A long winter it had been. A very long winter; and now I had to return to that cold, dark place in which Bertha still remained in the north tower which I called 'home.' Bertha my wife; a mad woman, a marriage that I was tricked into by my father and Bertha's father and her Brother Richard Mason. O how young I was, what a fool! I had been travelling since the early hours of the morning. My belongings had been arranged to be delivered to Thornfield by carriage and I was to ride home on Mesrour. I had since been travelling during the summer to France, Spain and numerous other places I had wished to travel to as a young boy. Now I was on my journey home returning to Thornfield in the mild coldness of winter. I was beginning to draw tired so I let Mesrour lead the way home. With Pilot running close by my side I relaxed in my saddle and looked upon the scenery that lay before my eyes. As Mesrour galloped through the roads and pathways of the familiar town I noticed I often came here with my mother as a young boy. We would stroll quietly and slowly around the shops and market and sometimes buy ourselves secret luxuries in which father and Rowland needn't have known. I was very close to my mother, she loved me dearly and I her. Everyone exclaimed that I had her genes and interests of science and nature, and the wish to travel. Unlike Rowland my elder brother, who was most like father in many ways; more than one. He was so selfish and greedy just like father and had inherited his looks. Many say he was much more handsome than I but I did not care for handsomeness, I only cared for love and social interests. Father did not like me, he always put Rowland first. Mother immediately noticed this from the day I was born. They didn't get on well after my birth and I always blamed myself for it. I doted on her; she loved me, unlike father and Rowland. Mother died when I was 10. I cried for many months but father and Rowland didn't seem to care. I can only vaguely remember her. Of the walks we used to take, the songs she used to sing to me. It suddenly occurred to me that in the past 10 years I hadn't thought about mother as much as I used to. I had not visited her grave since two years ago. What did this mean? I decided once I returned to Thornfield I would go to the local churchyard and see my mother. Talk to her; let her know I was here. I continued on through the town approaching the pathway in Hay Lane. I wanted to reach Thornfield more than ever. I wished to retire to my chamber; to have pleasant dreams of mother and forget my shady past of life with father, and the courtesy he bestowed upon me. I struck Mesrour with my crop and he began to gallop faster along the country road.

Pilot ran ahead. It was foggy that winter day, so I couldn't see which way pilot had run. I could not see clearly the road ahead of me. The shrubbery and road were a mystery to me; although I had ridden this road several times before. Darkness would soon be approaching and I was not yet home. As I carried on riding I heard Pilot bark anxiously ahead of me, why was he barking? Mesrour galloped faster and faster to reach where Pilot stood. There was much ice on the road. I saw a small female figure standing waiting for me to go past. Suddenly Mesrour slipped on the ice on the causeway. I fell off Mesrour onto the cold, damp earth beneath and sprained my ankle. Mesrour had fallen also but had quickly rose and stamped his hooves. I slowly stood and started cursing. My foot hurt like the blazes. I must quickly return home and see Doctor Carter. The small figure approached me

"Are you injured, sir?"

How small she was; so pale. Not all a beauty but willing to help. I admired her for that. Her black hair pinned back, her bonnet covering most of her face so I could not see her features distinctly. She had a light grey dress on, with trimmed lace at the hem and collar. I could see she was not of the wealthy status but she must be a working woman. I could tell by her clothing and physiognomy. Her green eyes looking up at me, she could not have been more than nineteen; I was guessing maybe seventeen or maybe eighteen. She asked again.

"Can I do anything?"

I tried my hardest to put on my most instructive voice.

"You must stand to one side" I said.

I realised Pilot was still barking "Down Pilot!" I shouted.

"If you are hurt, and want some assistance, sir, I can fetch someone either from Thornfield Hall or from Hay."

I was taken back by this kind gesture.

"Thank you; I shall do: I have no broken bones – only a sprain:"

I rose up slightly so I was standing. My foot still aching I let out a loud 'Ugh!'

The young female creature spoke once more

"I cannot think of leaving you, sir, at so late an hour in this Lane until I see you are fit to mount your horse"

"I should think you ought to be at home yourself, if you live in this neighbourhood, where do you come from?"

"From just below. I will run over to Hay for you with pleasure, if you need it; indeed, I am going there to post a letter."

From just below? That was Thornfield, my dreaded home. How was it I did not know this person who was living in my residence? I decided I would find out who she was.

"You live just below- do you mean that house with the battlements?"

I pointed over to Thornfield; where the moon shone brightly upon it making it clear to see.

"Yes sir"

"And whose house is it?"

"Mr Rochester's, sir"

"Do you know of Mr Rochester?"

"No, I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting him."

"I take it he is not resident then at this moment?"

"No, sir"

"You are not a servant at the Hall, of course. You are-"

I could not make out who she was; I knew she was not a servant of any kind. I was still thinking when she helped.

"I am the governess"

"Ah, the governess!"

Yes the governess! How could you have forgotten Edward? You told Mrs Fairfax to find a governess for Adele while you were on your travels! Now I remember, yes I did indeed demand this new employment. I thought it late, she must get home, and I cannot leave her in this Lane. But she could do me one thing.

"I cannot commission you to fetch help, but you may be of service to me yourself, if you will be so kind."

"Yes, of course, sir."

"Try to get hold of my horse's bridle and lead him to me."

I hopelessly watched as she tried to approach Mesrour. But she could not; he would not let her go near his head. I could not watch it any longer, so I called out.

"Come here, I may find you useful."

As she approached me I put my arm out to lean against her small shoulder. I leaned on her with great stress and difficulty as I limped over to Mesrour. I caught Mesrour's bridle to calm him. I let go of her shoulder and saddled Mesrour. My foot wrenched with pain and as I saddled Mesrour I let out another 'Ugh!'

"Excuse me, but could you please pass me my whip; it lies under the hedge there."

I watched her as she quickly sought it and gave it to me.

"Thank you, Miss?"

"Miss Jane Eyre, sir."

"Thank you, Miss Jane Eyre. Now make haste with the letter to Hay and return as fast as you can."

I spurred my heel and Mesrour reared and we bound away. Pilot by my side I continued into the fog and mist of the road ahead. Miss Jane Eyre? How kind she was, the governess. I felt a warmness rush through my body. Why have I left her in the Lane? If I was a real master I surely would have taken her back myself. Oh, how I wished to go back to her, but I knew I mustn't and she would be posting her letter in Hay by know. Why was she standing in that solitary lane at such late an hour, I suspect she was hovering and casting spells, that's why Mesrour had fallen. I knew this was not true but what harm was there in thinking these teasing thoughts? Once I had returned home I would ask to meet Jane Eyre and learn more of her. Mesrour galloped home to Thornfield.

I approached Thornfield and entered into the courtyard. No longer was this place cold and dark to me, but it was filled with a happy presence. I still dreaded on visiting the North Tower to speak with Grace Poole (Bertha's nurse) and with Bertha herself. I Left Mesrour in the stable with the stable boy and entered Thornfield through the entrance hall. All was silent, nobody present. It was like I had just walked into a deserted place. I walked to the kitchen to see Mrs Fairfax my housekeeper preparing supper. I greeted her and asked for Dr Carter to see me in the drawing room. I was with Dr Carter for a mere hour when he too concluded I had a sprain and needed rest. With this I retired to my chamber as it grew late, and I so desperately needed a good nights rest. As I lay in my bed I wondered of Jane Eyre. Had she returned home yet? It was such a late hour and I grew worried. 'Edward she will be fine! She's an independent young woman and can take care of herself, stop worrying!'

Meeting Miss Eyre could wait till tomorrow, she too needs her rest.