[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
knew the book by heart and his pleased expression gave them no cause for
complaint.
****
I woke to the sound of Pilot scratching on the door to be let out. I quietly
unlocked it and peeped out. I could see Jane bustling down the corridor and
quickly shut the door and looked at my watch. It was barely 6 A.M. and only a
few of the domestic staff were awake. I waited a couple of minutes, let Pilot
out and then followed, cautious lest I bumped into Jane. The morning was spent
with almost everyone in the house settingRochester s room to rights, so after
breakfast I was about to make my way out of the house when Mrs. Fairfax
stopped me.
Miss Next, announced the housekeeper, Mr. Rochester has explained to me
about the events of the past week and I wanted to add my thanks to his.
She said it without emotion but I was in no doubt that she meant it. She
added:
He has instructed me to have the house guarded against agents who would wish
Miss Eyre harm.
I looked out of the window; from where we stood I could see an estate worker
standing on sentry duty with a large pickax handle. As we watched he glanced
into the house and scurried out of sight. A few moments later Jane herself
walked out of the door, looked about her, took a deep breath in the crisp
morning air, and then went back inside. After a few moments the estate worker
reappeared and took up his post once more.
Miss Eyre must never know we are watching and guarding her, said Mrs.
Fairfax severely.
I understand.
Mrs. Fairfax nodded and looked at me critically.
Do women go about with their heads uncovered where you come from?
Frequently.
It isn t the accepted thinghere , she said reproachfully. Come with me and
I shall make you presentable.
Mrs. Fairfax took me to her own room and gave me a bonnet to wear along with
a thick black cloak that covered me to my feet. I thanked her and Mrs. Fairfax
bobbed courteously.
Is Mr. Rochester at home today? I asked.
Page 203
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
He has gone to make arrangements. I understand he went to Mr. Eshton s
place; there is quite a party going on. Colonel Dent will be there as well as
Lord Ingram. I don t expect him back for a week.
With all that is going on here, do you think it is wise?
Mrs. Fairfax looked at me as though I were an infant.
You don t understand, do you? After the fire Mr. Rochester goes away for a
week. That s how it happens.
I wanted to ask more but the housekeeper excused herself and I was left
alone. I collected my thoughts, smoothed the cloak and went outside to walk
around the house, checking that everything was secure. All the estate workers
nodded to me respectfully as I passed, each of them armed with a weapon of
some sort. Hoping that none of them would have to face him, I walked across
the lawn in the direction that Hades had taken the previous night. I was just
passing the large beeches near the ha-ha when a familiar voice made me turn.
Do we stand a chance against him?
It wasRochester . He was standing behind one of the large tree trunks,
looking at me with grave concern etched upon his face.
Every chance, sir, I responded. Without me he is trapped here; if he wants
to return hehas to negotiate.
And where is he?
I was going to try the town. Aren t you meant to be at Mr. Eshton s?
I wanted to speak to you before I left. You will do all you can, won t you?
I assured him that I would do everything in my power and then set off for the
town.
****
Millcote was a good-sized town. I made my way to the center, where I found a
church, a stagecoach stop, three inns, a bank, two draper s, a bagged-goods
merchant and assorted other trades. It was market day and the town was busy.
No one gave me a second glance as I walked through the stalls, which were
piled high with winter produce and game. Apart from the faint odor of ink that
pervaded the scene, it might have been real. The first hostelry I chanced
across was The George. Since it was actually named in the book I supposed it
might offer the best chance.
I entered and asked the innkeeper whether a man of large stature had taken a
room at the inn that morning. The landlord proclaimed that he had not but
added that his was not the only inn in the town. I thanked him and walked to
the door, but was arrested by the incongruous sound of a camera shutter. I
slowly turned around. Behind me was a Japanese couple, dressed in period
costume but with one of them holding a large Nikon camera. The woman hastily
tried to conceal the blatant anachronism and started to drag the man out of
the door.
Wait!
They stopped and looked nervously at one other.
Page 204
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
What are you doing here? I asked incredulously.
Visiting fromOsaka , affirmed the woman, at which the man he seemed not
to speak English nodded his head vigorously and started to consult a Brontë
guidebook written in Japanese.
How?
My name is Mrs. Nakijima, announced the woman, and this is Mr. Suzuki.
The man grinned at me and shook my hand excitedly.
This is crazy! I said angrily. Are you trying to tell me that you two
aretourists ?
Indeed, admitted Mrs. Nakijima, I make the jump once a year and bring a
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]