A week had passed, I was teaching little Sophie in the nursery when Maria entered the nursery.

"Ah, Miss Eyre there you are! I am sorry to interrupt your tutoring but you have a letter"

Maria handed me the letter.

"Thank you, Maria."

Maria then exited the nursery to prepare lunch.

"Sophie, you may have an extra hour to play, off you go."

"Thank you Miss Eyre!"

As she said this she happily skipped out of the nursery and I could hear her singing a sorrowful tune as she descended down the stairs. Sophie was one of Mrs Grahams children she was Adele's age but wasn't as distracted as Adele was. I had already taught her some French (as she wished to learn), art, maths and English studies. Her progress was coming along, and Mrs Graham had already praised me for my excellent teaching. This was the most wonderful news I could have hoped for. I took the letter in my hands and looked at the seal on the back. I could see a carefully printed 'R' on the letter in fancy writing. I knew it was of Mr Rochester. I carefully opened the letter and began to read.

Dearest Jane,

I have missed you greatly, I did not want to leave but I had to come back for Bertha's sake. I have just arrived back at Thornfield and am writing this letter, I hope this reaches you within the next week. Bertha's health is becoming worse and Doctor Carter says she will presently leave us during this next month, so you will return home my petal.

I think of you often in my dreams, and in the morning you're gone. I know that you are not far away but I cannot see you yet, I need to take care of the financial business a swell as Bertha. I love you greatly and I wish you to come back home soon. Back with Adele, back with Mrs Fairfax…back with me! You said it yourself Jane, wherever I am is your home… your true home, and I promise you will return soon. I do not wish you to reply back to me as I know you have your studies.

You're dearest

Edward.

After reading his letter my heart skipped a beat. I wished to be with him, I could not stand being away from him anymore. I did not have to reply to Mr Rochester's letter but I felt I had to. I exited the nursery to the desk in my chamber. I took out paper and writing equipment and began to write.

Dearest Edward

I know I did not have to reply to your letter but I felt I must. My true home is where you are and I will be with you soon my love. I do love you, always and forever.

Your dearest

Jane.

It was only a short letter, but it summed up what I wanted to say to him. I sealed the letter and put on my bonnet, shawl and gloves. I informed Maria and Mrs Graham that I was going into town to post a letter. Mrs Graham ordered me to come straight back mind as Sophie would have finished her lunch and play by then. I took the long way into town as I wanted to admire the scenery of the countryside around me. Once I had entered town I entered the post office and posted my letter to Thornfield. I once again stepped out into the warm sunshine of the street outside. I looked in my purse and I counted what money I had with me. I had 8 pounds, I still had change from the 10 pounds Mr Rochester had given me on my travels to Gateshead. I decided if I was to return to Thornfield I must look my best. I entered the dress shop and browsed all the different fabrics, when a young girl about my age approached me.

"May I help you Miss?"

"I am in need of a new dress"

"Ah I see, and what style of dress are you looking for."

"I do not know may you show me some styles and fabrics."

The lady showed me into a room with styles of dresses, and all the different fabrics. Finally I decided on an amber dress of silk; although Mr Rochester had bought me dresses on our visit to town I had left them at Thornfield and I wished to arrive in a new dress. The lady measured me for the dress and informed me that the dress would be ready on Tuesday; which was but 2 days from now; as today was Sunday. I paid the lady for the dress (which was but a mere 5 pounds as it was a plain style) and exited the shop to return back to Mrs Graham cottage. I took the quicker route back as I had already been a long time and I was ordered to return straight away having posted my letter.

Once I arrived back at the cottage I returned my bonnet, shawl and gloves to their rightful place in the wardrobe of my chamber and entered the kitchen. Maria had prepared a stew for me. I ate it without as much as a word. I was about to retire to my chamber for the night when Maria approached me.

"May I ask you a question Miss?"

"Yes, of course Maria."

"Is Mr Rochester your master?"

"Yes."

"Do you love him Miss? I'm sorry if it's personal."

I took Maria over to the table and we both took a seat.

"It is not personal Maria. Yes, I do love him and he loves me. Why do you ask?"

"I just wondered Miss, I knew when I first saw you together you were in love and I hoped that I had that. You see I did love my master once; we married, his family cast him off for marrying a poor servant. But he loved me so he didn't mind being poor, we had a little cottage together. We were so in love just like you and Mr Rochester, but after the 4 months we were married he was taken ill and died."

"Oh, Maria I am sorry!"

"There's no need to apologise Miss, I just wondered if I could ever fin that love again."

"I'm sure you will Maria, there is hope."

"It's been 7 years since my Arthur died now, I think of him often and on my days off I visit his grave."

"It's good to know you still think of him Maria, I'm sure he is looking down on you know from heaven, hoping you all the best."

"I sometimes feel his presence."

Maria and I sat up for hours just talking. I felt that we had become close friends. Since that night Maria has always confided in me; and I have always confided in her. She became my best friend and I hers. She reminded me so much of Helen that I cherished the friendship even more. I began to feel at home and didn't miss Thornfield as much as I did 4 weeks ago when Mr Rochester had visited me. I knew that once I went back to Thornfield I wouldn't see her as much, but I knew that I could always visit.

It had now been 3 and a half weeks since I had posted my letter to Mr Rochester; I had no reply. I started to become worried once more but Maria ensured me that he would be in contact soon. (I had told Maria all about me and Mr Rochester, how we met, when we came to love each other, of our engagement and f Bertha. She was not surprised or shocked, just worried about me but knew our love was strong and she stood by me and understood or situation). I knew something was wrong. Although I did not know what, but I knew it was either to do with bertha and her death or something worse had happened. (What I had always dreaded) something had happened to Edward…