Reunion with Rochester and Marriage

Describes Jane's return to a ruined Thornfield, her discovery of Rochester's fate, their reunion at Ferndean, and their eventual marriage and happiness.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Thornfield in Ruins

The Blackened Shell A Shocking Sight Jane arrives at Thornfield to find it a blackened ruin. She learns from the innkeeper that Bertha set fire to the house and died leaping from the roof. Rochester, in trying to save her, was blinded and lost a hand. Learning the Truth The innkeeper tells Jane that Rochester is now living at Ferndean, a remote manor house, blind and crippled. Jane's heart aches for him, but she is determined to find him. Journey to Ferndean Jane hires a chaise and travels to Ferndean, a gloomy house buried in a wood. She arrives at dusk and sees Rochester emerge, groping his way. She watches him, unseen, before approaching.

Reunion at Ferndean

A Tender Meeting The First Words Jane enters the house and finds Rochester alone. She speaks to him, and he recognizes her voice. They embrace, and Jane tells him she has come back to stay. Rochester is overwhelmed with joy and disbelief. Confessions Jane explains her inheritance and her independence. She offers to be his nurse and companion. Rochester, fearing she pities him, tests her by suggesting she might marry St. John. Jane reassures him of her love. The Proposal Renewed Rochester asks Jane to marry him. She accepts. They plan a quiet wedding. Jane's return restores Rochester's will to live, and they begin a new life together.

Marriage and Happy Years

A Life of Concord The Wedding Jane and Rochester marry in a quiet ceremony with only the parson and clerk present. They settle at Ferndean. Jane becomes Rochester's eyes and hands, reading to him and describing the world. Recovery of Sight After two years, Rochester regains sight in one eye. He sees his first-born son, who has inherited his black eyes. The family is complete. Epilogue Jane concludes her story by noting that Diana and Mary are happily married, and St. John remains a missionary in India, unmarried and devoted to his work. Jane and Rochester live in perfect union, their love tested and triumphant.

a year after Jane's flight, summer

the same evening

ten years after the wedding