Jane Eyre Austen

by Doyle MacBrayne

  “What?” she asked warily.

  He shook his head, innocently, “Hm?”

  He looked at her, “You seem to punish yourself when you run.”

  She wrinkled her nose, “No, punish is the wrong word. I like to run until I have nothing left, and then run a mile more. I don’t always make it, mind you.”

  “Why?”

  She looked surprised, “You know I’m not sure. I like to push myself in all things, physically, creatively.” She looked at him seriously, “Why do you keep adding to your businesses?”

  He shrugged, “The challenge, I’m good at it.” He looked at her, “It’s not about the money.”

  “Obviously.” She blurted.

  He looked up surprised, “Really, Ms. Eyre?”

  “Gray, if it was about greed, you would have made many different choices in your business.” She was matter of fact, knowing that purchasing the hotel was an excellent example of his spending his money rather than investing.

  He grinned, “So you don’t feel that greed is my vice.”

  “No sir, most certainly not.”

  “And is greed a vice of yours?” he asked, teasing.

  She stilled, confused, “I don’t believe so, sir.”

  “And yet, you are prejudiced against my wealth, preferring I was a poor suitor instead of the man before you.”

  Jane smirked; she thought carefully how to word her feelings before speaking. He grinned at her and then laughed.

  “Speechless Ms. Eyre?”

  “Sir, you have left me thoughtful. I am considering an appropriate response.”

  Gray took a bite of his muffin and made appreciative noises. “You are an excellent baker, Ms. Eyre. Should I disdain your abilities in the kitchen because I have not the same skill?”

  She huffed, “Gray, it’s not the same.”

  “It is Ms. Eyre, I have not a single whit of artistic ability, and yet I do not harbor resentment for your abilities.”

  Jane’s eyes opened wide, “Mr. Poole, I do not resent your business acumen, I am in awe.” She tilted her head and bit her lip, “I fear that I may not explain myself well. I feel that I am unable to be a suitable companion to a man of your importance.”

  Gray looked confused for a moment, her words swirling around his head, and then finally he laughed. He scooped her up from her seat and pulled her into a close embrace.

  “Jane, you are amazing. Think of it Jane, you are a woman who finds my words amusing, and my money repellent. Do not doubt my feelings for you Jane, please.” He kissed her gently. Her body melted close to his, until she heard the kitchen door open.

  She broke away, “Susannah is here, I guess it’s time to start the day for real.”

  Her mother joined them for breakfast, dressed in a house coat, her hair loose down on her shoulders. He poured her coffee, and Jane set a bowl oatmeal with fresh fruit on top in front of her mother. They sat companionably at the dining room table.

  “How did you enjoy your sleep, Mr. Poole?” Mrs. Austen asked.

  Gray looked at her warmly, “I slept very well, thank you. You must call me Gray.”

  She nodded, “I’m glad to hear it, Gray. Shall we plan on you for dinner tonight?” her mother asked.

  Gray looked at Jane, and her eyebrows rose hopefully, “Yes, I’d like that.” He responded.

  “Good.” Her mother declared. “Jane, there was a phone message for you yesterday. I believe Susannah said Lyn someone called regarding a show.”

  Susannah called out, “I have it here.” She brought in the phone message and it was from the gallery owner Lyn asking her to put together enough paintings for her own show.

  Jane beamed, “Wow.” She turned to Gray, “I guess that means you have my two week notice.”

  Gray grinned back, “I’ll accept it but I wish you weren’t so happy about it.”

  Susannah clucked, “Don’t be an idiot, this is what she’s dreamed of.”

  “Of course, congratulations Jane. I’m merely saddened that I won’t see you daily.” He said.

  Jane rolled her eyes back at him. “You’ll survive Mr. Poole.”

  Her mother looked at Jane, her brows knitting together, “Jane, did I ever give you a ring from your Aunt Nancy?”

  Jane shook her head, “No mother, I don’t recall you giving me her ring.”

  “No? Pink topaz?” she asked.

  Jane shook her head again, “sorry, I don’t recall ever seeing it.” Jane looked at her mother quizzically, “are you alright mother?”

  “Of course dear, I’m sure I placed it somewhere safe. Perhaps the safe.”

  “What made you think of it this morning?” Jane asked.

  He mother looked distracted and then chuckled, “You know, I’m not sure. It just flitted into my brain.” Her brows furrowed, “It’s fine Jane, just an errant thought.”

  Jane watched her mother as she picked up her plate and walked in to the kitchen. Jane looked over at Gray and whispered, “Maybe I should stay home today.”

  Gray’s head tilted, “Because she lost a ring?”

  “No, she’s acting confused.”

  Gray’s shoulders shrugged, “No more than most days, right?”

  Jane bit her bottom lip, frustrated that he just didn’t seem to understand. “It’s different today.” She sighed, “I’ll talk to Susannah and see what she thinks.” She got up, cleared the dishes and headed into the kitchen.

