Page 17 of Fragile Wicked Things
"My mother had died, and my father...took ill. No one could care for me, so I was sent away, remaining there until my arrival here."
"Did your father not love you to see you returned to him when he healed?"
"Edward! Jane, don't take his cruelty personally. He has painful thoughts that harass him."
Rochester scrutinized Catherine, bit his lip, and sat on the edge of the sofa as though ready to pounce if she spoke further on the subject.
"He loved me. I know he did. He died sometime after I arrived at Lowood." My answer seemed to affect Rochester's countenance, his shoulders fell and he retreated back into his seat.
"Orphaned. I do apologize," he whispered. Rochester poured himself another drink, this time filling up his glass even more.
"Despite your tragedy, you've grown into a good lady, Jane. You've been a wonderful companion to me these past weeks. A kind caregiver. I am thankful for her, Edward."
"Don't trouble yourself to give her character," Rochester said. "I shall judge for myself. Are you well-read?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you play?"
"Play at what?"
"Not at what, you silly..." he stopped and glanced at Catherine, then ran his fingers through his hair, tussling it. "Do you play an instrument? Or sing? You must be accomplished at something."
"No."
"You have no accomplishments?"
"No, Mr. Rochester, I don't sing. I don't play any instruments. And I most certainly don't play at embarrassing others."
"Easily offended, then? What are your views on marriage? Would you like to marry Miss Jane E.?" he said.
"Possibly, one day, if..." My voice trailed off as I thought of the possibility of my marrying. Whom would I marry? Other than Rochester and Buddy, I had met no other men here and would consider neither suitable.
"If what, dear?" Catherine said.
"If you were to meet someone who asks you, I suppose you would agree to it," Rochester said.
"No, it wouldn't be that simple. He would have to be the object of such strong affection to make me happy in domestic life and marriage. And, I should hope, he would make me laugh."
"Happiness is what you seek then?"
"Happiness is what we all seek, Mr. Rochester."
"And you're sure you'll find happiness in marriage, serving your husband?"
"No, sir. I'll find happiness in a marriage that will liberate me from servitude. To treat me as...as..."
"An equal," Rochester finished, a smile on his face.
"I didn't say that." I tried to undo what I had said, afraid my views were far too modern for my employers.
"No, it's what you meant, dear. A marriage of equals," Catherine said, looking at Rochester. "That's exactly how I would describe my marriage."
"And have you been introduced to society?" Rochester said.
Peace was not to be had that night as Rochester seemed to have something to prove. Each time I rose above his questioning, each time Catherine pointed out my resolve, he would follow with yet another question meant to humiliate me and define my status.
"No, sir."
