Jane woke with a start. The sun was now shining, beaming in through the partly drawn curtains. She smashed her head into the bottom of Edward's jaw as she sat up quickly, rushing out of bed and over to Henry's bassinet

"Ouch" Edward said, rubbing his jaw painfully, "What is wrong?"

But the sight Jane saw was comforting, not troubling. Henry was sleeping soundly and had hardly stirred at all from when she had put him to bed. Jane clutched her heart as Edward clambered out of bed.

"What is wrong?" he asked again, this time sounding more panicked as he reached her side.

"Nothing" Jane said quickly, "Nothing. There is nothing that is wrong"

"Then why did you tear out of bed to frighten me like that?"

"We slept the whole night. Look, it is sun. I thought surely something must be wrong".

"Then if nothing is wrong come back to bed" he said, steering her shoulders back the opposite way, "You should get as much sleep as you can. God knows he will not sleep soundly for much longer".

"Let us have some breakfast together instead" Jane suggested, "I slept well enough, and I would rather us have some time together to talk"

'You sound like you have something specific on your mind" Edward said, walking to the cabinet and starting to pull out his clothes.

"I just think we would do well to talk about how we spend our days, there must be a better way to live then how existed yesterday".

"What do you suggest?"

"Well, Ms Miller is coming today with her children. When she is with me I think you should take some time to yourself. Go and do something where you do not have to think of me or Henry. A walk, a ride, a trip into town"

"And then what about you? When will you have such a time?"

"Now that I am through the initial stages of my body healing, I am aloud a bath. I think I should like that today"

He looked at her, straightening up as he pulled on his waistcoat.

"And how are you feeling, generally? Are you still sore?'

"Very. I am told however, that this is normal. There was a great deal of tearing, so it is to be expected".

"And your back is still bruised, I see" Edward said, stepping toward and slightly pulling down the back of Jane's nightdress. Black bruises covered her back in sporadic places all the way down to her bum. She glanced in the mirror but pulled her nightgown back up around her shoulders.

She smiled reassuringly at Edward, for he looked far more concerned than she felt.

"All normal" she assured him, touching his shoulder.

"Alright, alright" he said, smiling "Breakfast time then".

. . .

During breakfast, a letter had arrived from Diana which stated that she and the Captain had moved into their new home and found it had not been touched since his grandmother had passed away some years before. She claimed that the bedroom was covered in her pink, lace, and flower decorations that left her new husband quite cross night. Jane, laughing, tried to convey this with Edward but simply passed it across the table so he could read it himself.

Edward face broke into a boyish grin as he read. He looked up at Jane, biting his lip.

"Quite the bedroom for newlyweds, is it not?. Imagine making love in your grandmothers bedroom"

"No, stop it. That is very unfair"

She snatch the letter back, grinning in spite of herself.

"Jane, how can you argue with me? Imagining him lying in a bedroom with pink walls and frilly curtains is an image I am sure he would not like Diana putting down in a letter as the vision of their married life"

"Why? It was not his choice of decor, and it will be changed soon enough. Besides, I imagine all the basic functions are the same for newlyweds, in spite of any specific location"

"Jane Rochester" he said in surprise, "Look at you. A worldly woman talking of the many ways one may make love"

Jane blushed slightly and Edward grinned.

"You know" he said lowly, "The fact that you still blush over such things around me makes me remember how painfully in love with you I am"

Jane surveyed him, his honest glowing face.

"I blush because you know exactly what to say in order to make me blush. Shame on you sir, for embarrassing your wife so unabashedly"

"Is it selfish to continue to do so just to see the pink blush rise to your cheeks?"

"Incredibly so"

"Ah, well, I was never accused of being a selfless man"

At that moment, Jenny came into the dining room, bowing quickly and awkwardly before standing up straight.

"Good morning sir, miss. Master Henry is awake"

Edward and Jane went to stand at the same time, but Edward shook his head, encouraging Jane to sit.

"Soon he will need feeding, and then I will be no help. Let me take care of him now, and you finish eating".

"Thank you, I will be up in a minute".

"Take your time" he said, placing his hands on her shoulders and kissing the top of her head.

Left alone in the dining room, Jane smiled to herself and finished the last few bites of breakfast happily.

. . . . . . .

Over the next few days, Jane and Edward continued to try and balance their new lives with Henry. Although things were not perfect, they were both far more tolerant with one another then they had previously been. They seemed to fall into a natural rhythm of parenthood that was tiring, but far more easy.

