going back to the lion's den, but the lion was not as ferocious as it had once been, or so I hoped.

I heard the clatter of a carriage outside and looked out of my window to see John. Mr James sent up someone to help me with my luggage and as I left my room, he stood outside my door to carry my valise.

We walked down the stairs in silence, but as the boy left to hand my luggage to John, I turned to Mr James.

"Mr J- I mean, Daniel, thank you once again for your kindness. You have done so much for me that I do not know how to thank you…" I trailed off, not knowing how to say goodbye to a man who had been a friend to me when I thought I had none.

I put out my hand and Daniel took it, shaking it gently. "It was my pleasure, Miss Eyre." His eyes were so sorrowful that I stepped up and kissed him softly on his stubbled cheek.

His eyes were wary now as I stepped back, "Goodbye, Jane, until we meet again."

With a quick smile, I took my valise from him and stepped out to take the carriage back to Thornfield.

The drive back was pleasant. I chatted with John and asked about Leah and the family. He told me about what had been happening in the hall, the servant's reactions to Adele's injury. He very noticeably did not mention anything about Grace Poole or Mrs Rochester in the attic. I am sure the news had spread like wildfire around the servants once it was discovered who the woman in the attic was.

When the horse and carriage swept into the courtyard again, there was a feeling of homecoming and my heart delighted in it. I tried to push the feeling away as this could not be my home for too much longer. Mrs Fairfax stood at the entrance, all smiles and welcome as I climbed out.

"Welcome back, Miss Eyre, we have missed you!" She greeted me with a warm hug as John unpacked the rest of my luggage behind me. "Come inside, let us have some tea."

"Is Adele back?" I asked as we walked up the same stairs where she had taken her fall.

"No, dear, she will be returning tomorrow. Mr Rochester thought it would be best if you were settled in first and then you could be more ready to assist if needed during Miss Varen's arrival. Sensible idea, I think."

"I agree," I smiled at the placid housekeeper, "Have you seen Adele since her operation?"

"Why yes, I have. I visited her just yesterday and I was there when she woke up."

"Really? How did she look, Mrs Fairfax?" I was eager for more information about my charge.

Mrs Fairfax shook her head sadly, "She is not the same Adele that she used to be. She did not seem to know me, which I expected since Mr Rochester had told me about her condition, but she seemed so small and diminished. She was always a small child, Miss Eyre, but she didn't seem to have that life and vivacity that she had had before. However, she had just awoken from an arduous operation. It will take some time for her to recover."

Yes, it would. I do not know how long it would take for Adele to recover but I wanted to be there for her until she was well enough, and then I would make my own way into the world again. At least now, I would leave with a calm mind instead of the fevered and anguished one I had had weeks earlier.

Mrs Fairfax and I had a quiet tea, discussing my stay in Millcote and what had been happening at the estate while I was gone. Mrs Fairfax did not mention Mrs Rochester either, so I was forced to ask the question forthrightly.

"Mrs Fairfax, what has become of Bertha Mason…Mrs…Rochester?" The words stumbled out of my mouth. It was the first time I had ever said her name out loud and there was a darkness in my heart as I remembered the creature.

She blinked, "Oh, Miss Eyre…I am not quite sure what to tell you. After what happened on your wedding day, Mr Rochester called myself, John and Leah to him and swore us to secrecy. He told us a little bit about how the woman became to be in such a state but asked us to keep our confidence about who she was. No one else in the house knows about who she is and we have kept our peace."

I felt relieved. I had been surprised that no one in the village had found out about the woman or mentioned it to me, but I had also mostly kept to myself.

Mrs Fairfax continued, "Although I have to say, Miss Eyre, I was shocked by the news but more shocked at the position you would have found yourself in if the truth had not been revealed in that manner. Are you certain that you wanted to return to Thornfield Hall?" She looked at me.

I sighed, "I am not sure, Mrs Fairfax. I am returning only for Adele and once she had adequately recovered, I will endeavour to leave Thornfield as quickly as possible."

