5 Lose the world for love

Chapter 5 Lose the world for love The guests left and a new visitor came unexpectedly to Thornfield, a Mr. Mason from the West Indies. I saw Mr. Rochester's face grow white. I heard him mutter, "I never thought he'd come here." I heard Mr. Mason demand, "Take me to her." Her? What did he mean? He left, and Mr. Rochester led me to the garden seat beneath the chestnut tree.

"I wish I were on a quiet island with only you, Jane. If all my friends sneered at me and dropped me, what would you do?" "I'd stay with you." "You'd suffer for my sake?" "I would, sir." "Suppose, Jane, you were not yourself, but a wild boy. Imagine yourself in a foreign land, pretend there you made a hideous mistake, the result of which must ruin your existence forever. You are bitter, unhappy, then you make a new friend. You want to start again, make a new life. Wouldn't you ignore an obstacle that stands between you and happiness?" What could I say? The wind whispered, the birds sang their song, but answer had I none. "It's time to move on," he said. This was it. The blow was coming. "Are you going to be married, sir?" I asked. "Exactly. You've hit the nail on the head."

I sobbed; I could take no more. "Here at Thornfield I've found happiness. Now I know you, Mr. Rochester, the thought of being torn from you is like facing death." "Why should you be torn away?" "Because of your bride..." "No, you must stay, Jane." "I must GO," I cried. "How can I stay and be nothing to you? Do you think I am without feelings? Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain and little, that I have no heart and soul? No! I have as much soul and heart as you, and if I had wealth or beauty, I should make it as hard for you to leave me as it is now for me to leave you." "Jane," he interrupted, "it is you I want to marry." I was silent. "Do you doubt me?" "Entirely."

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"You think I love Blanche Ingram? You're wrong! You I love as my own flesh. I entreat you, accept me." Wildly, he added, "Say my name, Edward. Say, 'Edward, I will marry you'." "Dear Edward. I will." He laid his cheek on mine. "God pardon me. Let no man interfere." Night came on, quickly and violently. As we sat there, the chestnut tree writhed and groaned in the wind. A searing flash leaped from the dark clouds, a peal of thunder rattled and the rain rushed down, sending us inside.

In the morning I saw the tree had been struck by lightning and was split in two. I wondered if Mr. Rochester's proposal had been a dream, until I saw the mirror reflect my rosy cheeks, my eyes bright with hope, and heard him renew his words of love. "I'll shower you with jewels," he promised, "give you a priceless veil." "I don't need jewels or fine clothes." "Four weeks today, and you'll be mine." Mrs. Fairfax was amazed to hear our news, and doubtful. "No equality of fortune or position," she said. "Are you sure?" I grew irritated with her, preferring Adèle's undisguised delight. Mr. Rochester planned to take me away the very moment the ceremony was over, and travel abroad.