Death of a Schoolgirl: The Jane Eyre Chronicles Read Online Free Page A

child. Although simple math disproved Adèle’s patronage, the little girl’s plight sufficiently moved Edward that when her mother abandoned her, he brought Adèle home with him to England. Both old Mr. Rochester and Rowland had since died, leaving Thornfield Hall to Edward, so it was there he installed little Adèle and Mrs. Fairfax, as well as his faithful manservant John and John’s wife, Mary. He also locked Bertha Mason in the attic, as much for her safety as his, and hired a nurse to watch over the madwoman. This, of course, was Thornfield’s secret—none except he and the nurse knew Bertha was there. It was also Edward’s cross to bear, a pain he felt every day of his life.
    Wanting to do right by Adèle, he instructed Mrs. Fairfax to hire a governess for the girl.
    Thus I came to Thornfield Hall, and into the life of the man who was once my master and is now my mate. He swears that my affection has changed his soul from a charnel house to a sanctuary. With me by his side, he is free to show the world a more kindly nature.
    My love has helped him.
    We have arrived at a happy ending to our journey, but we paid heavy tolls along the roadway here. I do not believe that most people, even as they envy us our good fortune—our healthy son, our loving marriage, our monetary wealth—would choose to endure all that we have. Nor would they survive such deprivations as I did in the harsh environment of my boarding school, or as Edward did when trapped in a first marriage to a madwoman. Perhaps they might even look upon our current situation—our isolation, the scandal that tainted us, and Edward’s injuries, including his near-blindnessand the loss of one hand—and see only a future devoid of light or hope.
    But I saw glorious possibilities. I saw a brilliant beginning that rendered me both thankful and joyful when I contemplated our future, a future we shall traverse together.
    “This child is God’s blessing upon our union,” Edward said when he first held our son in his arms. “You, my wife, are the instrument of my redemption. Where once I questioned, now I believe. The Universe is governed by a benevolent spirit, call it what you may. What a miracle it has manifested from the wreckage that was my life!”
    Yes, my son and husband were the sun and the earth, and I the happy moon suspended between.
    “Jane? Is that you?” asked Edward now as I walked down the hallway. Although his vision was uncertain, there had been compensations. His sense of hearing had become exceedingly sharp.
    “Yes, sir.”
    I stepped out of the gloomy manor into the sunlit garden. The sun-warm fragrance of fading wild roses floated over the garden wall. A playful breeze ruffled Edward’s dark, unruly hair. He was never a handsome man, but still my heart melted at the sight of him.
    “Come join us, Jane. Carter, am I not a lucky man? How wonderful she is! Is that sunshine I feel on my face or the glow of my well-loved wife?” Edward’s hand reached out and grabbed mine tightly. Edward does not care who sees his affection for me. In fact, I rather think he revels in showing to all and sundry that at last we are wed.
    I was, I admit, a well-loved wife. Edward took seriously his duties as my tutor in the art of lovemaking. His tender ministrations could not help but inflame my passions. “You must turn me loose, dear husband. Free me so I can pour you another cup of tea. Good day, Mr. Carter. Tea for you, too?Thank you for bringing along our mail.” I held up the packet Mrs. Fairfax had given me.
    Mr. Carter laughed. “Rural delivery will come one day, Mrs. Rochester, and you will get your mail right to your door daily. See if you don’t!”
    I set the batch of letters to one side. They could wait, but Mr. Carter could not. His services were much in demand. “How are we today, sir?”
    “I wish I had better news for you. But Mr. Rochester’s vision continues to decline.” The doctor pointedly stared into his teacup rather than