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"Should they be walking alone?" Jane asked, standing in the window with her arms crossed.
"We walked alone at one time, when it would have been considered quite inappropriate. You did not seem to mind then"
Jane looked back at her husband smiling. He was sitting in the library with her, which had a perfect view of the gardens down below, and had the best light at the peak time of day. He was reading before Jane had gotten up and moved to the window.
"Perhaps we should not have been left alone"
Edward chucked, "Why. Did you not trust me?"
She bent down to press her lips to his briefly,
"Not in the slightest"
Pulling back, she looked down at him.
"It is not because they are unmarried I object to them being out alone- it is his character I am not fully decided on. But then again, how much of a right do I have to develop an opinion of him when I know him so little?"
'You inarguably have a right in so far as you care for her, and you want only happiness for her. But do not let yourself be troubled by it, she does have sense and she will do what is best for herself. Jane darling, come and have a seat. Your pacing is making me anxious"
Jane laughed at the sweat she had worked herself into. She moved to the adjoining armchair beside her husband, only for him to stand, grinning and shaking his head. He walked to the window ledge and returned with the cup of tea Jane had left there.
"Oh, thank you" Jane said, "I do not know where my mind is today"
"It is a nice change for once. My lovely wife not being all-knowing, or completely composed"
"You wish" teased Jane, "Even in my most chaotic moments I could take you on in good sense"
Edward laughed, looking to Jane with a smile in the corner of his mouth.
"How very wicked you are, Jane. Drink your tea and behave yourself".
There was a knock on the door and Adele entered, her hands held behind her back.
"Hello Adele" Jane said, patting the couch beside her "Come and sit"
Edward shot Jane a slightly annoyed look as Adele sat, looking oddly sombre and thoughtful.
"I heard about Diana's story this afternoon. I am so sad for her. I just spoke to Mary who told me that Captain Franklin will be staying for dinner. Why is he aloud to come to our dinner if he is a bad man?"
The door opened again and Mary stepped inside, smiling a small, forced smile.
"Hello. I didn't want to sit alone in my room anymore, so I thought I would come in here"
Jane nodded, and looked back to Adele.
"We don't know that he is necessarily a bad man, Adele. He may be a man who was caught in a bad situation and made bad choices as a result. But whatever the case, it is Diana's decision. And as our guest here, she has every right to invite him over to dinner".
Adele looked to Mr Rochester who nodded at her.
"Jane is right Adele. You must not become hardened and sceptical of people. Everyone makes choices in life, and some choices are not easy to make. Some even feel impossible. When decisions seem impossible, we must try and show sympathy, and even forgiveness. You must remember at one time I was in need of it"
Adele looked at him, shocked by the honesty of his own words. Yet she nodded and smiled slightly at him.
"Ms Rivers must make her own choices" he continued, "Someday you will learn what that means"
"I do make choices now" she objected, "I choose my breakfast, and my clothes, and the route of my walk-"
"What he means Adele" Jane clarified, "Is that as we grow up, choices become harder to make. And sometimes, we can only make a decision based on what we know at a given moment- even when we do not have all the information we gain later on in our lives".
Adele turned to Mary,
"Do you agree too?"
"I am afraid I do Adele. You have two very wise parents"
The word "parents" had slipped out, for Adele was neither Jane's nor Edward's child. And yet, it was the relationship they had with her. But Jane thought to herself that Adele would always have a special relationship. For Adele was older- already set in her ways, and raised by someone else when she entered into Jane's life. Mr Rochester's interest in her had started quite late, and she had been so different from Jane and Rochester in behaviour and interests. And yet she was part of their family, regardless, and she was theirs.
. . . .
Dinner was announced and Diana and Captain Franklin were summoned. They had kept to themselves for the majority of the day, and because Jane sensed that there was much to be said between them, she did not feel the need to interrupt them. At dinner, Mr Rochester sat at the top of the table with Captain Franklin on one side and Jane on the other. Diana sat next to Jane, and Mary sat beside Captain Franklin.
"It has been a very long time since I have sat down to a home cooked meal" the Captain mused, "In the army, and especially the Navy, there is little opportunity for it".
Edward tiffed silently, enough so only Jane could hear. She knew he was slightly sensitive when hearing any man talk about his military career, for he had never had one. When Jane had asked him why, he reminded her that when he would have been starting his military training, he was sent to Jamaica to be married off, thus never having the opportunity. Jane amused herself in thinking it was probably a good thing he never entered the military, for there was not a single bone in his body that was inclined towards a conformist or obedient nature. Besides towards his wife, of course.
"Then I am glad" Jane answered, "I too spent some of my life not knowing the pleasures of home cooking"
"Oh yes? When was this?"
Jane could sense her husband was annoyed that Captain Franklin was asking private questions about her life, things that he knew were painful for his wife to recount. And yet Captain Franklin did not know this, so Jane explained.
"I was sent to a boarding school when I was ten years old, as I had no family who was willing to look after me. Hot meals were not part of our everyday experience there. Or any day, really".
