I've been away from Thornfield for quite some time now - this place reminds me all too well of my late brother. Upon my arrival back to the Manor I had an interesting encounter with a young lady after I had fallen from my horse in her presence. She insisted on helping me back to Thornfield Hall - which she claimed to be the governess of - but I refused to accept help from a young lady inferior to myself that I apparently employed. I failed to mention to her that I was indeed the Mr. Rochester she had informed me of as the owner of Thornfield Hall because I curious to see how she would react if she didn't know that I was her superior. Through this little experiment I found her to be friendly and eager to help in any way possible. It was later that night, upon my arrival at the Hall, that she found out who I indeed really was after putting two and two together - I imagine she was confused and intrigued by my failing to introduce myself as the owner and master of Thornfield Hall.
Jane was her name, Jane Eyre. What a simple name for a simple girl.
During the beginning of my stay I spent most of my time healing from my fall; but when I finally felt up for company I sequestered Miss Eyre and Adele to be my entertainment at night. My motive behind these meetings wasn't exactly for entertainment purposes, but instead to learn more about this Jane Eyre whom I was paying to tutor Adele and to live in my house. While she may be a simple young lady, she is very quick on her feet with snappy, witty answers to my questions. She also has a knack for art and some musical abilities as well. What I find most fascinating about Miss Eyre is her educational background and intelligence - I may be her societal superior in that I am her boss, but she is certainly my intellectual equal.
Last night I awoke to someone pouring a bucket of cold water on myself and my bed! I couldn't begin to think what would possess someone to do such a thing. I of course immediately got out of bed to see who and what was the cause behind waking me up and I discovered Miss Eyre with a bucket in her hand and my curtains on fire! Miss Eyre then put out the fire and looked at me dazed and confused as to who would/why my curtains would be ablaze. Of course I already knew the culprit behind this event - Bertha, my stark-mad wife. Bertha was my dark secret to whom I told only the people that absolutely needed to know - no one in town knew about Bertha or that she lived locked upstairs on the third floor. Miss Eyre did not know about Bertha either - and that's exactly how I wanted to keep it for the time being. I left Miss Eyre standing in my room holding the bucket while I rushed up to the third floor to consult with Grace Poole about the incident. Upon my return I confirmed, in reality I lied, with Miss Eyre that Grace Poole had set the fire and that all was taken care of and not to worry. I can't imagine such a smart girl finding this event strange at the very least, but I continue to hope she would overlook the situation and not ask questions.
In just a few short days I shall be leaving Thornfield Hall in order to attend a party that spans over several days with acquaintances I know; one of whom, a Ms. Blanche Ingram, I have taken a particular interest in.
To be continued,
Mr. Edward Rochester
(Source: Jane Eyre chapters 10-16)
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