Ext. A midsummer dawn. Thornfield the grounds

INT. NIGHT. THORNFIELD - THE SECOND FLOOR.

Jane comes up the back stairs and on to the gallery, just

as the ladies start to issue from their rooms. She stands

back in a dark corner.

There is an approach of chatter; a subdued vivacity. A

flurry of multicoloured silks, lace and velvets go by. They

descend the staircase as noiselessly as a bright mist.

Jane steps out. She walks right into the path of Blanche

Ingram, who is dressed in white. They both startle.

JANE

Excuse me, miss.

Blanche gives her a look of ice. Rochester is at the top of

the stairs.

ROCHESTER

Good evening.

They both turn. Rochester has seen Blanche, not Jane. He

offers her his arm, his gaze full of admiration. Jane sinks

back into the shadows.