  Her mother had already returned upstairs, and Jane found Susannah pouring coffee.

  “Hey, Mom’s talking about Aunt Nancy’s pink topaz ring. I think she’s going to look for it today.” Jane watched as Susannah nodded.

  She grinned, “I’ll keep an eye on her Janie. Maybe we’ll go shopping together, get her out of the house.”

  There was a loud crash from above and a shrill scream.

  Gray tore into the kitchen calling, “What was that?” All he saw was Jane’s legs running up the stairs. He followed closely up two flights. They found Mrs. Austen moaning at the bottom of an attic ladder at the far end of the hall.

  Jane knelt down, “Suz, call 911.” She held her mother’s hand, “Try not to move mom. I think you broke your hip.”

  Her mother nodded, “My back, my hip. Oh God Jane, even my shoulder. I was so stupid. So stupid.”

  Jane swept her mother’s hair back from her face, “Hang in there mom, I’m so sorry it hurts. It was just an accident.”

  Her mother continued to moan and Jane looked at Gray. “We’ve got this; you need to go to work. I’ll call you later and let you know how things are going.”

  He was frozen, “Jane, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize…”

  Jane sat down on the floor and placed her mother’s head in her lap. “Gray, I know.” Her voice was tense, and although she would never say ‘I told you so’ it didn’t make the feeling go away.

  He looked at his watch, “I’ve got a meeting at 10, I’ll stay until the ambulance arrives and go straight to the hospital after the meeting.”

  Susannah said calmly, “Go let James know what’s going on, and then flag down the ambulance.”

  Gray left immediately feeling like a heel. Jane’s worst fears were realized. He had been so glib. How many times had she said that her mother needs were great?

  When the ambulance came down the street he waved them down and showed them in to the house. Jane came down, dressed and carrying an overnight bag. Before climbing into the ambulance with her mother she gave him a quick hug and told him she’d call.

  James patted Gray on the back, “You look pretty shook up Gray. You ok?”

  Gray shook his head, “I just had told Jane that she shouldn’t worry, and then five minutes later this happens.”

  James shrugged, “Jane’s used to it, used to her mother’s moods. She knows when things aren’t quite right.” James eyes narrowed, “She said she’d call you later. I’m going to look for the safe and join them later.” He slapped Gray on the shoulder, “Relax Gray, Jane will
be fine, Margaret will survive this too.”

  Gray looked worried, “She was in so much pain.”

  “She’s more worried about how it looks, she’ll be ok.” James grunted.

  Gray walked away, unconvinced.

  CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

  Jane texted Gray, Susannah, and James after her mother’s first set of x-rays were taken.

  “Broken arm, hip, and rib. Hip will need surgery. More later.”

  Jane slipped the phone into her back pocket and stood up to meet the doctor. She was in her mid-fifties with steel gray hair and bright blue eyes. She held her hand out and shook Jane’s firmly before speaking.

  “Dr. Owens, orthopedics. Your mother had breakfast this morning?”

  Jane nodded, and she continued.

  “I see, that’s unfortunate. We will schedule surgery for first thing in the morning if we can’t get her in tonight. I’ve set her up with a morphine drip, and set her wrist. She’s more comfortable now and you can go in and see her. Mental status is,” she paused, “I assume normal for her.”

  Jane shrugged, “No, she was acting more strangely this morning than usual.”

  Dr. Owens nodded, “I’ve contacted her medical doctor, and I’ll set up a consult with vascular and neuro regarding a possible stroke. We’ve set her up NPO, so please don’t feed her.”

  Jane arched an eyebrow, was the last instruction really necessary. She thanked the doctor and headed to her mother’s room. Upon entering she was relieved to find her asleep. Her right arm was casted from her hand to just below the elbow. She was hooked up to an IV, which was probably the morphine pump. Jane pulled the chair closer to her mother’s bed and sat down.

  She mused over the morning, Gray’s insistence that her mother was fine, and the shock when she fell. He looked so guilty and scared. It was too much to ask him to help care for her mother. Jane realized it would be best if she just suggested that they take a break until her mother recovers. She would have no time for him, and it wasn’t fair to him. It wasn’t fair to her either, but life wasn’t always fair. There was no way she could expect him to take on the responsibilities of rehabilitating her mother. It would take months, and he already had responsibilities.

  She texted Gray, James, and Susannah. “Surgery probably tomorrow morning. She’s sleeping and on a morphine drip. I’ll spend the night here.”

  James texted back, “I’ll bring clothes when I come. Helen says she’ll take the night shift.”

  Susannah texted, “I’ll bring dinner.”

  Gray texted, “I’m coming over, what would you like for lunch?”

  Jane swallowed and answered, “I’m fine, you don’t need to come. She’s sleeping.”

  Gray replied, “Hot or cold?”

  Jane grunted, “Neither.”

  He didn’t reply and Jane relaxed. Twenty minutes later he came in carrying a Jimmy John’s bag and cup.

