Chapter 4(b) – The Visit
Upon answering his door, Robert Wilson was surprised to see a stranger, a gentleman, and not the parishioner he was expecting. The quality of the man's clothes and his bearing declared him to be wealthy, and when he spoke, his well-accented, deep voice made it obvious he was also educated and well-bred.
"Mr. Wilson? I'm Edward Rochester. I'm here to talk to you about a young lady, Miss Jane Eyre."
Wilson introduced himself then ushered his guest into his study, offered him a seat, sat behind his desk and waited for Edward to begin.
"Mr. Wilson, I'm Jane's, I mean Miss Eyre's, former employer. I was passing through this area on my way to a friend's estate and wanted to see Miss Eyre, to make sure she is well settled and give her her remaining salary. I was informed that she is not here and that you would know where she is and when she will return."
"Well, Mr. Rochester, I'm pleased to meet you. Yes, I know Miss Eyre, quite well in fact. It was I who offered her the position of schoolmistress. I'm afraid you just missed seeing her. Miss Eyre left just this morning to visit her uncle's solicitor, a Mr. Briggs, in London. She may be gone for a week."
For a brief moment, Edward's face registered disappointment and alarm, then became neutral. "London? To visit her uncle's solicitor? Why, may I ask?"
"Miss Eyre went to see Mr. Briggs to establish her identity. It appears that she is to inherit a great deal of money soon. Her uncle is very ill and is determined to leave her his fortune."
Struggling to control his emotions, Edward quickly asked, "But how is this possible? She told me her aunt, who was dying, had cast her off. And her uncle died many years ago …"
"This is another uncle, Mr. John Eyre, a merchant living in Madeira. Apparently, he wrote to Mrs. Reed three years ago and asked about Miss Eyre. He wanted to adopt her, now that he was wealthy, but was told by Mrs. Reed that Miss Eyre had died of the typhus fever at Lowood. Miss Eyre explained to me that her aunt loathed her and told her she did not want to help Miss Eyre improve her station in life, so she told that malicious lie. But as she was dying, Mrs. Reed's conscience forced her to call for her niece and give her Mr. Eyre's letter. Once Miss Eyre decided to remain here, she wrote to her uncle to inform him that she was very much alive, and quickly received a reply, telling her to go see his solicitor in London as soon as possible. She also learned that she has more family, cousins. There is a St. John Rivers, a clergyman, and his two sisters, Mary and Diana. They are also governesses."
Edward suddenly stood up, paced back and forth and then just as suddenly sat down again as he struggled to absorb all this information, with an expression on his face that Wilson was unable to read. "So Jane is now wealthy. And she's no longer all alone in the world," he muttered to himself. Edward then looked up at Wilson and asked, "So, tell me, how is Miss Eyre doing in her new position and her new home? Is she happy here? I wanted to make sure she is safe and comfortable and has everything she needs."
Robert Wilson looked at Edward curiously and wondered, "Why is he so concerned about his ex-governess? A man in his station usually couldn't care less about his servants' welfare." Then he replied, "Yes, she's happy here. She loves her new position. In fact, she promised to continue teaching for the remainder of the school year. Then she will think about what to do with her new-found wealth. Miss Eyre's a remarkable young woman: intelligent, kind, talented, dedicated … I must admit I have never met anyone like her. Did you know she is an artist? She painted that beautiful watercolor hanging by the fireplace to thank me for giving her the position of schoolmistress."
"Yes, Miss Eyre is quite remarkable," Edward agreed while staring very intently at Wilson, a grim expression on his face. "Well, since she's not here, I would like to write her a note, enclose her wages and leave it with you."
"Yes, of course. Please feel free to use my desk. I'll get you a cup of tea in the meantime."
As soon as Wilson left the room Edward went to the desk, sat down, and with his elbows resting on the desk, put his face in his hands and sighed deeply. When he had recovered his composure, he began to write.
Dear Miss Eyre:
As I was passing by on my way to visit a friend's estate, I came to see your new situation, to make sure you will be safe and comfortable. Unfortunately, you were not here, so I am leaving this note with Mr. Wilson, along with the salary I still owe you.
Please allow me to tell you how much I appreciate all your hard work teaching Adele. She has made much progress with you. Although there is to be no marriage between Blanche and me, I have decided to go through with my plan to send Adele to school and will begin looking for one. She misses you very much and I know she will be happy to hear from you, so please write to her again soon.
If you need a reference or if there is anything else I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact me at once.
Once again, thank you, and please accept my best wishes for your continued good health and happiness.
Edward Rochester
As Edward was sealing up the letter, Wilson re-appeared with the tea tray. The two men drank their tea in silence, then Edward thanked Wilson for his hospitality and prepared to leave. As he was walking out the front door, Edward hesitated, then turned to face Wilson and said, "If Miss Eyre ever needs any help … if there is ever anything I can do for her … please do not hesitate to contact me at Thornfield Hall. It's near Millcote."
Wilson hid his surprise at the intense emotion in Edward's voice and the sadness in his eyes and quietly replied, "Of course, Mr. Rochester. But don't worry about Miss Eyre; she has friends here. She's not alone. I'll make sure she's safe and untroubled."
Edward once again stared intently at Robert Wilson for several long moments, thanked him and then left.