At this point, the story departs from the potential romance between Jane and Mr. Rathburn, and turns its focus on Mr. Ambrose Mason. Our author aligns his character to that of Edward Mason, in this coming of age, modern take on Jane Eyre. He, too, has a violent, bloody encounter with the crazy woman, and Jane Moore has to help assist Mr. Rathburn in cleaning it up and taking care of Mr. Mason, just as Jane Eyre did for Mr. Rochester, with Edward Mason. One thing I have never understood about this part of the novel, in either case, is that both Jane Eyre and Jane Moore are not more inquisitive of what all of this has happened! They do not ask detailed questions about Mr. Mason nor about the insane woman. Or, at least they do not consider it for very long, before moving on to concern themselves with other matters. Why? Who would not be all over that and unable to rest until they came to a complete understanding of the situation? Who would not be concerned for their own safety? One other thing I will say about this novel, in relation to the original, is that - in this story - Madeline takes a bit of a back seat to the lives of Jane Moore and Nico Rathburn, whereas in the original novel, Adela is far more central to the storyline and referenced far more frequently. Jane Eyre was more focused on Adela and was more concerned with her well-being and learning than it appears Jane Moore is with Madeline. Perhaps that is because, in earlier centuries, a governess was employed not only to care for the physical needs of the child or children they were charged with, but, more importantly still, to formally educate, refine and mentor young minds until the children reach suitable age of adulthood. The modern day role of a nanny is to care first for their physical needs and to insure also their overall emotional well-being. The role of a nanny now is largely what the family or the individual hiring the nanny ask for that person to do, but it usually involves making sure children stay on certain schedules and routines for eating proper meals, napping, engaging in some social activities, and getting to and from school on time. That could be why Madeline is not nearly as much an essential part of Jane Moore's life, as compared to how Jane Eyre's relationship was with Adela.
After that horrid night of caring for a bloody and severely injured Ambrose Mason, Jane then gets a call from her sister, Jenna, regarding her brother, Mark. Jenna states that Mark has come to stay with her and she cannot have him there. She begs for Jane's help. Jane asks Mr. Rathburn for the time off, and he does not wish for her to leave, but finally allows it. She leaves, visits her siblings, and discovers they are largely both unhappy in their lives. She finds herself missing Thornfield Park, realizing that, for the first time in her life, it actually feels like a home and a place of comfort for her. When she sees her brother and sister, for that matter, they do not treat her any differently than they did as children. Jane finally finds her voice and tells them how they have made her feel for so many years! She tells her brother that he was abusive to her as a child, just as he is to his girlfriend now, and she tells her sister that she is incredibly self-involved. She has boldly found self-confidence! Although this break through in Jane's courage occurs, no other benefits to her life seem to be gained by this encounter. Unlike Jane Eyre, she does not receive a letter about a wealthy uncle or anything related to that. Perhaps Lindner is trying to create a parallel to Jane Eyre, from the standpoint that - in this turn of events - Jane did not become rich in wealth; rather, she became rich with gumption and has reached a pinnacle of positive directional change for her life ahead. I am not sure, but I assume this visit with her siblings may come up in the story later and may end up meaning something more than it appears at first glance.
At the moment, however, Jane returns to Thornfield Park, and first she sees Mr. Rathburn. This is not a surprise, given she is in love with him. When he sees her, he tells her how happy he is to see her and that all of the visitors previously there have left. Before Jane can even mention Bianca Ingram, Rathburn mentions the void of her presence, presumably because he wants Jane to know he will solely now be focused on her. Jane, in turn, expresses how thankful she is to be there and her gratitude, also, for him. She then, feeling slightly nervous, departs swiftly and goes to bed.
I am simply now awaiting the day when he tells her she is actually the love of his life and not Bianca Ingram. (We know that day is coming, right?!). I suspect, sadly, as this novel is a remake of the classic, Jane Eyre, that this romance, too, will eventually come to a tragic and abrupt ending, likely falling prey to the crazy woman on the 3rd floor. If only Jane Eyre and Jane Moore could meet, Jane Eyre undoubtedly would give Jane Moore some very helpful insights. Jane Eyre would advise our modern-day Jane all that is likely to come her way. She would tell her that all eventually will end quite gloriously, but, before the quiet stream of bliss comes a rushing river of torment and heartache, so hunker down and be prepared. Although Jane Moore does not realize it, you, my readers, and I know she will soon be in the thick of the raging waters. It will be interesting to see how Jane Moore handles it all!
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