"I told you, if you do not complain about it, the ride will not seem so harsh"

"Jane, it is impossible to not complain for this damned road is filled with holes. I did not eat too long ago you know, where you have the luxury of having eaten very little at lunch".

"I ate enough to feel the effects of this road, thank you very much".

He puffed like a child, his arms folded as he gazed fixedly towards the carriage's window. Jane was forced to stifle a laugh under her breath. It would not do well to rouse his anger in this small carriage. Besides, there was much of the carriage ride left, and she did not think she could endure it if he became any more disagreeable.

"And I suppose then you are perfectly content on this carriage ride? You have not one thing to complain about?" he blurted out, his hands flying up in frustration.

"Well, I think not. For it is not the road's fault it has holes and it is not the carriage's fault for being forced to travel through them".

He shook his head quite seriously.

"I am glad for seeing this side of you" Jane stated, closing the book that was in her hands. In truth she had been able to read very little of it with the road in such bad condition.

"And why would you be glad to see this ghastly side of your husband?"

"Because, it is a reminder that I did indeed marry the man I fell in love with who was brooding, changeable and had a horrible temper. The man I am married to has softened considerably, and I fear I have made some mistake".

Edward at first looked stern, but soon his face broke into a reluctant radiant smile that brightened the grey, dull day outside of the carriage.

"I am happier now, even in this moment, then I have been in the rest of my life without you put together. You soften me, witch. You have power over me of which I cannot name nor master".

"Indeed, and that is how it shall stay".

Jane reached up and kissed his cheek lightly, but he moaned, drawing her face closer again.

"Shall I not even receive a real kiss?"

Jane had noticed that he never forced upon her a kiss that she did not impart. He always waited for her approval, he wanted her to kiss him out of love, and not out of habit or his sole desire.

"Mhm" she said quietly, pressing her lips softly to his. He took every ounce of her away. It was as if he pulled her very soul into his own, restoring it to her as the kiss broke.

"Now" he said softly, "Tell me that I do not have power over you".

Jane bit her lip shyly. Even in moments like this, she did not feel worthy of his love or attention- it still managed to surprise her at times. She moved close to him, feeling his arms wrap around her and join hands as to hold her in place. She closed her eyes, fighting sleep that was threatening to wash over her. Edward had noticed this, and all joking had left his tone as a result.

"Jane perhaps you should go to a doctor when we arrive in London. Your sleep has been so uneasy".

"I' am not tired" Jane reassured him.

He shot her a knowing look, his eyebrow raised.

"Jane, you are about to fall asleep in my arms at this very moment".

She tried to sit up as to appear more awake, yet Edward held her in place, kissing the top of her head.

"Shh" he soothed. " I am sure someone told me last week that I was to take care of myself above all others in the world, and if I wasn't willing to do so, this person would be forced to step in. Now, if only I could remember who that was..."

Jane smiled, half annoyed and half amused.

"Do you remember Jane?"

"Yes"

"Would you care to tell me who it was then?"

A shy grin.

"Perhaps I will go to sleep after all, perhaps it is for the best-"

"Oh, no, no. There is no escaping this argument Janet, for I have won it already".

Jane laughed, moving a curl back into place on the top of his head. She sighed contentedly at her husband. When he spoke again his voice was gentle, and soft.

"If you are to sleep, Ms Rochester, let it be on my breast".

Automatically, he removed his travelling cloak from around his shoulders and wrapped it around Jane like a blanket.

"No, the carriage is cold" she protested, pushing it away.

"No, look, we shall trade" he said, wrapping her shawl around himself instead. Jane laughed, resting her head on his chest.

She paused.

"You are everything in the world to me".

He rubbed her arm affectionately, as she leaned into the kiss which was planted on her temple.

"You are my world, my darling. Nothing could ever change that".