Jane Eyre Austen Read Free Page A

Jane carefully, “A cable knit hat?  Did you make the bear as well?”  He smiled warmly at Michelle and handed the items back to her.  She handed them around, as she had done with the other presents, all of the guests making the appropriate cooing noises.
    His eyes flicked to her, “Did you knit them both Jane?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    He grinned, “Quite accomplished.”
    She closed her eyes and sighed, knowing that rolling her eyes in front of Mr. Gray Poole or Mr. Edward Rochester would result in an immediate dismissal.  She murmured “Thank you, sir,” and kept her eyes forward, attempting to watch Michelle intently.  He made her feel like a small school child when he complimented her that way.  He was teasing her, clearly not professional, but at the same time he wasn’t being forward.  It left her feeling unsettled, and completely baffled.
    He reached into his pocket and turned away. She watched him press his phone to his ear and bark, “Poole,” as he left the room.
    Mrs. Fairfax nudged her, “I don’t think I’ve seen him laugh in years Jane.  Thank you for that.”
    The blood drained from her face, worried she had overstepped her bounds.  She nodded, “You’re welcome.  But I’ve done nothing.”
    Mrs. Fairfax watched her carefully, “Jane, you’ve done everything.  You are a breath of fresh air.”
    She shook her head, “You don’t think… I mean do you think he thinks I’m flirting?”  Her voice was urgent and she could feel the blush return to her cheeks.
    Mrs. Fairfax laughed, “No, no, not at all.  You are just challenging him.  He needs that.”  She sighed, “He was different before Lizzie died.  He laughed so much more.”  Her eyes saddened and she shook her head, “It was good to hear him laugh.”
    Jane relaxed slightly. She hadn’t been flirting.  Had she?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

CHAPTER four
     
     
    Saturday morning Jane’s eyes opened and she recognized the scent of shortbread baking.  She threw her hair back in a ponytail, pulled on her shorts and a t-shirt and quietly descended the stairs.  Entering the kitchen she grinned. Today must be a good day; she spied her mother in the kitchen baking muffins and fresh squeezed orange juice in pitchers.
    “Good morning mother.”  Jane kissed her cheek.  “What can I do to help?”
    “Set the table dear.”  She smiled sweetly, “will you be going to town today Jane?”
    “Yes ma’am, might I get something for you?”
    “Yes, please.  I would like some fresh fruits if they are in season.  And roses, I don’t like the arrangements that have been sent for this evening.  We need at least three dozen to do a proper centerpiece on the mantle.”
    “White?” she asked, knowing the answer.
    Her mother smiled and nodded yes.  “Jane, please be back by noon; there is much to be done.”
    “Yes, mother.”  Jane leaned over and gave her mother another kiss on the cheek.  After setting the table she grabbed her purse, a muffin, and headed out the door.  It was seven am. She should have enough time to drive to the city, go for a run, and hit the farmer’s market before all the goods were purchased.
     
    The air was chilly, even for a late summer day.  She plugged in her ear buds and turned on Nine-Inch-Nails.  It was early enough that she could probably run a five mile loop.  She ran a half mile, stretched, and then started running again.  When she passed Gray Poole she knew he didn’t recognize her.  Her hair was up; she was dressed so differently, no makeup, and out of their normal element.  He on the other hand was immediately recognizable.  She was shocked that his body was so toned; he must use weights in addition to running she mused.  His scowl was still present though. She grinned as she kicked forward leaving him in her dust.  As she approached her third mile fatigue began to set in and she welcomed it, falling into a steady beat, ignoring the pain and instead feeling the music push