I decided I would return to Thornfield, I would not return permanently but for a short visit of a day or two. I would only pack a few of my things, the amber dress I had bought and one that Edward had bought me. I informed Mrs Graham that I would be gone for a few days and she gladly gave me leave. I packed my things and informed the coachman of my departure. I had not informed Thornfield of my arrival; I thought I would surprise everyone. I dressed in my Lowwod frock and headed towards the kitchen in search of Maria.

As I entered the kitchen I saw her slaving over a hot stove preparing a stew for later in the day.

"Maria?"

"Oh, Jane!"

"I'm afraid I am to be departuring for a few days."

"Why Jane?"

"I am heading back to Thornfield. I have wrote to Mr Rochester and it has been 3 weeks, I have had no reply and am beginning to get worried. Don't worry I'm not leaving permanently yet."

"Jane, I wish you luck, please say you'll come back."

"Of course I will Maria, you are my best friend I will not abandon you."

"And I will not abandon you Jane, I am glad to hear it"

I gave her a sweet smile.

"Now run along, you mustn't keep your beloved waiting, I hope everything is well."

"Me too Maria…me too."

I saw tears start to appear in Maria's eyes. I walked closer to Maria and took her hands in mine. They were cold. I hugged Maria and reassured her I would be back soon. I was going to miss her greatly, but I knew I had to do this: return to Thornfield.

Over the past few weeks Maria had become my best friend. I confided in her with everything. My worries. My feelings. My Thoughts. She had helped me through most of the sadness I had felt after Mr Rochester had left me to return to Bertha at Thornfield. She also confided in me and told me I was her best friend: she could not risk losing me. I felt the same warmness and happiness with Maria that I had with Helen.

I left Maria and descended into the courtyard where the coachman and carriage where waiting for me. I looked at the coach and thought back to the time I had left Thornfield to be here, now I was to be returning. I slowly and carefully climbed into the carriage after telling the coachman to take me to Thornfield. I sat back on the red velvety cushions that were carefully placed upon the seats of the carriage. I suddenly felt a wave of happiness befall upon me, but also a great sadness not knowing what dread I was to return to.

As we drew nearer and nearer to Thornfield I went through the events that had occurred these past few weeks. I began to feel very sad and depressed. I needed comfort I didn't know horrors would await me on my return. I wished I had Maria here with me; by my side. As the carriage pulled up at Thornfield I started to feel faint just by knowing that dreadful news could await me. The carriage pulled up in the courtyard of Thornfield, I stepped out of the carriage and approached the huge wooden door of the.

As I approached the door I remember the scent of the rooms, the lovely gardens that I used to walk with Mr Rochester most every day. There were many trees and orchid flowers in the gardens and a beautiful flowing river; Mr Rochester used to give little Adele biology lessons on the river bank, on that first day he teased her. Thinking back at this I laughed lightly to myself. Mr Rochester was almost like a brother to me, but I did not love him as my brother, I loved him as my lover; and he the same. We had known each other since that first encounter we had in Hay Lane when I first arrived at Thornfield. As I drew nearer to the front door, it suddenly started to open and little Adele and Mrs Fairfax ran out and ran towards me. I was so glad to see them I ran up to them straight away and embraced them both tightly.

My luggage was taken to my room, which had been unoccupied since I had been living in Mrs Graham's residence.

"Oh Miss Eyre, I have missed you most greatly."

"And I have missed you Adele!"

"Mrs Fairfax. I will only be staying for a night or two, is that ok?"

"Of course Miss Eyre!"

There was no sign of Mr Rochester. Did he know I was here? Did he hear the carriage pulling up? Did he wish to see me? Was he... (I dread to say it) alive?

I entered into the entrance hall followed by Mrs Fairfax and Adele.

I told Adele to go and play in the nursery and that I would be with her as soon as I could. After she had exited I turned around to Mrs Fairfax.

"And where Is Mr Rochester?"

Mrs Fairfax stared at me with a blank expression. What would she say? Oh I couldn't bare the thought of it!

"I believe he is in his study miss."

"Well, I will unpack my things and then I will see him in his study. But do not inform him I am here."

"Yes Miss Eyre."

Mrs Fairfax exited into the kitchen to prepare supper for Mr Rochester. I started up the stairs and entered my chamber. The things I had left behind had been untouched, but I knew Mr Rochester had been in here as I could still smell the lingering scent of his cigar smoke. Happiness spread across my face as I knew he was safe. I thought it a glorious thing that Edward had been in my chamber while I was no longer in his presence; this made me feel his passion and undying love for me.

I readied myself and exited my chamber. I carefully and silently approached Mr Rochester's Study. I felt my heart beat faster and faster, like an iron fist. I slowly put my hand around the handle of the door to the study. I slowly turned it and opened the door; I could once again smell the lingering scent of cigar smoke. As I entered the study and closed the door I could see my dearest Edward sitting silently in the chair. He did not see me enter but he suddenly looked up; he could feel my presence. I believed we had a special bond, a connection that could only be explained as a supernatural force. He quickly arose from his chair and walked over to me. He embraced me tightly and gently kissed me forehead.

"I have come back, after you did not write I was worried, but my arrival is only temporary."

"As long as you are back my love!"

I sensed something was wrong, something had happened he was very agitated and seemed a little uneasy. He sat back in his chair and bid me to sit upon his lap. I did.

"Darling, what is wrong? Has something happened?"

"I fear there has my petal, but it is also good news for us"

"Good news?"

"Bertha passed away a few days ago and was buried yesterday, I am free from her, I am a free man again Jane! Don't you know what this means?"

"Oh Edward, I am sorry!"

"Sorry! Oh but Jane, we can marry!"

I suddenly felt a burst of happiness soar through the whole of my body. I knew it was sad news as she had died but me and Edward could finally be together. You must understand we had been apart for so long and know God had given us the chance to be together again forever.

Edward took my hands in his.

"Jane, will you marry me?"

"Yes Edward I will!"

I put my arms around his neck and kissed him gently, tenderly, passionately. He returned my sweet kiss and I lay for but another hour in his arms.

"I do love you Jane; we shall be married in 1 week Jane!"

"One week! Oh my love I shall never leave your side again."

"And I will never let you leave my darling."

"But I must go back to Mrs Graham's cottage tomorrow I must pack the rest of my things, and say goodbye to Maria."

"Yes, I will accompany you tomorrow. Maria? Is that the maid?"

"Yes darling. Since you left she has become my best and dearest friend. I told her about us and she understood. Do you know when we had our first meeting together and you asked if I had a friend and I said Helen from my childhood?"

"Yes, I remember."

"Well I felt I was with Helen again. I felt that same connection with Maria as I did with Helen but some 8 years ago."

"Then you must keep in touch with her, she must come to the wedding. She must visit."

"Oh, Edward I'm glad you understand, I thought you wouldn't let me see her."

"Know darling, why would I do that?"

We both laughed and kissed once more.

"Know Jane, off you go to bed you have had a long journey and you must rest, I will see you in the morning."

"Yes, in the morning."

I climbed off his knee and gave Edward a sweet kiss against his lips. I smiled and retired to my chamber.

Edward and I could be together at last. I was so happy that I could not sleep that night but I wished for tomorrow to come. I wished for our wedding day to come. I was fulfilled with excitement. But I managed to sleep. That night I had wishful and happy dreams of my new life with Edward…