Anne and Eshton arrived a week after Henry was born to see him for the first time. Because neither Jane nor Rochester had any family to appoint, so they asked the Eshtons to be the godparents to their child. They were thrilled at the honour, and took on the responsibility with great happiness.

The Rochester's and the Eshton's stood in the entrance way to the house for a little while, talking of the new child, and Jane could not help feel the slight pang of regret for Anne as she held Henry, a little sadness plaguing her face. Edward could not possibly know, as Eshton could not possibly know, the thing that Jane guessed Anne was feeling. How unfortunate it was that she saw so plainly the happiness a new baby could bring when that opportunity was lost on her not very long ago.

So, when the men had left for Edward's office for some time alone, and Jane retired with Anne and baby Henry into the sitting room, Jane turned very honestly to her friend and said, softly.

"I am sorry if Henry's arrival is painful for you, as much as I know you are happy for me"

Anne looked to Jane as if she was about to argue, but then her resolved softened and she sighed.

"I am very happy for you Jane. I truly am, but perhaps my face does not hide my disappointment as much as I thought it did"

"I know you are happy for me Anne. But I do not want you to feel like you cannot feel disappointment too, and cannot express it to me because Henry sits before us. I was once where you are now, so I do understand. But I never had to face my dearest friend having a child when I lost mine".

Anne nodded, looking into Jane's compassionate face.

"You are so kind Jane. Truly, I am so lucky that I never need hide anything from you. But I must be honest with you, for something very wonderful has happened that has made me feel hopeful for the future, and the future of me and Mr Eshton having children. It has healed much of the pain I felt over losing my first child"

"Do go on" Jane urged

"Mr Rochester, shortly before Henry was born, came to my home one night to see my husband as he sometimes does on a spare evening. Well, I imagine he was speaking to my husband of you, and of the child you were expecting together, and I can only assume he alluded to how much he wanted to be a father to him, and how much he wanted to be present in his life. I could not say for sure what did it, but the following day, my husband came into my parlour. It struck me in that moment that it was quite possible he had never stepped foot in there before. I thought something must have been wrong, but he sat beside me, took my hands in his, and told me that he was sorry for the husband he had been to me. At first I objected, as is my custom to do with him, but he did not bend. He told me that he spent too much time in his study, and far too little with me. He said that in my time of hardship, he had left me alone because he did not know how to express to me his own sadness. He was a changed man, and for the first time since we were wed, I felt like we were still the two people who fell in love".

Jane's face had broken into the widest smile as she reached for Anne's hand.

"Anne, such news is splendid. I truly cannot convey my happiness to you"

"Thank you Jane. I knew he would come to his senses, it just took longer than I thought"

The two girls smiled together as Henry was handed back to Jane. Anne leaned forward and caressed his stomach with her finger gently.

"Seeing Henry now makes me sad that my pregnancy did not last. For if it had, we would have been in this united state with a baby on the way"

"But" Jane objected, speaking lowly, "Now, trying again to have a child will be much better, will it not?"

"Entirely" Anne said, a girlish happiness radiating from her.

At that moment, two towering figures appeared in the door frame. Mr Rochester, and Mr Eshton looked in upon their wives, both appearing amused. Jane looked to them, and felt her heart swell with love. Mr Rochester was still the sight Jane best liked to see, after all this time. She found it impossible that someone could draw their attention to another when he was in their presence. The radiance of life shone from every part of him, true happiness drew one to him in a way that was impossible to resist, and also impossible to explain. Jane was struck by the contrast of him standing next to Mr Eshton. Though Mr Eshton had always been considered more conventionally handsome than Mr Rochester, Eshton was placed into absolute shadow by him. Edward had never lost his unwavering sense of pride, or confidence in spite of his looks. It had always been one of the things Jane had admired most about him from the first time they meet. He had always been interested in things that lived outside of the material- things that resided in the soul rather than in the pocketbook. His own appearance, which never gave much reason for him to feel superiority over his fellow man, had given him a truer perspective on what real beauty is, and what real love must be based on. Without such, he perhaps never would have called his plain, quiet, and poor governess to his side at all.

'I believe Anne, that we are being watched"

"Indeed you are" Eshton said, "For we thought you ladies may be interested in a walk around the gardens. I am told you keep yours quite lovely in the summer, Ms Rochester"

"With much help, indeed" Jane answered.