She nodded and scrutinised my face, "I think that is a sensible idea, Miss Eyre, and while I will be sorry to see you leave, I understand why you cannot stay here."

"Thank you, Mrs Fairfax. I trust that I will be able to serve my charge during this time and search for a new position. Can I rely on you for a recommendation?"

My matter of fact tone seemed to set Mrs Fairfax's mind at ease, "Of course, dear, you have been a part of this household and I'd want you to leave to only a good position."

"Thank you," I squeezed her hand and stood up to leave, "I think I will turn in for the night now. It has been a long day."

"Good night, Miss Eyre." She smiled at me as I left the room.

I turned towards my room in the corridor when I heard a sound behind me. I turned to see Mr Rochester, glowering a little. He stood tall, imposing, wearing his riding clothes.

"So you are back, Miss Eyre," he stated, his voice monotonous.

"I am, Mr Rochester," I raised my chin a little.

"Might I have a moment of your time, if you please?" He indicated his study behind him and I nodded. He stood aside to let me pass and closed the door behind us.

I turned to face him, waiting for the carefully controlled anger to break.

He strode towards his table and picked up something. "Miss Eyre, I need to give you this. This is a debt that I owe you." He handed me a heavy envelope.

I peeked inside to see several notes. I looked up and decided that I would not fight him. This was my salary, I had earned it honestly, and I would need more money as I searched for a new post.

"Thank you, Mr Rochester."

His eyebrow arched, "Oh, no fights this time? You meekly accept money from me now that you are under my protection again?" The challenge was there but I would not rise to it.

"No, thank you, Mr Rochester. I appreciate my salary and I would like to give formal notice of my resignation. I am here only for Adele and as soon as she is recovered, I will leave Thornfield Hall." I kept my tone cool and business-like.

"Oh really, Miss Eyre, and where will you go? To your handsome innkeeper?"

I struggled to keep my own anger in check and said nothing, keeping my eyes low.

His voice was a little louder. "Do you have nothing to say? No witty barb to put me in my place?"

"No, sir." I took a few steps towards the door.

"Why did you even come back, Miss Eyre?" His voice was harsh and passionate and he took a step towards me.

I stepped back, "For Adele, Mr Rochester."

"And to torture me?" Another long step forward. I could smell him. He smelled of horses, grass, and the unique scent that came only from him.

My back was against the door and I was looking up at him, "No, sir."

"So tell me, Miss Eyre, how were his kisses?"

There was no escape. I watched his face, the pain and rage warring in his features. His eyes were dark and snapped lightning while his voice was thunder.

"There were no kisses, sir." My voice was soft but resolute.

"No kiss, Jane? What was it that I saw then? Is this not a kiss?"

Before I knew what was happening, his arm was around my waist, the other around my neck and his lips took possession of mine. I could not breathe, I could not think, I could only feel. His hands were rough and feverish, dragging me closer and up on my toes. His muscles were taut against me. My own hands, which should have been pushing him away, tunnelled into his hair and tugged. His lips were hot and hungry, and I revelled in his desire like never before. His mouth moved against mine and that familiar ache of painful love streaked through me. His hands roamed over my body, leaving gnawing trails of desire behind them. I kissed him as much as he kissed me, taking my own pleasure even in all the pain.

And then it was over.

He had pulled himself back and stood there, his breathing ragged. My own breathing was shallow as I stared at him, shocked and bereft, my legs unstable.

His eyes were still dark and passionate but something had changed in them, "Forgive me, Jane. I- I do not know what came over me. I had promised myself that you would be safe and unharmed under my roof. I should have been more careful to protect you from the biggest monster in this house."

I held out my shaking hand, "No, Edward, you're not…"

"Please go." His voice was fierce and anguished and now he couldn't meet my eyes. "I do not…I cannot hurt you again. Go. Go to bed."

I opened the door behind me and left the room.

I don't think I could wait for a kiss any longer. Let's see what happens when Adele comes back.