He was taken aback by these words. She had never called him perfect before, because of course, he was not. Just as she herself could never be called perfect. But in that moment, looking into his eyes, feeling the way her body fit into his, she could think of no other way to describe him so truthfully.
A sudden sadness spread across Rochester's face; he looked up and then back at Jane. She was sure he must have been blinking back tears. He looked at her weakly before saying, "I wish I could see you. I wish I could see your face, your beautiful searching eyes. I have now come to terms with losing my sight, but I fear I shall never not regret being unable to see you".
Jane took his hand in hers, kissing it gently.
"If only I could watch the way you sleep".
Jane still kept a tight hold on her husbands hand, massaging it lightly and looking into his deep, dark eyes.
"You have me, all of me. I reside in you. All my thoughts, wishes, and desires are yours. What of sight when you hold my soul?"
The profundity of such words seemed to resonate in a place deeper than sadness. He closed his eyes, and brought his lips to Jane's temple. She melted beneath his tenderness, wishing he would never pull his lips away.
"Jane, how can anyone love another person as I love you?"
. . .
The next morning continued to be rainy with the possibility, however, of some sun breaking through the thick, heavy clouds. Jane was awoken by her husband, nuzzled into her neck, kissing her gently. She stirred, smiling, and opened her eyes to see his warm face.
"Good morning my love"
"Good morning sir "
He pulled away, looking disapproving.
"I cannot call you Miss Eyre anymore, so I must call you Miss Rochester then, I suppose?"
The name still sounded strange, but in no way unwelcome to her. She laughed and played with his hair absentmindedly.
"No, you must not call me that"
"Why ever not!"
"Because, you must have a name to call me when you are very angry with me, or at least attempting to be very stern and is perhaps the best fit"
"Ah, and how must I address you when I am not quite angry with you?" he asked, playfully.
"I believe you may call me whatever you like, madam perhaps?"
"No, such a thing will never do. It is heartless and meaningless. No, indeed I shall call you my love, or my darling, or my heart, or my life for all are the truth".
Jane caressed his face with her thumb, bringing his lips to hers and kissing him deeply.
"I am afraid , however, you shall still always be my master"
His face once again twisted with annoyance before Jane said "So long as I always remain to be yours".
He chuckled softly, kissing her forehead.
"I am yours in every way"
Rochester felt Jane's arm and the thin sheen of the night's lovemaking that lingered there.
"Come, we shall draw you a bath".