Hello everyone!

I am so sorry for the long breaks in-between posting. I have been incredibly busy, but I have missed this so much!

Please tell me what you think of this chapter, and what will happen next ;)

Love you all, thank you for all your kindness. It means the world to me. xoxox

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As Jane and Rochester descended the staircase, they found that the only people left in the house were the servants, who had indeed been invited to the wedding, Mr Eshton and Diana. All of the others had just left through the main doors. As Mr Rochester would be the one to walk Diana up the isle, with her brother in India and her own father being dead, it was customary for her to ride with Mr Rochester to the church. Jane assumed correctly when seeing Mr Eshton waiting in the hallway that he was waiting to escort her, and when they reached the bottom of the stairs, he held out an arm to her.

"I know I am not your gallant Mr Rochester, but do you suppose I will do as a escort to the church?"

Edward looked amused.

Jane smiled, "You are foolish. I shall be happy to walk with you"

She turned to her friend, who was indeed quite the beautiful bride. Diana looked nervous as she stood in the porch, and through Mr Eshton spoke to her, she did not seem to internalise any of his words. Jane squeezed her arm affectionately, and she looked up.

"I shall see you very shortly. Keep your head up" she spoke lowly so that only Diana could hear, "You look very beautiful"

And soon Diana and Mr Rochester were out of view, stepping into the waiting carriage and pulling out the drive. Jane turned to her companion and smiled as he gestured for them to begin walking. The church was a very short walk away, perhaps ten minutes if they were very slow (which she was sure to be). The day was beautiful and cool, so Jane felt refreshed by the walk rather than tired.

"I hear I am to congratulate you, Anne is with child. I have not had the opportunity to say so to you alone before now"

Eshton looked slightly surprised at Jane's words, but his reply was pleasant and happy.

"She told you then? Well, thank you Jane. it was wonderful news. We did not want to share the news before Diana's wedding, Anne feared it may take away from the excitement of her day. We were planning on keeping it a surprise"

Jane was not sure this was entirely true. It was not within Anne to withhold happy information- she loved to share, and she would have known that Diana would not have felt that sharing such happy news would interrupt her wedding. Jane thought it was more likely that Anne was nervous, and perhaps a little unsure herself, and wanted more time to keep the news of her child to herself. Jane suspected this, but she did not think Mr Eshton did, so she did not argue the point with him.

"It still is a surprise, no one knows besides myself. Not even my husband"

Eshton nodded in recognition and put his hands behind his back.

"She is very grateful to have you as a friend, especially as you are with child too. I think it is a large comfort to her, for she knows you will be more than willing to help, and share the knowledge you learn right before her. Anne often feels she needs the wisdom of others in her life, and she is very happy that wisdom is sure to come from someone as honest as you"

Again, Jane wondered. She had a sneaking suspicion that even if she wanted to be completely honest with Anne about the difficulties of motherhood that was sure to come in the upcoming weeks that she could not do so. For Anne, a difficult truth was one of the worst things in the world. Telling her that something that was beautiful, and wonderful was also extremely tough was sure to dampen her spirits completely until the birth. Jane did not see the point in doing so. She had seen births, seen babies being taken care of by nannies, seen servants scrambling to arrange bedtimes and clothing and blankets for the children, and was almost positive that Anne had not.

Jane smiled in response to Eshton, "Of course. I look forward to sharing with her. Although, my wisdom may be nothing worth sharing, if truth be told"

Eshton laughed, "The way Rochester speaks of you, he makes it seem as if there is no more fit mother on the planet than you"

"You make me blush, for his impression he placed on you is not true. I am at my best moments eagerly excited, happy and I feel very blessed but at my worst I feel unsatisfactory, and unprepared"

"Nonsense" Eshton interjected, "Time and practice, I suppose. Like with anything else in life".

Jane knew his comment was meant to be kind, and he intended it to be that way. And yet, Jane could not help noticing that there was a certain amount of distance he was already placing between him and his wife's role as parents. She could not pass judgement on him for this. Mr Eshton's attitude towards fatherhood was the epitome of what most men believed was right, and thus it was simply the custom. She knew he would love the child, and care for the child, but he would take no true active role in raising it. That was left to governesses, and to mothers.

Feeling slightly awkward about how thankful she was that Edward was to be a very different type of father, she changed the subject.

"There is quite the guest list here today on behalf of the Captain. I am afraid I know hardly any of them, apart from his parents of course"

"I know" remarked Eshton, his voice carrying the dread he felt. "It was the same with our wedding. Anne had so many relatives to invite, where I hardly had any. The day simply turns into formal meetings, which is pointless as you will never see the majority of them again, and will most likely not remember their names in any case, if you do see them".

Jane grinned at him.

"Especially me. You see, I am still not well-versed in the practices that growing up with rank and custom afford. I do not remember titles and names with ease"

"That is all well today, seeing as you are the lady of the hour. You will not have to do any such work"

Jane looked at her companion curiously.

