Author’s Notes:
I do enjoy this meeting. Mr Rochester questions her, but the delightful bits are Jane’s honesty and Mrs. Fairfax trying to keep up. She catches the train of conversation every once in a while and so desperately attempts to be a part of the tete-a-tete.
We also discover a little more of her clockwork creations. This was something that occured to me early on in the creation of this book that I could adjust and instead of drawing give her mechanical ability aided by her unique eye. I had sort of imagined what these could look like and then discovered the work of Sue Beatrice (Watch parts sculpturesGallery of Custom Watch Parts Sculptures — All Natural Arts) I spent time looking over her work to gain detail inspiration for the mechanisms he observes. I would encourage you to discover her work!! In the description of Jane’s second creation I note the angel is holding an apple and a golden coin. This is an easter egg for those who deep study folklore – in the Grimm tale “How Children Played at Slaughtering” a child is given a choice – apple or coin. One shows innocence and one shows maturity. It is a dark story, so be warned before you go looking for it!
Also, Mrs. Fairfax notes that Mr Rochester has been in possession of the house for nine years. So when he came into his inheritance, we were just meeting Jane at the very beginning of the book. We are sympathizing with a little girl and unknown to us at that same moment Mr Rochester has lost his entire family and come into fortune. He must have already put his wife in the attic and started on his quest of finding a mistress, because Adele is already ten when she is introduced to Jane. Seems a bit tight of a timeline…