Finally! A new chapter! I'm very sorry for the long delay, but I've been too preoccupied to make a lot of progress on this story. First my wonderful cat Rhubarb passed away at the end of June, which kind of took the wind out of my sails. Then I signed up for an online course with Oxford University on Jane Austen (my other favorite novelist) which required re-reading all six of her novels, plus participating in online discussions, plus writing two assignments. I passed, yay! but it took up all of my free time, so I just didn't have the time to devote to this story. Oh, and I almost forgot, I also changed jobs! But I've finally got this chapter finished, and the next two almost completed, so, without further ado ....
Chapter 7 – Moor House
"What are your plans for the day, Jane?" Diana asked, as she buttered a piece of toast.
After swallowing her tea Jane replied, "I was thinking of going for a long walk since today is the first clear and sunny day we've had in a week. I'll take my sketchpad to make quick sketches. I need some new subjects for my watercolors."
"That sounds wonderful. Perhaps Mary and I can join you?"
"Oh, yes, of course, I'd love the company."
The three cousins set out an hour later.
Walking slowly in the crisp, cold air, talking and laughing, the newly fallen snow crunching under their boots, they made their way to Marsh Glen. When they reached the head of the glen they fell silent, to better appreciate the inspiring sight. The stream descended the ravine, plentiful and clear, gleaming in the bright sunlight, dashing against the rocks and throwing up foam and spray.
Finally, some long minutes later, Diana spoke. "This is truly my favorite place. I so love this view. When I'm here, I have no wish to be anywhere else."
"I feel the same, Diana," Mary said softly. "And I cannot believe that St. John is determined to leave this wonderful, beautiful place, to travel to India. And he probably will never return…" Choked with sudden tears, Mary stopped talking and walked a few steps away. Jane and Diana watched her sadly. After she had composed herself, Mary returned to her cousins.
"So, it's final, then?" Jane asked quietly. "St. John is going through with his plan?"
"Oh, yes, Jane, St. John is quite determined. And you've known him long enough to know that once he has made a decision, nothing can dissuade him. He must, at any cost, follow through with his plan," Mary said sadly.
"Nothing can dissuade him? Not even Miss Oliver?"
"Not even Miss Oliver," Diana replied. "You know, Jane, that Mary and I have long hoped that he would marry Miss Oliver, but we can see now that it is never to be."
After a few minutes of silence, Jane swept the snow off a large rock, sat down, set up her materials and began to sketch, her cousins quietly watching her progress. After half an hour Jane felt she had enough sketches for several new paintings and suggested they leave. They began to retrace their steps, then Diana suggested they stop by the Oliver home to pay Rosamond a visit. Mary agreed, but Jane declined; she wanted to return to the house and begin painting while the inspiration was still fresh. They parted ways and Jane returned alone to Moor House. When the house came into view Jane stopped and gazed at it lovingly. She had experienced so much love and joy in this little home, and she thanked God once again that she had finally found her true family.
Still smiling to herself, Jane walked quickly to Moor House and entered by the kitchen door. As she removed her gloves and bonnet and warmed herself in front of the blazing fire, Hannah bustled in.
"Oh, Miss Jane, there you are! There's a gentleman been waiting for you for over an hour; he arrived not long after you left. He's in the parlor. I told him you were out with Miss Mary and Miss Diana, and that I did not know when you would return, but he said he had come a very long way and would wait as long as he must for he has to see you."
Surprised, Jane turned to face Hannah. "A gentleman, Hannah? But I am not expecting anyone. Did he give his name?"
"Yes, Miss. He said he's Mr. Rochester, from Thornfield Hall."
Frightened by the look of intense astonishment on Jane's face, Hannah blurted, "Did I do wrong in allowing him to stay, Miss?" Then, angrily, Hannah exclaimed, "And I took him for a gentleman! That scoundrel! Miss, stay right here. Since you came in the back, I'm sure he's not seen you. Stay here, and I'll order him to leave straightaway. I'll throw him out if it comes to it!"
Jane quickly reached out and taking Hannah's hand pulled her back, laughing. "No, Hannah, it's fine. He is a gentleman and he's a good man. He was my master when I was a governess. I'm just very surprised that he has come all this way to see me. It must be very important for him to have come so far. I'll go see him now."
"You're sure, Miss?" Hannah asked warily.
"Yes, Hannah, I'm sure. I'll be perfectly safe. Mr. Rochester would never harm anyone."
Jane left the kitchen and walked towards the parlor. She stopped at a mirror in the hallway and looked at her reflection. Her cheeks were still glowing from the cold and her hair was in place. She smiled at herself, then walked to the parlor.
At the closed parlor door Jane stopped once again, her heart racing, and took several deep breaths to try to calm down. "He's here! I can't believe he's here, to see me!" she whispered to herself.
Finally, Jane took a deep breath and reached out and turned the door's handle. As Jane entered the parlor she saw Edward standing before the fire, his back to the door. Upon hearing her enter, he quickly turned around. They faced each other, both speechless for a few moments. Then, his voice soft and low, Edward spoke.
"Hello, Jane. Merry Christmas."