"You look confused"

"Well of course, for it is Diana's wedding"

"Ah yes. But you are the hostess. You are the one with the rank and fortune. As much as people come to witness Diana and the Captain's wedding, they really will be sizing you up, writing mental notes of your relationships, and your house, and your number of servants, among many other things. That is what truly matters at a wedding"

"You have a way of making one feel quite at ease" Jane said. He shook his arm in the air dismissively.

"Thankfully, you have a husband who is remarkably good with such. With him being around, you will not have to do much of the work. He is quite the figure among this society you know, Jane. He does not care what people think, which people do not like, and yet he is very charming, very intelligent, and very good at conversation. Such a combination baffles people who abide by custom. Anyone who meets him now can see how happy he is, and that is a threatening quality for any unhappy person"

"Well exactly" argued Jane, "Next to him I am sure to look quite the bore, and surely my plain upbringing and plain life shall shine through with too much ease"

Eshton laughed, "Except for you are not plain. You are an equal match to your husband, after all. I have never seen him submit to anyone but you before. Besides, as his wife, people will associate you with whatever qualities he carries"

"Wonderful" teased Jane, "Somehow that thought makes me more nervous than anything you have said before"

Eshton laughed heartily as they rounded the corner into the church yard.

There were a few people waiting outside the church, huddled around the door. They appeared to know each other well, and were most likely avoiding the crowd that was already inside the church to catch up in the fresh air. Jane could hear people approaching behind her, so she knew that they were not very late to the ceremony, for she had walked very slow. As Jane walked by the small group around the door she felt their eyes pierce her with their gaze. She felt surveyed and strange, for she really was not used to being the centre of attention. With character that was so unlike her own, Jane lifted her head with energy and smiled at those who were watching her and found them scrambling to soften their expressions, nodding to her respectfully.

Smiling to herself, Jane walked inside.

"I do hope that Anne does not mind that she lost her escort?"

"No, of course not. Anne wanted to be the first one out the door with Mary, she was not being held back by me this morning"

Jane laughed, "I can imagine it now"

And then Jane's eyes fell upon someone quite unexpected.

Sitting a few rows from the front of the church was Blanche Ingram, unmistakable, even from behind. She had a long, slim neck, bright blonde curls which were fashioned attractively around her face and a large blue bonnet which had feathers sticking from it which threatened to poke anyone sitting nearby. But there was no one sitting close to her besides the man who was with her. That gentleman was much older than she was, and for a moment Jane wondered if it was her father. But then she remembered Blanche's own father was younger than the man she sat with, had more hair that was less grey, and was less round. Jane was forced to deduct from their closeness that they must be indeed married to each other. Otherwise, such behaviour would cause such a stir, and Blanche Ingram abided by societal laws which would never allow for such a scandal.

It was a curious feeling to see Blanche again; Jane was struck at how little she was phased in seeing her. At one time, the very sight of her made Jane's insides turn uncomfortably. She was jealous of her, jealous of her looks and of her now-husbands attentions towards her. Now, she felt something that almost resembled pity towards her. Even her haughty expression could not hide how miserable she looked.

Eshton and Jane passed Blanche as they reached their seats, and Jane was sure that she could feel the eyes of Blanche roaming over every inch of her appearance. But Jane appeared very happy, and gave no reason for Blanche to suspect anything different. She was dressed in bright yellow, was 8 months pregnant, and was beaming at her friends that greeted her upon arrival.

"Hello" Jane said, sitting one seat from the end of the pew. She watched Mr Eshton slide in beside his wife who beamed at her.

"My goodness, it is good we came ahead of you. You quite took your time" Anne teased quietly.

"I cannot help it" Jane said, "I am unbearably slow, even to myself"

"How was Diana?" Mary asked, her hands clasped together.

"Nervous, but happy and excited too. The way every bride feels"

Anne smiled, "Not me, I was nothing but happy"

"Yes my dear, how could you not be? marrying this?"

Anne shook her head and sat front facing again. Captain Franklin stood at the front of the church, arms pulled behind his back, looking rather nervous himself as he rocked back and forth on his feet. He turned to look at the group who sat at the front of the church, and with many looks of encouragement, he looked as if he gathered spirit.

A few moments later, the crowd was called to silence and all fell still. Everyone turned to look upon Diana, and Jane thought she caught Blanche's eyes lingering on her as she turned to face the back of the church. There stood Diana and Mr Rochester, Diana looking shy but happy. Never in her life had so much importance been placed on her, nor so much attention. Jane understood the overwhelming feeling, but also felt incredibly proud at her spirit.

