Jane walked softly on the floor outside the library where her husband was. She did not want him to hear her approach. She did not have to unlatch the door for it was not completely closed. Placing her hand on the door and pushing lightly, she stepped into the room quietly.

Edward was indeed with his letters. He still found it difficult to read on his own, for his eye became tired very quickly, and Jane could see him straining to make out the most likely messy handwriting of the letter her held. As she stood there momentarily he looked up and saw her.

"Why do you smile at me in that way Jane? You smile as if you are thinking very hard".

"I was simply thinking I am envious of the time where I could observe you for as long as I wished without being noticed".

Edward shook his head, smiling, as Jane stepped towards him.

"There cannot be a possible thing to observe for that length of time in this form, Jane".

"Only my entire world" Jane said, sitting comfortably on his lap.

He lay his letters aside and adjusted himself so that Jane would be more comfortable. Jane was very thankful that no matter what he was doing, or what they spoke about, she was always free to perch herself on his lap, and to be embraced. She said this aloud to her husband and he smiled, looking to her with his brilliantly dark eyes.

"Of course you shall always be free to do so. Who could deny someone they love such a simply gesture?"

Jane lay her head back against the armchair and played with Edward's curls, spinning them around her finger. He watched her as she did so, with such peace and stillness in his eyes that Jane could not help but leaning forward and kissing him longingly. He gathered her to him, tracing his finger along her lower back. When the kiss broke Jane continued to look into his eyes.

"Thank you"

"Mmm" he said, still contented from the kiss. "There is no need for thanks".

"And yet I know the effort it took to contact Diana and Mary, and it is something that you did not have to do"

"No, I suppose not. But it was something I wanted to do".

Jane pressed her lips to her husbands forehead and looked to him thoughtfully.

"Now, I will have to find a way to thank you"

He raised his eyebrow and grinned boyishly at Jane.

"I do not think you shall have to think very hard".

He leaned in to kiss her but Jane stopped him, running her fingers over his lips.

"I love you"

His playful mood had turned, as Jane's had, into something more serious. His eyes never broke from hers as their fingers intertwined.

. . .

Supper was wonderful. Diana and Mary got along with Mr Rochester almost more than Jane had expected. They found him charming, amusing, and easy to talk to. Jane was primarily quiet during dinner, for she knew the girls had many things to ask of Mr Rochester and he had much to say in response. She did not mind, however. She was happy to hear them speak to one another so well. Diana and Mary asked him of his world travels, of his ability to sing and play piano, of his extensive knowledge. Jane could tell that the girls lacked what he had seen and loved in Jane- a natural curiosity and wish to learn. She had always listened to him with keen interest, yet was willing to contest him when she thought him wrong or unfair. Diana and Mary listened readily, willing to accept all that he said as the only truth of reality. It was for they had never meet someone quite like him, not because they were foolish.

When dinner was over they sat for quite some time in the sitting room, still speaking among themselves. Jane found herself to be extremely tired. She did not wish to be rude, yet she found herself more and more tempted to fall asleep in the chair in which she sat. Finally, when Diana and Mary were commenting how tired they were, and how longingly they craved a bed, Mr Rochester glanced at Jane, who must been closing her eyes in sleep.

"It appears we have all stayed up far too long" he said, smiling.

Although it appeared that Diana and Mary had not noticed Jane's tired state in the excitement of their conversation with Mr Rochester, her husband had. Jane stood first, and the others followed.

"Tomorrow" said Jane "I think we should take a walk, perhaps into town. I know you will love the beautiful surrounding land".

"Oh Jane, we are excited for it. How lovely"

They all said their good nights at the end of the hallway where Diana and Mary's rooms were. When the doors had been shut, Edward put his arm around Jane walked with her to the other end of the hallway.

"Jane Rochester, you look as if you could fall asleep at this moment walking down the hallway. Why did you not retire sooner?"

"I did not wish to be rude, I know you all would have disbanded if I had retreated early".

"Jane, do not be foolish"

"Edward,I am only tired, I do not have the plague. Do not worry yourself so, you get too worked up and I do not believe it can be good for you".

"You are not good for me, temptress".

He watched her as he held the door opened to their room and Jane stepped inside. Edward turned to close and latch the door, and by the time he had turned around Jane was was already climbing into bed. He walked towards her, pulling the blankets around her so that she would be warm. But when he spoke to her, he found she was already fast sleep.

Smiling, he bent down and kissed her cheek lovingly.

"Goodnight, my Jane".