Captain Franklin looked surprised. Jane suspected that he did not expect a woman without family or rank to be married to the richest man in the county. Indeed, she was sure he expected that she would have come from an established family. Jane also suspected that he was calling into question the easy life he assumed she lived, for he looked slightly guilty as he looked back up at her.
"I see. Well surely Ms Rochester, it has not affected your goodness. Mr Rochester-"
His tone shifted as he addressed Edward. Perhaps he was more comfortable talking with men, he did spend all his time among them, after all.
"You do indeed surprise me. I met your brother quite a ways back. He was in the navy too, if I remember correctly, at the time of his early death. And yet, I find you are nothing like him"
"Indeed, I have never been much like my brother and I think that must be a good thing"
"I fear there is no safe response to that question. Diana tells me you are quite intelligent, the smartest and most well-read man she has ever meet. It is quite the flattering title"
"There is almost nothing you could ask Mr Rochester that he would not have an answer to. And if he did not have it, surely dear Jane would. They are very well matched in intelligence, as they are very well matched in all things" Diana confirmed.
"Then they are lucky" the Captain confirmed, "I flatter myself that in being part of the navy I have seen much of the world that many people have not. I fear there are very few happily married people, for there are very few well matched couples. After seeing such unhappiness, I can only wish to marry someone who is my equal, who is my match in every way"
He looked across the table at Diana and sighed, sharing a private moment with her that perhaps he thought no one else could see. Jane looked to Edward, who slightly softened in hearing the truth and honesty in his voice. Perhaps what he had claimed to be the truth was the truth. Plain and simple. Mary looked to Jane too, and Jane could see her sister was more wiling to forgive the man she had become used to envisioning as her inevitable brother in law. Mary beamed at the words, her mouth curling into a smile that exuded happiness.
"So does this mean-" Mary began,
"I have told Diana that I want her hand in marriage, as soon as it is possible. But I have left the decision with her. I will not rush her, for there will never be a woman that I love as much as her"
"But there have been other women" Mr Rochester pointed out, "Ones that, as you have told us, believe they have a right to your hand in marriage. Can you assure Ms Rivers that this is no longer a concern?"
"I have done so" he said, firmly. "I have done so in the full intention to keep my word. And if there is any doubt on the matter, I would surely share a drink with you and discuss my estates situation"
Diana looked to her brother in law, imploring his help.
"Mr Rochester, I have no father. And my brother is in India. I have no one to stand in as such a figure for me, to look over finances and legal matters for a potential wedding-"
"Of course you do, you have me" he said, standing. "There is no point in delaying. I am sure you want an answer". He was soon joined on his feet by Captain Franklin.
"Ms Rivers, if this is your wish you will have to excuse us for a little while. Jane?" he said, asking for her permission to leave the table. He did not need to do this, and indeed, Jane did not think he would have made such a big production of it if he was not trying to prove a point about respect to his companion. But regardless, she nodded at him as he lifted her hand to his mouth, kissing it gently.
"We shall return to you ladies shortly. Try not to miss our company terribly".
. . . .
It was more than a short time later, however, when Edward and Captain Franklin returned.
Jane, Diana and Mary moved into the sitting room shortly after dinner where they had tea and talked. When it was time to put Adele to bed, Jane left for a few minutes and returned in the middle of a heated conversation in low voices between the two sisters.
"Diana. I only want what it best for you. As you made clear, the only family you have here is me, and while I cannot help with the finances of this match, or the changing of estates, I can help protect you from being hurt"
"Mary, you know I love you. But I want you to trust me, and trust my heart will make the right choice".
"It is not you that I do not trust."
Jane resumed her seat and Diana looked from Mary to Jane, her tone becoming less peaked and less frustrated.
"Jane, Mary. I know that you have meet the Captain under very unfortunate circumstances. But I love him, and I do not want you to hate the man I love. Though what he did was wrong, I believe every word of his apology. I hope you can too".
Jane reached out for her cousins hand and held it tightly.
"Darling Diana. Of course we will be able to. We just don't know him as you know him just yet. I only want you to know that you do not need to marry. I know there was a time where marrying was quite important to ensure you some comfort in life, but I hope you know now that that is not the case so long as Edward and I are alive. If you choose to marry him, let it be for love and for love alone"
Diana nodded at Jane gratefully, "I know, Jane. It has been the most wonderful reassurance for both Mary and I that we will never be in want while you are living. Thank you"
"Do not be silly" affirmed Jane, "You are my family, and we have an unfair amount of money. What else could justify using it more than for family"
Diana and Mary smiled kindly, before Mary turned to her sister.
"We shall be happy for you. And if Mr Rochester returns and all is right, we shall have much fun planning your wedding. Especially since Jane's wedding was so in her quiet, unimposing, simple style"
They laughed together, Jane grinning slightly. She was reminded in that moment why a wedding with just her husband suited her perfectly fine.
