Ext. A midsummer dawn. Thornfield the grounds

ROCHESTER

Where do you come from?

JANE

Thornfield Hall.

ROCHESTER

Whose house is that?

JANE

Mr Rochester's.

ROCHESTER

Do you know Mr Rochester?

JANE

No, I've never seen him.

Rochester is trying to place her. She is a puzzle to him.

ROCHESTER

You're not a servant there...

JANE

I am the governess, sir.

Jane Eyre adapted by Moira Buffini March 2008 39.

ROCHESTER

The governess.

(A slow smile)

Deuce take me, I had forgotten.

Examining Jane once more, he laughs a low laugh.

ROCHESTER (CONT'D)

The governess.

Jane does not like to be laughed at.

ROCHESTER (CONT'D)

Have you got an umbrella I can

use as a stick?

JANE

No.

ROCHESTER

Then try to get hold of his

bridle and lead him to me.

Jane doesn't like his imperious tone. She looks at the

horse; huge, trampling, nervous. Rochester is amused.

ROCHESTER (CONT'D)

If you would be so kind...

Jane obeys. She endeavours to catch the bridle but the

horse rears away. Jane falls on the ice. Rochester bursts

out laughing. Jane picks herself up.