Baby Henry slept soundly in her arms, and because he had yet to sleep that day, Jane suspected that he would remain such during their short walk. She ascended the stairs to place him into his cradle, informing Jenny that she would only be a few minutes. Jenny had entreated her to take all the time she needed, for she had been with the baby all day and was in need of a break. Although the sentiment was very sweet, Jane felt guilty being away from Henry for very long. Even though there were so many servants willing and excited to help, Jane felt a crying baby should have its mother, and not a servant to comfort it. Jane thanked Jenny and returned back downstairs to find the party already dressed and assembled for the walk. Edward passed Jane her cloak and gloves as she meet him at the bottom of the stairs.

"Did he wake?", Edward asked, lowly.

"No, he is sound asleep. I think he shall remain such, for he is tired and has not slept today"

"Good" Edward assured her, rubbing her back discretely so that Eshton and Anne, who were talking among themselves, would not see. "It will do you good to get some fresh air".

"You as well" Jane said, looking into his eyes, "You were up last night quite a bit"

"I am alright" he promised, as she squeezed his hand briefly.

Eshton and Anne turned on their companions and they advanced through the front doors. Immediately, Anne asked Edward to show her the rather impressive rose bushes she had heard so much of. He assured her that they were quite bare as of the present, but would be happy to show her at any rate. When they had vanished into the centre, more enclosed part of the garden, Eshton indicated that he and Jane remain on the outside where they had a view of the surrounding hills and trees.

"It is quite odd to see you with your normal mobility again. Towards the end of your pregnancy, it was quite painful to see you move about"

Jane laughed, holding her hands behind her back. "Indeed, if it was painful to watch than you can imagine my pain in having to ask for help to stand up"

Eshton smiled, glancing at Jane and then ahead towards a nearby hill that had a large tree on the top of it which cast shade in its wake. His face turned more serious, but he still looked pleasant.

"I believe I am indebted to you, Jane. For two reasons"

"Indeed?" Jane said, "You surprise me. I cannot imagine what for"

"That is because you do good things with such little thought that I am sure you do not categorise such things in your head, waiting for praise for them. Firstly, I must thank you for making a very old, and very close friend exceptionally happy. I remember when we meet in what seems like a lifetime ago in Thornfield hall, and I heard of his engagement to you, I was genuinely shocked at his choice. Not because I had anything against you, but because it was so outside of the acceptable custom. Now, I see how wrong I was- that there is much that transcends rank and society and gossip. It could have been no other way with him- I see that now. You saved a dying man from his own fate. You gave him back his life. Just now he was speaking of you and your child together in such a way that reminded me of what every person hopes to gain in their life, peace".

"Whatever I have given Edward, he has given to me in return ten fold, I assure you. Whatever small kindness I have paid him he already gave to me when I was penniless, friendless, and comfortless. There is nothing I could do to repay him what he has given"

Eshton shook his head, "There I must disagree. You changed him- softened him, smoothed his rough edges, brightened his countenance. Everyone who cares for him must thank you greatly".

"I am his wife, if I did not do so then I would be failing miserably-"

"You really are quite awful at taking a compliment" Eshton interrupted, chuckling to himself. "But you lead me to my second point of thanks- my wife"

Jane turned to him, his eyes fixed on his path up ahead.

"Rochester came and spoke to me. He rang me through for being distant and detached from my wife one evening when I was complaining she was quiet these past days. He told me that she had gone through something quite terrible that I had left her alone in, and that her quietness was as unnatural as me having no inborn curiosity. He told me not to ignore her, not to shun her anymore, and that my marriage would end in disaster if I let such go on. I threw him out in anger, pushed him from the threshold, and walked back into the house determined to not see him again until he apologised for stepping over a line- but you look surprised Jane, surely he told you of this?"

"No, he did not. But I can imagine why, for I am sure he had full confidence in your reconciliation"

"He is also aware of my childish and silly nature when I am crossed. I am sure he knows by now to simply ignore it. Well, I sent him a letter by post after a night of tossing and turning in order to apologise for my actions. I did not have the courage to do such to his face. I apologised because I tossed and turned that night out of the frustration I felt at the truth of his words. In response, I woke determined to make things right with Anne. I realised that I had forgotten to what degree I loved her, and the deep wish I had for her happiness. Anne needs to little in order to be happy, it seemed silly I could not grant her such eternally. Well, it is all settled now, and we are very happy"

Jane grinned at him, stopping their walk.

"I still do not see what I have to do with any of this"

Eshton cocked his head to the side, looking curious.

"Please, Jane. Though Rochester has never been timid in calling out my wrongdoings before, he would not have any way of knowing Anne's unhappiness. I would imagine you asked him to speak to me, and he did so under your wish. So, I thank you".

