John Eyre by Mimi Matthews

Author:Mimi Matthews [Matthews, Mimi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Published: 2021-05-06T23:17:13+00:00

The following day, the storm showed no sign of relenting. John was obliged to remain in the nursery with the boys. It was impossible to continue their lessons in the library. The house was too busy. Too merry, in spite of the foul weather. Around every corner, he heard voices raised in laughter and conversation.

Stephen and Peter heard them, too.

It was enough to bring back a shadow of the reticence they’d shown when John had first arrived at Thornfield. Worse than that, when a deep male voice echoed through the hall, John was certain he saw Stephen flinch.

“Guests can be disruptive,” Mr. Fairfax said, passing John in the hall later that afternoon. “Trust that they’ll be leaving as soon as the weather allows.”

“Yes, quite,” John replied with a touch of impatience. “But in the meanwhile, it might help if the boys were introduced to the Eshtons. It would show them that they have nothing to fear.”

Mr. Fairfax appeared doubtful. “I don’t think it wise myself, but I’ll mention your suggestion to Mrs. Rochester.”

John had no expectation that Mrs. Rochester would heed his advice. As the evening approached, he nevertheless made certain the boys were neatly clad, and that their hair was combed into meticulous order.

His efforts were not in vain.

At half past five, he received word from Mr. Fairfax that Stephen and Peter were to be brought to the drawing room after dinner, and that Mrs. Rochester had requested that John accompany them.

“She’ll brook no refusal,” Mr. Fairfax said.

John scarcely had time to shave and to change into a fresh coat and cravat before the appointed hour came. Collecting Stephen and Peter from their nurse, he descended to the drawing room.

It was presently empty, the party still lingering at dinner. But all was in readiness for them. The room was brilliant with light, a fire blazing in the hearth and candles flickering atop every available surface.

John drew the boys to a window seat, out of the way of the sofas and chairs that the guests would soon occupy. Sitting down, he was grateful for the brief moment of privacy so that they could get their bearings.

And not only them.

John felt a measure of apprehension as well. He hadn’t encountered Mrs. Rochester since the night of the fire. And now he would see her again at last, not from an upstairs window but face-to-face. Close enough to hear her voice and to register the subtle changes in her expression.

Stephen and Peter seemed equally anxious for her arrival. They sat solemnly beside him, watchful and waiting, their little frames taut with tension.

John laid a hand on Stephen’s shoulder. The boy looked up at him, a frightened question in his dark eyes. “You’re quite safe with me,” John assured him. “I won’t let anyone harm you.”

A soft sound emanated from the hall, drawing their attention. It preceded the arrival of the ladies: Mrs. Rochester, Mrs. Eshton, and another woman—quite young. They entered the drawing room together midconversation and at once sat down, making themselves comfortable in front of the fire.

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