AlexaBird9: Thank you for your review, I'm glad you like the story. Well I hope to continue more often now, but we'll see... I don't like making promises I know I can't keep. However, I hope you like this chapter.

Lucy103: Haha, thank you :D Its nice to hear I'm doing well, as I am somewhat insecure when it comes to my writing. I worry that I sound too... immature. So its nice to know that I'm not :) Ah, yes the troller... I'll be getting to her in a moment, though thank you for your support even though she is rather obnoxious. Anyways, put in your two cents in the chapter, I'll be looking forward to it. :D

Earl Grey: Haha XD I know, its awesome isn't it? I love yours by the way, my favorite kind of tea as a matter of fact. Its actually a private joke with my family, accurate considering most rebels are morons. :P Yeah, I know. However, I couldn't come up with anything further, otherwise I would have continued... but I'm back, and hope to update a little more within the week - don't count on it though, hopes and dreams don't tend to come true for me. Well, here it is :D hope you approve.

BonBonnett: Hello my friend, forgive me for not updating sooner. Yes, well there are a few things which will be cleared up in the next chapters. She actually didn't lie about him, but she's not completely informed herself about the feelings of others... I am actually a bit nervous about this one, as I actually don't know what I"m doing. I feel like I'm not writing enough - which is probably true. However, I'm a little unsure of how to continue... any suggestions? I always take your advice into account.

MyraValhallah: Ah, yes he is. :) I just thought it would be a good idea, as it is one of the original concepts in my mind when I started writing... one of those things. :)

Amadayasuki: You are my inspiration on this chapter. Had it not been for you, my new reviewer, this chapter wouldn't be up today. :D So pat yourself on the back. Really? Wow, that's awesome - and bad all at once, you should be sleeping at 5am. :P Haha, thank you for the compliment. I'm glad you love it, as I love it too - despite the fact that I abandon it for long periods of time. It really made my day when I saw you on there, and I had to finish up the chapter I'd been working on. I hope you like it, though it is a little more like filler than actual plotline, I hope to kick the paramecium a bit and post a *real* chapter soon. :)

As for you Guest (aka, hburnsorgtfo): Thank you for finally telling me what your problem was with my story. I have been curious as to just *what* you had an issue with, although you were never forthcoming. I have not ignored you, I simply was clueless. However, I must ask you a question: if you have such a low opinion of Jane, then why did you read the book? Furthermore, why did you read my story? If Charlotte Bronte wished to write about a feminist, then she would have, and there would be a book called 'Helen Burns' instead of Jane Eyre. However, I don't think that even Helen was of that mindset. I have read the book, and I will say that Helen followed the Bible, however if you have noticed there is no 'Feminism' in it. Yes, there is a lot of problems with the whole 'men making women into their slaves' and I don't agree with that. But feminism isn't about 'freeing' the women, its about enslaving them in a different way. Women now work, leaving their children in a place where they are raised to be exactly different than what the Bible - and I only quote it because you decided to bring in Helen's faith, which I might add, you twisted to fit your own beliefs - dictates. Women aren't *supposed* to work, according to what was written there, I should know. I will inform you at this point that I am not, nor have ever been, a feminist. Quite frankly I think there is quite a bit wrong with the whole feminist movement, and seeing as this is still a free country I think I'm allowed my own opinions. As for Mary Allen, I will tell you that I have written her as a woman based in the time period. If you read Bronte (who lived back then I might add) and any others who were alive during that time, you will find that that is what women were. She is Rochesters equal in the sense that she has her own mind, and she is able to think for herself. Because of that, she is already his equal. Besides, feminism - in my opinion - was started by women who did not do a very good job of persuading their husbands to treat them the way God intended. Therefore, I will say that you have no idea what you're talking about, and you're only feeding one of the things which has destroyed this country. Because Feminism brought about 'freedom of choice' which brought about things like abortion, and broken homes, and divorce. Helen, had she lived, would most likely have *not* been a feminist, or else you know nothing of the word. She was a Bible believing Christian, who did not allow others to beat her for 'equality's sake, but because it is what she read of martyrs and saints. As for the so-called 'debauchery', which you have interpreted as 'love', I will say that if anything: LOVE transcends all. Shall I bring up the Lord Jesus Christ? 'For God so LOVED the world he gave his only begotten son"? Are you aware the Bible is filled with one huge love story? Without God there is no love, as it is clearly stated that 'God IS Love' in 1st John. Therefore, I would not be so audacious as to insult the Almighty with what he deems as one of the most important things in the universe. For *true* love is the greatest thing of all. Feminism, is a society without love, for it is a concept that women don't *need* men. And if we don't need men, we dont' need God. Is that what you're trying to say? However, I will not argue petty points. If you dislike my story as much as you claim, then you have my blessing to find one which is more to your taste, or write one yourself. I don't want people to read my stories, when they have no intention to enjoy them. Therefore, dear hburnsorgtfo, I ask you to please take me off whatever following list, and let me in peace. I'll leave it at that.