But Jane felt slightly guilty, and apologised for perhaps going behind his back to fix a problem that was none of her concern.

"Jane, I know it is not within your nature to be prying, or exactly. I know you did such out of love, and that makes it all very worth it"

Jane looked over at the sound of Edward and Anne turning the corner on the opposite side of the garden. They spotted them and moved in their direction, but were still too far away to hear Jane speak.

"I am so happy to hear things are now better in your home. I am very fond of you both, and I wish to see nothing but your contentment. I know what it is to live without love, and I would not wish it upon anyone, especially when the solution can be as simple as lending an ear".

Eshton laughed,

"You forget Jane, Edward has been very fortunate in his marriage to you. With your deep honesty, how could things ever become unsettled".

. . . . . . .

When the Eshton's left some time later, Jane went to feed baby Henry in his nursery. All was very quiet now, and the light was setting over the horizon. It was an early sunset, for the days were becoming longer as they moved into summer, but Jane was thankful in this moment that she could watch the orange hue cover the trees and hills and surrounding grounds as Henry nursed.

The sound of the door opening tore Jane's attention away from the sunset she had been so interested in. She covered herself without thinking, not knowing who was walking in, but in seeing it was only Edward she relaxed again, smiling up at him.

"Hello" she said softly, granting him a warm smile as he sat down beside her.

"Hello darling" he replied, with equal tenderness. "How are you?"

"Reflectful, and full of contentedness"

"Indeed? Go on, I must hear all about this"

"There is not much to impart. It is only this beautiful sunset, which has come so early in the day. I feel like it was placed here just for me to enjoy as I nurse Henry".

Edward smiled at her, drawing her temple to him and planting a soft kiss there.

"The beauty of that sunset tells me that it could only have been placed there for you".

Jane smiled, bemused.

"Edward?"

"Yes love?"

"I love you very, very much"

"I know you do"

"But today I feel it so strongly. Every time I look upon you my heart swells with happiness, and peace, and love"

Edward smiled to himself as she spoke, playing with her fingers. He brought them to his lips and kissed each one.

"Do you remember", he began, "Before we were married you teased me in such terrible ways- never kissing me, never telling me you loved me, never giving me the slightest indication of affection at all. You did so to keep me at arms length, I know. And perhaps you may have been right. But how much I sought such words in those days, and how willingly and truthfully you give them now".

"Indeed, I was trying to keep you at a distance. I did not think I could trust you. Now I trust you with my very soul. There is no thought, or affection, or action I could dare keep from you, nor a one I would wish to keep from you. My greatest joy is in confiding to you, and sharing with you. And the result of that has been Henry-" she said, gesturing to the baby in her arms. She felt water stand in her eyes, waiting to pour out. She felt silly for the rush of emotion and tried to brush the tears away. "- and I cannot imagine someone being more blessed than I am in this moment".

Edward rose, knelt before her and brought her lips to his by drawing her chin between his thumb and finger. Her lips were wet with tears, but his lips were warm and comforting. With each movement of his mouth he deepened the kiss, cupping her face in his strong hand. Jane moaned deeply, and she felt Edward's face stretch into a smile. He drew back, kissing her forehead reassuringly.

"You are everything to me, Jane Rochester. You always have been. You are my whole world, and without you, there could be no me. My sun rises and sets with you, the tides rise and fall with you, the wind blows and settles with you. It staggers me at times what you are to me, and how much you give without even realising".

Henry was once again fast asleep, and Jane stood suddenly and placed him lovingly into his cradle, arranging his blankets to keep him warm. She then walked back to Edward, taking his hand in hers, and pulling him to his feet.

"Where are we going?" Edward asked, looking curious.

"I have something I wish to give you right now" Jane said, something sparkling in her eye.

They walked together down the hall until they came upon their bedroom door. Jane pushed it opened and stepped inside, followed by her husband. Comprehension dawning on him, Edward stopped her once inside at the door and shook his head.

"No my darling. We were told to wait, for being intimate with one another can reverse all the healing-".

"I know that" Jane assured him, "But not everything I can give you involves that part of me" she said, plainly "And tonight, all I want is you. This is not giving you something selflessly, this is indulging myself, and what I want, and need so desperately".

The glow in Jane's cheeks, the firmness in her resolve and the plea in her voice called him to action. He picked her up and brought her to the bed, laying her down gently.

"What are you doing?" she asked as he flipped her over and began undoing her dress.

"You see, it goes both ways. Not everything I can give you involves that part of you, as you say, either. Stay very still, and stay very quiet..."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To be continued very soon xoxo