Edward, Jane noted, looked extremely handsome. As they approached, Jane thought to herself that he had never looked so well. He looked young, at ease, happy, and very unlike his sometimes typical, brooding self. His well fitting waist and tailcoat exhibited his unusually trim body for his age, which added to his overall appearance of wellness. Had some of the lines on his face even softened?

Jane took a secret pleasure in the contrast between her husband and Blanche's, who coughed away a horrible gargling noise loudly, pounding his chest as Diana reached the top of the isle.

As Diana was handed off to Captain Franklin, Edward walked back to where Jane was, moving into the pew beside her. She took his hand briefly, squeezing it gently as they sat down.

. . . . .

If people had been surprised by the couple's union before the wedding, after the ceremony there could be no doubt of the couples sincerity of affection. As they recited their vows, Diana looked upon her husband with the utmost devotion and love. The Captain looked almost flushed by the emotion shown towards him, perhaps seeing the full extent of her feeling for the first time. The young love humbled Jane.

When the ceremony was over, Diana and the Captain entered the carriage that was waiting for them outside. They would take a private drive in the carriage first before arriving back at the Rochester's house for the party of people who would be waiting there to congratulate them. Jane greatly approved of this tradition. They deserved a moment alone together before being ambushed by well-wishers and friends.

The wedding party slowly dispersed from the church, Blanche and her husband being one of the first people to begin walking towards the house. Mary walked ahead with Anne and Mr Eshton while Jane took her husbands arm.

"Well, do you think we shall reach the house before dark?" Rochester asked amusedly, watching an old man within the crowd move ahead of them with significant speed. Jane shot him a disapproving look before he looked around, and in seeing that they were quite alone, and kissed her. Jane pushed him back, looking around.

"Edward, what if someone had seen that?"

His face stretched into a warm smile, "What would if matter if they did? Today is a day of love, and I love you"

Jane looked around quickly again before reaching up and kissing her husband briefly. He smiled, biting his lip.

"Who are you to scold me, and do the same action I have been punished for?"

"What does it matter? Today is a day of love, and I love you".

He put his hand in the small of her back as they continued and Jane breathed in sharply. She was in much pain from the walking, and even the smallest touch sent shivers through her. Though she tried to disguise her discomfort, Edward stopped her.

"Edward please, do not treat me as if I cannot decide for myself whether I should continue or not. Today I am in more pain than usual, but that does not mean I should not walk. I find it helps me, although it is painful".

He looked as if for a moment he was about to argue, but he sighed in defeat.

"Then lean on me a little more, darling. Take advantage of what little I can do to help".

She did so, and it felt a little better.

"Thank you" Jane said as they proceeded

"Thank you? For me listening to you? Jane you shame me with your expectations of me"

"No" Jane remarked, shaking her head, "For letting me lean on you"

"Of course. It is an easy walk for me"

Edward groaned as their home came into view, along with the many people in the distance which were also moving towards it.

"I know" Jane said softly, "It had been a long day for me too, and I crave nothing else but your sole company"

Edward slowed slightly as he looked at his wife,

"I would say that we can have some alone time tonight, but I fear that we will both be too tired. By God, perhaps I am getting old"

Jane laughed, rubbing his arm affectionately.

"You know I thought the opposite today?"

"Did you really? Or is this another of your cruel teases?"

"Truly I did. You look very well, especially compared to Blanche Ingram's husband-"

Edward stopped in his tracks.

"And how would you be able to make that comparison?"

"Because they are here"

"What? Where! I did not see them."

"They sat a few rows down on the opposite side of the church. She indeed saw you. She watched with great curiosity you as you walked up the isle. Perhaps she was having remorseful flashes of what could have been her situation in life"

Edward sent her an unimpressed, but amused look.

"I heard they were married last month in London, but I have not seen either of them in a very long time"

"So you know her husband?"

"Oh yes. Lord Marcus is quite the figure in London. And I am sure he will stand out today for being the oldest husband present, and the roundest-"

"Edward"

"Jane, I am not wasting any feeling of sympathy on either person. They are selfish, shallow, vain individuals who feel no deeper than skin. They deserve to be mocked"

"I rather thought they deserved to be pitied. I have never seen a sadder looking couple"

"What can I say? Selfish people never are happy and never fully satisfied. If they are indeed miserable, it is from their own doing. How can one pity that?"

"Some people do not have the ability to make better decisions. Some people know the difference, but do not possess the courage"

"You, Jane Rochester, had every right to be bitter, cruel, and cynical as you moved through life, yet you were not. You were the opposite, you are the opposite. People can choose what they are, and they can change in spite of what life predisposes them to be. Blanche Ingram simply does not care"

Jane looked at her husband and sighed as they reached the front path of their house.

"Well, I do not care what you decide to think in your head. As long as it does not show. This is Diana's day, and it must not become about you"

"Fine, I will be well behaved and remain at a safe distance"

"I do not think that is possible" Jane warned, "It looks as if she waits for you at the gates".