"The Widow" Bertha

"Let me set a fire and burn down Thornfield Manor."

After saying this, Rochester looked as if Bertha Mason was still a lunatic.

But it didn't hurt Bertha's good mood. She explained slowly with a smile: "The best way to end our marriage is to create a death between you and me. And I just want to start a new one. Isn't it the best choice to escape from life by feigning death?"

Rochester's face was full of disapproval: "Arson, can it be carried out just by talking about it?"

When I am happy to set fire to suspended animation!Bertha slandered from the bottom of her heart, not because the Victorian period could not divorce normally!Even if they worked hard, what they got in exchange could only be the result of her and Rochester being ruined together.In the eyes of people in the nineteenth century, women were nothing more than men's accessories. Even if Rochester cheated first, Bertha would live her whole life under the name of not obeying women's morals after divorce.

By the time the relevant legal reforms are successful, Bertha will probably be 60 or [-] years old.

So she said calmly: "I didn't say to implement it casually, and how to do it needs to be planned slowly. But Edward, this is the most effective and convenient way-if I fake my death due to illness, accident or other reasons, I will always It is very troublesome to need a body. But the fire is different. If Thornfield Manor is reduced to ashes, it will be nothing if my body cannot be found."

After finishing speaking, she added: "Of course, if conditions permit, I'd better prepare a corpse similar to mine. Anyway, if I set it on fire, I won't be able to distinguish anything."

In the nineteenth century, there was no DNA testing, and leaving jewelry or pendants belonging to Bertha Mason on the corpse was enough to determine her identity.

When the time comes for "Lady Rochester" to be buried, according to the level of science and technology in the Victorian period, she will go wherever she wants?

However, even if Rochester is not a person who cares about worldly vision, Bertha's suspended animation plan is quite shocking.Especially if there is a dead body, should he dig a grave and open a museum?

"I know you yearn for freedom," Rochester said with a frown, "but this is too crazy. Let me think about whether there are other ways."

"Then you have to hurry up."

Bertha couldn't help but mocked: "You are entertaining guests downstairs, but I will continue to hide in the dark and claustrophobic attic. It's a bit unfair, Edward."

Rochester said blankly, "Sorry."

……never mind.

Seeing his tough expression, Bertha didn't expect him to say anything good.

Considering that Thornfield Manor belongs to Rochester's property, he promised to return the dowry of [-] pounds first, and it is quite important to get a real estate.So Bertha was not in a hurry, and gave way: "If you can think of a better way, I'm not willing to use such an extreme method."

Hearing this, Rochester's complexion became a little better.

"I will send a professional doctor over as soon as possible," he promised, "to re-diagnose your health status, and..."

"and also?"

"Your brother and father should know about this matter."

Ah, yes, Bertha had almost forgotten that she had relatives alive.

Bertha's father does not appear in the original "Jane Eyre", but she does have a brother.In the novel, she is Bertha's younger brother, but according to Rochester's narration, it seems that her younger brother has also become an older brother because of the change of the timeline.

Bertha's father used [-] pounds to dump his daughter as a burden, and he has never cared about it since.

But her elder brother, Richard Mason, was a kind man, and visited Bertha several times.

Regardless of any emotional factors, Bertha felt that she should inform Richard Mason. The original book said that he was weak by nature, but he was still a kind and gentle person.Keep in touch now, maybe there will be time to help each other in the future.

but……

The original Bertha not only wanted to kill Rochester, she also wanted to kill her own brother.

In the past ten years, Richard Mason has visited his sister at Thornfield Manor several times, and each time he received Bertha's unceremonious attacks.In Bertha's eyes, her brother and her husband are her enemies who imprison her. All men who control her life should be killed. As long as they are killed, Bertha can be free.

Then respect the original body's emotions, Bertha thought.

"Forget it," she said lightly. "If I die, Richard and my father will be free. Let me start my new life."

Rochester was silent.

"If this is what you insist on," Rochester finally said, "and decide to get rid of everything in the past, I will keep silent for you."

"You better do it."

The result of the initial negotiation was pretty good. Although it was clear that neither of them left a good impression on the other, it would be nice if they could be reasonable. Bertha didn't want Rochester to like her that much.

The successful negotiation also affected Bertha's life.

For example, on the second night after Rochester came back, the downstairs was full of singing and dancing, and it was very lively, while the attic was dark and cramped, but Rochester secretly asked Glath to go to the kitchen and serve a sumptuous dinner.

"Mr. Rochester personally ordered the kitchen to prepare this for you, Lady Bertha."

While putting the food on the plate on the table one by one, Grace said beamingly: "A piece of stewed fish, a piece of hot lamb chops, and a bottle of wine of some vintage. It can be seen that Mr. Rochester is still very happy. Concerned about you, madam."

Bertha took a closer look, didn't she.

No matter how rich the food Grace brought from the kitchen on weekdays, it was cold dishes.She'd bring it back and heat it up in the attic, and it always tasted a little funny.

And tonight's dinner is steaming hot, and the grilled lamb chops are even "sizzling" when they are served on the table, not to mention the delicious stewed fish as soon as the lid is lifted.

In addition, Glath took soft white bread, fresh mince pies, and a chicken as a cold appetizer.