The look in Charles' eyes was priceless as he stared awestruck at Mr. Rochester's command – for as my employer stood on the hill, he looked more like a king than a simple landowner from Derbyshire. His black eyes were narrowed slightly, his lips set in a grim line, the tone being one which dared the receiver to disobey – at that moment, I was grateful that his wrath had never turned to me in the manner that it was directed at Charles. For I would have fled in fear, not wishing to incur anything worse than harsh words.

"Mary, come here." he commanded, using my christened name which had been established as never to be questioned, he extended his hand in assistance as I went to run to his side, a place of safety. Charles made to take my arm back when Mr. Rochester stopped his actions with a step forward and a sharp tone, "You forget yourself, Mr. Nelson. You are a married man, and although you once were free to be as you have been with Miss Allen, that option is no longer available to you. Or have you forgotten that your behavior can ruin a woman's reputation, and Miss Allen has made it clear that she wishes you to leave her be."

Charles pointedly ignored him, turning to me instead, "Molly I meant every word I said, surely you remember –"

"Stop Charles." I caused him to halt, "Do not continue as you have been."

"But we once – "

"I think that's enough Mr. Nelson," Mr. Rochester stepped forward once more, and I climbed the hill to go to his side. I knew not how to react to the two men as my employer quickly stepped in front of me, Charles standing with a somewhat helpless look on his face. I was most grateful to Mr. Rochester for his interruption to the rather distressing situation – but I could not stop Charles, for against my will I found he still had some power over me. I cursed this weakness, wishing that my heart would follow my head and its logic... but alas, I still could not reconcile them.

"I don't believe that this is your affair, Mr. Rochester. This is between Miss Allen and myself." Charles had the audacity to state.

Mr. Rochester's countenance displayed the desire to retort, but I replied instead.

"His affair or not, Charles, he is right. If you ever loved me, I entreat you, leave me be. I'm not as I once was, it has been two years and I have changed. Yes, I was wrong to a point, and perhaps choices could have been made which would have been different. Nevertheless, your behavior is unfitting of a married man, Mr. Rochester is right. You made your choice a long time ago when you chose to allow your uncle to determine your path. I have made mine, and there is an end to it." I replied all logic and reason, willing my emotions not to show as I found myself still drawn, my voice somewhat shaking with feelings which I had long thought buried. "You are wrong to believe my feelings any deeper than I have made clear, Mr. Nelson. I'm sorry you have believed any different."

Charles was never one to accept defeat easily, and once more tried to speak to me of his love when I turned to Mr. Rochester and asked him to accompany me home. A cruel thing my heart argued, but my mind insisted that I leave.

"One moment, please Mary, if you would give Mr. Nelson and I a moment alone?" he requested. I nodded and walked a good distance away – curious as to what they would say, but far too respectful of my employer to spy. Whatever he had to say was between he and Charles, were I to try and pry, no doubt he would not be pleased. So I waited, taking a seat on a nearby log which had fallen a few years before.

Soon enough, Mr. Rochester returned to me, and declaring his business was done, he lead me away.

"You came." I stated to Mr. Rochester once we had left the glen. He stared down at me, his mind apparently elsewhere as his eyes were clouded with confusion.

"What?" he asked for a moment, "Oh! Yes, well, after hearing your cousin's rather emphatic invitation yesterday, I really had no choice but to come. And its a good thing I did, so it seems." he said, looking back toward where we had left Charles. "Did you expect to see him?"

"No." I answered, "I walked here quite by mistake, Cha – Mr. Nelson, I mean – came by at the same time. Whether to find me here, or by accident I don't know."

Mr. Rochester offered me his arm, which I took gladly and we walked in silence for a bit. "He seemed to truly be in love with you – Mr. Nelson, I mean – for I cannot imagine a man so adamant whose feelings were not true." he finally said. "Molly, you did tell me the whole story, yes?"

I turned to him, anxious for my own answer. "Yes, sir, I did. For I would not withhold anything you asked of me, unless I was bound by some earnest promise. However, perhaps you are right from a certain point of view." I replied, "He was, indeed, quite adamant – and had you not arrived, I might have come to believe him as well. I think he has always... loved me. As much as a man of his character can."

"You told me he was engaged to three women at once. You, his current wife, and another woman. Tell me, what excuse did he tell you when you inquired of the different ladies?" he inquired.

