Ext. A midsummer dawn. Thornfield the grounds

JANE

Let me go.

ROCHESTER

NO -

JANE

I'm a free human being with an

independent will, which I now

exert to leave you.

Rochester releases her. She stands in front of him.

ROCHESTER

Then let your will decide your

destiny. I offer you my hand, my

heart and a share of all this.

He gestures towards the house, the land. Jane is stunned.

ROCHESTER (CONT'D)

I ask you to pass through life at

my side. Jane, you are my equal

and my likeness. It is you I

intend to marry.

JANE

Are you mocking me?

ROCHESTER

Do you doubt me?

JANE

Entirely.

Jane Eyre adapted by Moira Buffini March 2008 83.

ROCHESTER

You have no faith in me?

JANE

Not a whit.

ROCHESTER

You little sceptic.

JANE

Your bride is Miss Ingram -

ROCHESTER

What love have I for Miss Ingram?

What love has she for me? I

caused a rumour to reach her that

my fortune was lost and got

instant coldness. I wanted to

make you jealous, to move you to

love me. It's you - you strange,

unearthly thing. I love you as my

own flesh. You - poor and obscure

as you are - please accept me as

your husband.

Jane begins to believe him.