Ext. A midsummer dawn. Thornfield the grounds

INT. EVENING. THORNFIELD - THE HALL/STAIRS.

Bertha knocks a lamp onto the floor. The oil springs into

flames, licking the tapestries and the paintings. Rochester

sees his ancestors begin to burn.

INT. EVENING. THORNFIELD - THE SECOND FLOOR

The conflagration is growing. Rochester sees Bertha leaving

Jane's room. As he passes, he sees everything inside it

being consumed by fire. He can't bear to look.

EXT. EVENING. THORNFIELD - THE LEADS.

Bertha is watching the rooks. Rochester goes to the edge of

the roof. Bertha looks at him. The invitation is clear.

Rochester is ready to die.

Bertha sees the rooks wheeling away. She runs at the edge

of the roof. Rochester sees her intention too late. He puts

out his arm to stop her.

For the perfect fraction of a second, Bertha flies.

Rochester sees her fall; almost falls himself - saves

himself.

Life reawakens in him. Behind him, he sees Grace Poole,

coughing, crawling up through the door.

GRACE

Antoinetta?

Responsibility floods over him. He goes to her side, lifts

Grace, helps her down the stairs.