"He said he had asked Miss Jameson long before he had ever met me, back when he was very young; He had become engaged to Miss Wilson, not of his own accord, but out of an arranged marriage with his Uncle; with me, he said that he loved me, hence he was marrying me." I answered, "Why do you ask, sir?"

Mr. Rochester's thick brow furrowed, lines appearing upon his forehead, "A man who engages himself to three women at once is considered a scoundrel... but I know not of his true intentions, I am not the Almighty. I think perchance there is a possibility that he loved you." he answered. I, confused, asked for a more detailed explanation. "His problem was: his fancy was turned too easily." said he, "For if he obviously was never in love with Miss Jameson, and if he were, then he would not have even considered you. The marriage of convenience I understand, as it is common. As you know, I, myself, was involved in one of those."

"Aye, sir, I know." I replied, "Are you saying that I am his 'Jane'?"

My employer looked at me with a strange look, and for a moment I wondered if perhaps he had taken my question as insult, and quickly made to remedy it. However, he simply laughed, "Ah, sweet Maria, how little you understand me. I took no insult at your comparing yourself to her – I to he, I do however. That man is nothing like me." he corrected.

"Forgive me sir, I meant no disrespect." I apologized, but he would have none of it.

"Disrespect? I am thoroughly insulted!" he exclaimed, though it was obvious by his tone it was only in jest, "For I only had one woman in the attic, and another in my heart. Mr. Nelson had not only a woman in his heart, but a woman in his closet, and another at the altar!" he laughed heartily, though I must admit, Reader, I did not completely understand what he found so amusing. However, the picture of Charles running around with three women in the image he painted, ran through my mind. Perhaps that was what he found so laughable.

"I shall never compare you, Sir. For you are not the same." I said, half wishing that Mr. Rochester would hear my unspoken words. He stopped, taking my hand in his own.

"Yet, I am like him. For I have a wife in my attic, and two women sharing my heart." he said quietly, "Oh Marianne, what am I to do?"

I looked upon him, my heart constricting with the pain which was in his eyes. For it was too true, hence why I did not agree to marry him. Perhaps I was being unnecessarily cruel, denying him what little love he could have just because of my selfishness. I wanted him all for my own, and wanted to be the only woman whose smiles and loving looks he ever showered upon. I would never be happy if part of his heart still belonged to Jane Eyre... yet, I also was committing a crime against my heart in scheming to bring them back together.

"Why do you ask me this, sir?" I asked him, not yet wanting to pull my hand away from his.

His black eyes bored into mine, "You know why, Molly."

"Sir, as a friend –" he visibly grimaced at the word, "As a friend, I can only recommend that you follow your first instincts. Perhaps she will return to you yet."

"She will not, and I would not ask it of her. I deceived her from the beginning, I at least told you the truth before I asked you to marry me." said he.

"Would you have told me had I not already seen Mrs. Rochester with my own eyes?" I asked him, "For that was the reason you were able to launch into your tale of woe, sir. And had I not known, would you still have told me before asking for my hand in marriage?"

He closed his eyes, "I know not. For it did not happen that way." he sighed, opening his eyes once more, lacing my arm to rest on his. "Do you still love him?" an honest question enough, though I knew not how to answer. However, I could confess my battling feelings at the glen. "You love him still, then. If only slightly."

"Very slightly, sir. For I do not love him as much as–" I immediately stopped, unable to continue lest I give him some kind of hope which was not there, as I was unsure of myself as much as anything else.

"Me." he finished, "Yet, you refused me – do not reply, Molly, I know why. My heart is as torn as your own. We both love others, while our hearts also yearn for each other. Ah! But if we had met each other first!"

"Do not speak like that, sir. It is not all hopeless. She may yet return to you." I said as he patted my hand.

"Oh Molly, you have such hope for my wounded heart. T'were you right, I would call you Cupid." he chuckled.

I shook my head, "I am no Cupid, that is for sure, sir."
"No, you are not. You are as beautiful as Aphrodite, and I am as ugly as Hephaestus. Pray, why would someone like you love a lowly creature like myself?" he asked.

"Even Hephaestus was the son of Zeus. Truly that counts for something." I replied, "Though may I ask why you ask this question? You have asked it of me before."

"Have I?"

"Aye, sir. And if I did not know you as I do, I would think you're searching for compliments." I teased, watching as he looked over at me incredulously before laughing.

"Nay, Aphrodite. I know you would compliment me whether I coaxed you or not." he said, "Though Maria, I do fault you for something."

"Yes, sir?"

"All this 'sir' business. At the very least call me Mr. Rochester, I abhor anyone I love calling me 'sir'. It is completely unfriendly, and frigid; not an ounce of love in the word at all. You call a Lord a 'sir', but that does not mean you have any relationship worth having with them. I know you will not call me 'Edward', that much is clear, as you are far too proper to call me that. But I have told you before to leave the 'sir' at Thornfield, in the company of Mrs. Fairfax!" he ordered.