She can't eat so much.

"Let's eat together, Grace," began Bertha, "and pour yourself some wine."

"This is so inappropriate!" Grace was shocked.

"What's inappropriate?" Bertha didn't know whether to laugh or cry, "You've been eating with me for ten years, so what's the difference?"

However, as it was said, Grace refused to dine with Bertha, and finally Bertha had to sit down by herself and raise her glass.

"Let me tell you, Mr. Rochester still can't let Miss Ingram go," Grace continued, "Ma'am, you have clearly recovered, why doesn't Mr. Rochester introduce you to the guests? You are the one from Thornfield Manor." hostess!"

But come on, Bertha has no interest in this big, dead house.

She raised her eyes to the aggrieved Grace: "There will be opportunities in the future."

Grace didn't seem to understand: "Ma'am, what do you mean...?"

Bertha laughed and said, "Do you want me to stay in this attic for the rest of my life? If I regain my health, I will go crazy again."

"Too."

Thinking of this, Grace felt relieved.

"Mr. Rochester always needs a sane wife," she began. "Miss Ingram is far behind you, madam."

"Actually."

Bertha held the wine glass with an unscrupulous posture: "Edward and I are considering terminating our marriage."

Grace: "..."

As soon as the words landed, the maid's face revealed a look of shock and incomprehension.

Of course she couldn't understand.The option of "divorce" did not exist in the minds of nineteenth-century women.Once a woman enters into marriage, everything about her will be bound to her husband forever.Regardless of whether he is poor or rich, noble or despicable, prosperous or poor, life after life cannot be separated.

Even if a woman with a strong natal family and a decisive personality chooses to separate from her husband, she will still bear the title of "Mrs. So-and-so" for the rest of her life.

So it was reasonable for Grace not to understand Bertha's words.

But Bertha needed a helper.

Even if she had the conditions to leave, she couldn't leave alone. She always needed someone to help her with food, daily life, and running errands.Grace Poole, who had taken care of her for ten years, was obviously more suitable than finding another servant.

"What I mean is," so Bertha patiently explained, "would you be willing to change your employer from Edward Rochester to me? Of course, the salary may be a little lower, after all, I will not Go crazy everywhere."

Speaking of this, Grace finally understood what Bertha meant—Madam wanted to leave Thornfield Manor!

"lady……"

Grace was dumbfounded: "Are you planning to separate from Mr. Rochester?"

It's not just a separation.But Bertha felt it was better not to galvanize a traditional Victorian woman with her plan to feign her own death.

"We've tortured each other for so long in the past ten years," Bertha said lightly, "do you think he can still lie on the same bed with me unsuspecting?"

Grace couldn't answer.

Thinking about it carefully, what good is there in staying at Thornfield Manor?Mr. Rochester has a lot of romantic debts, and even when Mrs. Bertha regained her sobriety, she did not show much warmth.And my wife's natal family is very rich, so why bother to suffer in such a dead place.

Besides, not every lady is like Bertha, even if she wants to leave, she will take her "caretaker" with her.

Thinking of this, Grace was a little moved.

"I don't have any relatives anymore," said Grace. "Where is it different? Just go with you, ma'am."

Bertha was delighted to hear this.

She touched the wine bottle: "To celebrate our reunion, you have to have a good drink tonight!"

So far, all of Bertha's plans are going very well, as long as she fires, she can stay away from here immediately.How easy it is!Thinking of this, Bertha couldn't help but began to think about how to spend the thirty thousand pounds.

However, the reality is not always so smooth.

The wine last night was really good, but it had a little stamina.This gave Bertha a sound sleep, and when she opened her eyes, the narrow windows in the attic were already brightly lit.

As soon as she changed her clothes, Grace walked in with a panicked expression: "Ma'am, it's not good! Something happened!"

Bertha stopped combing her hair suddenly: "What's wrong?"

"Today, this morning, Leah found," stammered Grace, "that Miss Blanche Ingram was dead in her guest room! Even the village vicar and the town sheriff came! "

"..."

Oops.

Bertha's heart skipped a beat.

Is it okay if someone dies? !

As a journalist and suspense lover, Bertha knows all too well what might happen next.

You must know that in such an accident, the sheriff will always bring people to search for clues.In this way, the secret that Rochester hid his mad wife in the attic will be revealed sooner or later—then Bertha’s previous attack on his brother and the attempted arson attempt will most likely be mentioned together.

And as a "madman" who has repeatedly attempted to hurt others, Bertha will be the number one suspect!

No.

Hiding in the attic all the time is undoubtedly waiting to die. The scientific and technological conditions of the nineteenth century will not return her innocence.

Bertha had to seize the initiative in the development of the situation before it was exposed.

She thought about it, and now she has something to worry about: she needs a helper who can walk freely in the outside world and fulfill all her requests.Clearly Grace Poole wasn't up to the task, and the maid was at a loss for words when she realized there had been a murder.

This helper must be clear-headed and strong-willed, and more importantly, unconcerned about worldly gazes and unshackled by fear.There are very few people who meet this condition in the entire Thornfield Manor.

Besides Rochester, there is only Miss Jane Eyre.