Jane Eyre Austen Read Free

teased.
    “Yes sir,” she answered evenly.
    “And why are there mincemeats on your desk this morning Ms. Eyre?”
    She held his gaze, “There is to be a party today sir, for Michelle.”
    He looked confused, “Michelle?”
    Her eyes widened in wonder.  How could he not know who Michelle was?  She nodded slowly, “Yes sir, the woman whose position I am filling while she is on maternity leave.”
    Understanding washed over his face followed by concern, “When is this party?”
    “It is a luncheon.”
    He nodded, still having a look of concern on his face.  He turned toward her office and he heard him call out, “Fairfax, a word if you please.”
    Jane waited nervously for Mrs. Fairfax to call her in and tell her she was fired for bringing mincemeats.  Instead nothing happened.  Michelle spent the day visiting friends and she caught up with Jane right before lunch.  They headed to the conference room together and Michelle was sweet enough to introduce Jane to everyone there.
    Jane chatted with (you just said she was introduced to everyone!) a few people but found herself sidling over to Mrs. Fairfax.  She smiled warmly at Jane, and Jane noticed Mrs. Fairfax’s plate had three of her mincemeat pastries.  Jane grinned, “You must really like mincemeat.”
    Mrs. Fairfax shook her head, “Oh no, I was instructed to make sure I saved these for Mr. Poole.”  She grinned.  “He’s planning on sticking his head in as soon as he’s done with his conference call.”
    “That’ll scare the crap out of Michelle.” Jane whispered.
    There was a sudden chill behind her back and she turned; Mr. Poole stood behind her.  She blushed immediately, “Hello sir,” and prayed that he hadn’t heard her.
    “Ms. Eyre, Mrs. Fairfax,” he grinned wickedly, “I have come to taste the fruits of my peasants’ labors.”  He picked up a mincemeat and stuffed it into his mouth.
    One eyebrow rose and Jane said quietly, “I should wonder you don’t choke, sir.  Are you sure your peasants haven’t poisoned the fruits you acquire?” 
    He swallowed and grinned even more, “My dear Ms. Eyre, surely you are too sweet and innocent to conceive of such malice.”
    Mrs. Fairfax laughed and left to get him a drink.  Jane watched her leave and slowly released a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding.  Relaxing, she couldn’t help but grin, “Sir, I believe I told you I strive to honor the names of the women after whom I am christened. However there may be more of Lizzie Borden in me than Jane Eyre.”
    His eyes opened wide and his head tilted back as he laughed loudly.  The room silenced, shocked by his reaction.  Mrs. Fairfax returned and handed him a drink; she was grinning stupidly.  The room noise slowly began to return to its normal hum but Jane still felt the eyes on her.  A blush creeping up her cheeks, she turned her eyes down.
    “Lizzie Borden would not be so shy, I dare say,” he observed.
    She flicked her eyes to his amused gaze and fought to regain her composure.  “Perhaps it would be an excellent defense, to seem so fragile and yet have malevolence in your heart.”
    “I daresay Ms. Eyre; you are incapable of any cruelty, in thought or act.  Do not try to deny it.”  He winked at her, “Your mincemeats are delicious.  Pray, what gift did I bring for Michelle, Fairfax?”
    She flicked her eyes toward him and then back to Michelle who was opening gifts, “$200.00.”
    He nodded, “I suppose I shall have to replenish petty cash?”
    She waved him away, dismissing the idea.  Jane giggled, she seemed to simply ignore his eccentricity and he didn’t care. 
    Mrs. Fairfax breathed, “That’s beautiful Jane. Did you make that?”
    Jane’s smiled warmly at Michelle and she answered Mrs. Fairfax, “Yes, ma’am.” 
    Michelle came over to hug her, “This is so precious; thank you Jane!”
    “You are very welcome Michelle!” Jane hugged her back.
    Mr. Poole reached for the items, eyeing