. . .
Some time later, Edward and Captain Franklin finished up and left the office they had been occupying. Jane noted they seemed greatly better antiquated, Edward even slapping the Captain on the shoulder at some joke could not quite make out. After saying goodnight to a Diana, who was eager to hear from Mr Rochester about the financial situation, Captain Franklin was shown out by Jane. Edward waved him off, assuring the Captain he was left in very good hands with Jane for his departure before walking into the library with Diana and Mary.
"I see things went well" commented Jane happily as they walked slowly to the door. Captain Franklin's carriage had not arrived yet.
"Indeed they did. Your husband is a great man"
Jane smiled at him and nodded, "He is. The best man".
"If not for his kindness towards me, for his great love of you. The way he speaks of you is humbling"
Jane blushed deeply, and the Captain smiled.
"There is no need to be embarrassed. He reminded me of the way a lady deserves to be treated"
"I assume this lady you speak of is Ms Rivers"
"Yes" he said warmly. "I want to have a wife I can speak about in that way"
"And you will, I am quite sure" Jane said, encouragingly.
"Ms Rochester-" he said, stopping and looking at Jane as his carriage arrived, "I hope we can depart as friends. I am sorrier than I could say to have meet you under such a situation. But I hope in time you can learn to see me in a better light then I am sure you see me in now"
Jane nodded, wrapping her shawl around herself as the chilly night air blew.
"But of course. I look forward to knowing you better, Captain. There is no ill feeling between us at all. No one should be forced to live the consequence of one poor decision for the whole of their life. I myself have needed such forgiveness in my life before"
He smiled appreciatively at her and sighed, "I understand now that your high praise is not exaggerated. Until we meet again, Ms Rochester".
And soon, he vanished into the dark and silent night.
. . .
Jane was in bed that night before her husband. She found herself exhausted, unable to keep her eyes opened. She laughed at herself when she glanced at a clock, for it was only just eleven. For some reason, lately she just couldn't get enough sleep.
Next thing she knew, she was woken up suddenly when Edward dropped ungracefully onto the bed beside her.
"Dammit" he growled, looking at his wife who stirred, still half asleep and confused. "I'm sorry darling, I did not mean to wake you"
"It is okay" she said, her voice heavy with sleep. She turned over so that she faced the wall instead of him, but found as the minutes passed she could not fall back to sleep knowing Edward was now in the room, just not in bed yet. It was a frigid night, and even the roaring hearth did not have nearly enough heat.
"Where have you been? It is so late" Jane asked, rolling onto her back and rubbing her eyes.
"It's alright Jane, go back to bed. We can talk in the morning"
He was undoing the buttons of his shirt, pulling it over his head before searching for his nightshirt. He never could quite place his finger on where it was, for he never kept it in the same spot.
"It must be the morning by now" Jane commented, trying to see the clock on the mantel.
Edward chuckled, grabbing his nightshirt and slipping it over his head.
"No, it is eleven thirty five"
"What?" Jane asked, shocked. "I was only asleep for half an hour? Good god, it felt like 5 hours. And here I was about to scold you for staying up so late"
Edward crawled into bed beside her, kissing the top of her head as he continued to laugh.
"My darling Jane, where else would I want to be?"
He was always so warm, Jane thought to herself, as he drew himself up beside her, pulling her into his embrace.
"Nowhere, I hope".
He found her hand and played with her fingers simply as he looked into her face.
"I am sure you have much to tell me about your meeting with Captain Franklin"
He nodded, "Indeed. Many things, things that I cannot even tell Diana"
"Because they are bad things?"
"No, not at all. Just things that he should tell his bride to be, not me"
"Well now I am just curious"
"Which will be remedied with sleep. Look at you, your eyes are like lead"
"Fine, will you satisfy my curiosity on one point? Then I shall sleep?"
"Of course" he said, "But you have asked me this before, and I told you before that it is a possibly dangerous proposition to have your curiosity answered"
Jane shook her head, smiling slightly, but continued with her question.
"Did you like him? Outside of any pretence, outside of expectation?"
Edward paused, thinking.
"I did. And that is something coming from a man who is sceptical of everyone and their intentions. He is honest, and honesty leads to truthful relationships. And he is generous, and good-natured. He may be a little self-absorbed, and a little too eager to prove his knowledge to the world. But he is still relatively young, and a life in the military does not allow one to move in social circles very often and share that with others. His behaviour most likely impresses his friends in the navy, and he will grow out of it soon enough after settling down. He truly does like and admire Diana"
"Why do you not say that he loves her?"
"Because, Love is the most important thing that can pass between two people. After one meeting, I could not be certain enough to make the claim. I love you, Jane Rochester. I have from the moment we first spoke. I would not lay that sacred title on any pair, and say it with lightness"
She kissed his temple sweetly, moving her hands through his hair. She turned quite serious as she spoke.
"You are everything"
He smiled at her soft voice, kissing her forehead.
"Everything" he agreed.