I had to laugh, "As you wish, Mr. Rochester." I replied as we continued down the lane.

When we arrived at Branhurst, it was clear my family was happy that Mr. Rochester had decided to come after all. Henrietta thanked him for accepting her invitation, and told him that it was an honor to have him come to the wedding – she then proceeded to tell him that: 'as the bride, she would assume the right to order him to make sure I did not go without enjoyment at the reception'. He had laughed, his eyes sparkling merrily with mischief, I could only wonder at what was going through his head.

My brother was enthralled with conversing with the man, and immediately dragged him away from me to see something or other. As for myself, I was quickly snatched up by Georgianna who asked how I came upon my employer. "Quite by accident." I told her, "For Charles had met me first." she then proceeded to hear the whole story, and it was briefly narrated before Henrietta called me to ask my opinion on a facet of her dress which was yet to be finished.
When breakfast was ready, we all moved to the dining room, eating with as much joy as we had had when Mr. Rochester had visited before. William and Richard monopolized his time for the most part, and I was sent on errands around the house to finish making up my cousin's trousseau. George took Adele riding again, and I knew that by the age of fourteen, my brother could very well find a young girl pining after him.

By the middle of the day, I was tired, my feet aching with all the walking they were doing. After being excused my my aunt and cousins, I was allowed to take respite in the library, where I curled up with a good book. However, the words on the page seemed meaningless, as I wondered if Miss Austen had ever been in love. Sure, she knew the aspects, but I now came to find that true love was more that what she had written. Mistake me not, Reader, for I am a fan of her work, but it was found somewhat wanting. Yet, I still allowed myself to be transported to the wondrous grounds of Pemberley.

A call of my name informed me I was needed, and placing the book back upon the shelf, I went to find out why I had been summoned.

It had been Anne, who had arrived a few minutes before with Eliza and her husband. Upon greeting me, she quickly pulled me aside.

"Oh sister! How good it is to see you!" Anne exclaimed, embracing me with warm familiarity. I must admit, I enjoyed the display of affection which I did not see just a few months prior. "Oh Molly, do you remember what I told you about last time?" she asked me, I nodded. "Well, I have good news! He is coming to ask for my hand of my Cousin Richard!" she exclaimed, beaming with joy as she was barely able to suppress her words so as not to be heard by the rest of the family.

"Quiet down, Anne, unless you wish the rest of the family to hear you." I chided, "So you don't intend on eloping, eh?"

She shook her head, "No. We spoke about it again, and it was decided that I didn't need my uncle's permission. Richard will be good enough, and my Aunt Polk – oh, Molly, he is coming to the wedding. Do you think that my cousin will accept his offer?"

"Have you accepted his offer?" I asked her. She nodded, "So you have come to an understanding?" once more, she nodded. "I'm sure Richard and Aunt Fanny will do what they believe is right. Do they know the gentleman?"

"You know him just as much – though I think of all the family you will be the only one to disagree." she said vaguely. I remembered her saying that there was one person in the family that didn't like her beloved, and if it was me then that narrowed it down to half-a-dozen men. I tolerated most of them enough, perhaps enough to allow them to marry my sister.

"Oh? I think not." I replied.

"You don't even know who he is."

"He has made you happy. And if my aunt and cousin deem him worthy, then I shall not come between you, no matter what." I replied, "Though I think you owe Mr. Rochester an apology when he does come calling. You acted scandalously last time you saw him."

She looked over at my employer, "Perhaps you are right. I will do that when Tom– when he and my cousin come to an agreement." she caught herself, but in that instant I knew who it was.

There were only two men I knew that were named 'Tom' who I didn't like. One was Tom Lindsey, the grocer's son. The other was Thomas Morton. Knowing my sister, and her description of the man she loved, only Morton fit it. Philandering cad with a shameless reputation for being a flirt, falls for a younger girl, family believes he is bad, and I dislike him – oh yes, it was Morton alright.

"Anne dear, how are you?" Aunt Fanny suddenly said, pulling my sister away.

"What's got you looking quite beside yourself?" Eliza asked from beside me.

I looked over at her, "Quite frankly, you do not wish to know, Sister. Trust me when I say its not pleasant." I replied.

She looked incredulous, then turned to Mr. Rochester. "Well Mr. Rochester, you must tell me how my sister acts in Derbyshire..."

Short I know, but I intend to do more later... reviews?

P.S. - forgive me readers for my diatribe earlier. However, I'm afraid that such a review could not be ignored. Again, I apologize for any insult which I may have given anyone with regards to my views. They are mine, and mine alone.