"I am glad to have meet someone here" Jane said as the exited the town. "Especially someone who is new, like myself"
"Well, I say I am new because I have felt so isolated here. In truth, I am not very new at all, although that is how I feel".
They walked over a small bridge with a brook beneath it, which was the main divider between town and the surrounding area.
"How long is it that you have you resided here then?"
"Almost a year. Me and my husband moved here just shortly after we had been married. He does not like London, you see".
"And so then he is happy here while you are not?"
"I believe he is more than happy" she said, smiling weakly at Jane "But I am not, for I love the city. I love balls, and dances and society. He prefers nature, a hunting riffle and his dogs".
"I fear I am the opposite of you" Jane said, "I have not much desire to partake in society"
"Well as a governess you wouldn't, would you?"
But Eliza's eyes widened as she spoke and she covered her mouth in horror.
"I am sorry, I have spoken well out of turn".
Jane smiled and shook her head.
"No, do not apologize, it is the truth. You are right, being a governess exposed me to very little society. But I do not believe I have a natural disposition towards it in any case. I am generally quiet, and I much prefer to watch and to listen rather than to talk and be heard".
"Oh no, I love to talk" Eliza said, happily. "I fear that at home another thing my husband loves is peace and solitude. I do not ramble to him as I am sure I ramble to you"
"No!" Jane assured "You do not ramble".
"I do make it seem though that I am unhappy with my husband, and I certainly am not. He is a wonderfully kind and decent man. He just enjoys his time alone. It works in our marriage, for otherwise I think we would fight often. Perhaps that is not quite right of me to say".
Jane slowed her walk to look meaningfully at her saddened companion.
"I think marriage is a very complex relationship, one that is greatly different to every couple. I do not think there can ever be a formula for what is 'right' or 'wrong'. It then must be a very personal matter, and you must determine for each other what passes between you".
Eliza smiled at Jane, and nodded slowly.
"I believe you must be right, you speak with such confidence. It leads me to believe you are a greatly loved woman".
Jane smiled, "You flatter me greatly, for at times I can be a person lacking great confidence".
Eliza laughed, agreeing wholeheartedly.
When they arrived at the walk of the Rochester's house Jane said her goodbye's to Eliza. She had been a good walking companion, Jane had enjoyed her conversation. Once she had seemed a little less worried about the impression she was leaving and spoke with ease, she was very pleasant and agreeable. She left Jane with the promise that she would send her an invitation for afternoon tea for one day later in the week and that Jane must agree to it. She continued to her house, looking a little happier perhaps, and a little more determined. Jane, hurried up the walk, more eager than she was willing to admit to see her husband.
. . .
As she entered the house she was greeted by Ms Jennings who informed her that Mr Rochester was sitting in the library. Thanking her, Jane set off for her husband. When she opened the door she saw that Edward was pacing by the fire, looking sightless out of a nearby window. Immediately he had turned towards her in hearing the door, his countenance brightening without him intending for it to be so. Jane threw aside her cloak as Edward spoke.
"Woman, where have you been all this time? I have been worried sick, I have been unable to accomplish anything while you have been away"
"My darling I have only been to town and back, I've been only a little over the hour"
"It is when I sit here alone, waiting for you to return, unable to know where you are"
Jane advanced, standing before him and taking his hand reassuringly.
"Perhaps it was not right of me to leave you without you being able to know where I've gone, or to come and find me. I met a woman in town, which is why perhaps I took a little longer than expected coming home. I am sorry".
Edward shook his head, turning away from his wife.
"Jane, I cannot make you slave to my wishes. It is hardly your responsibility to mold your life around this blind block. Of course you should be able to walk to town for as long as you like without me. As you say, you are not to ask me for permission if it is your wish to go".
Jane played with the fingers that rested so easily in hers.
"It is my responsibility in every way" she assured him "I married you because I do not want it any other way".
His face relaxed a little and a small smile almost played across his lips.
Next time come with me, I do not wish for distance from you, and thus we would both be happier together".
"Always" he replied, kissing Jane's lips briefly.
Jane pulled back from him, grinning broadly.
"Woman you called me?" she teased "I think I liked that".
"Well you aren't supposed to, I was attempting to be cross with you" he said, kissing her temple.
Jane laughed as Edward stepped back to sit in his large armchair by the fire, gently pulling Jane with him. She sat on his lap as he easily moved her legs over the arm of the chair so that she might be more comfortable and wrapped his arm around her waist. He put his chin on her shoulder as she sorted through the letters, reading to him which ones had arrived.
"I forgot! Diana and Mary responded" she said happily, slipping that letter from the bottom of the pile and opening it. She read it's contents aloud,
"Dear Jane,
Mary and I could not be happier for you. When we received your letter we could only pray that you had indeed secured your happiness in marriage. Please tell us that you are content, and that you find married life all you hoped it would be. The way you described Mr Rochester to us the night you departed left Mary and I in no doubt of your affection for him (Jane felt Edwards lips brush her neck). We are all quite well here. Mary and I intended to finish our terms of work at our respective governing positions before moving back into father's old house to reside permanently. Your great kindness Jane, has given us every comfort in the world. We cannot write so happily of St John, for we hear so very little from him. He is preparing for his departure, and he has very little time for even us. When he departs we are sure that we will not see him again, but as it is his wish, and what he believes to be God's, he will not be stopped.
Please write your return letter soon, we wait to hear from you.
Diana and Mary".
"Jane, you must invite them here. It seems these women have great sense".
Jane shook her head, speaking warmly, "You say that because they approve of you'.
"But of course".