  “Hi, I brought roast beef.” He said shyly.

  “You didn’t need to. Gray, I’m sure you have work.” She answered quietly.

  Gray look worried, “Jane, I’m so sorry about this morning. I didn’t realize…”

  Jane sighed, “I know. Gray, I’m sorry, but it’s probably better if we just took a break for a while. I’m going to be here, and you don’t need to stay.”

  “Whoa, hang on Jane. I realize I was an idiot this morning but you have to forgive me.”

  “Gray, I forgive you, but there’s really nothing to forgive. You can’t possibly understand what my life is like, and I can’t fathom all that you do. I’m just suggesting that it would be best if I didn’t have to worry about my mother, and you.” Jane tried to keep her voice from sounding desperate.

  He blinked, “Worry about me? Why would you worry about me?”

  She shrugged, “Gray, I can’t…” She groaned, “Look I tried to explain to you I come with a lot of crazy. I don’t expect you to hang around until my life sorts itself out.”

  Gray looked stunned, “Your life. Jane, I thought it was our life.”

  Jane sighed, unsure how to answer. “I can’t ask that of you.”

  “You’re not. I’m offering. Jane, please, don’t send me away.”

  Jane looked in to his eyes, he was pleading with her. She shook her head, but was unable to speak.

  He reached forward, pulled her up and hugged her, “Jane, don’t. Not today.” He kissed the top of her head, “Today is not a good day to make decisions like this. Please, Jane.” She sighed and melted in to his hug. He kissed her forehead as he held her close, “Jane,” he murmured, “I love you, I want to be a part of your family. I want you to make a family with me. In sickness and health, Jane. Good times and bad. Please, my love, don’t doubt me.”

  Her mother spoke up, startling Jane and Gray both, “Jane, don’t be a fool, the man obviously is pleading with you. Put him out of his misery.”

  Jane broke free and went to her mother’s side. “Mother, how are you feeling?”

  “High,” she narrowed her eyes, “Jane, tell the man you love him.”

  Gray moved behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist. She leaned back and whispered, “I do love you Gray.”

  “Good, it’s settled.” Gray looked at her mother, “I realize it’s forward of me, but considering that Jane will be spending her days and nights here, would it be acceptable if I continued to stay in my room at your home?”

  Her mother nodded, “Of course. I would feel better knowing that the house is occupied. Honestly Jane, you don’t need to spend so much time here.”

  Jane’s eyebrow arched, “Mom, not to be rude but occasionally when you wake up in unfamiliar surroundings you become quite agitated.”

  She waved her hand and winced, “Oh, that’s uncomfortable. Did you find the safe?”

  Jane nodded, “James found it. Do you know what the combination is?”

  She closed her eyes, “My arm is so achy. The combination, I think that one was Nancy’s birthday. Maybe my mother’s. I can’t recall right now.” Her eyes opened, “Some water Jane?”

  Jane poured water and held the straw to her mother’s lips. Her mother sipped and then winced.

  Gray asked quietly, “Should I let the nurse know you’re uncomfortable?”

  Mrs. Austen shook her head, “No, dear. This is my own fault. I can’t believe I lost my balance.”

  Jane put the cup down, “You’ll have to start doing yoga with Susannah.”

  “Oh God, I’d rather not. I don’t want to be a pretzel.”

  Jane sighed, “Then stay off ladders in the future please.”

  Her mother sighed and then winced, “I promise. I hate aging Jane. Your father aged so gracefully, I hate being such a burden.”

  Jane rubbed her hand, “Mother, you are not a burden, I love you and I don’t like you speaking that way.”

  “Jane, leave me with Gray, will you?” she asked.

  Jane looked at her mother curiously, “Yes. I’ll just be outside.” She picked up the Jimmy Johns bag and nodded to Gray as she made her way to the seating area at the end of the hallway.

  CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

  “Gray,” Mrs. Austen began, “you must call me Margaret or mother, alright?”

  Gray grinned, “yes, Margaret” trying the name on his tongue.

  “I wanted you to understand something that I don’t feel Jane would be comfortable talking about. Come sit closer.”

  Gray sat down in the bedside chair as instructed.

  “I loved her father very much; he was married when we met. Jane knows that but has never asked me about the specifics. I’m sure she heard them from unkind people.” She rolled her eyes, “I’ve been called gold digger and home wrecker and many worse things. There is a kernel of truth in that, and I believe that’s why Jane has been kind and never asked.” She moved slightly and winced again, “James and I had an affair while he was married. He started divorce proceedings before I was pregnant, but the truth is I was pregnant before he was divorced, and cl
early before we were married. Fortunately James was able to speed the divorce proceedings and we were married immediately. The first years of our marriage were difficult, socially. I believe we were married ten years before people stopped referring to me as the gold digger. Gray, I know you care for Jane deeply, and I am happy for you both. I worry that Jane will have the same feelings of being a social outcast in your world. She is younger, quirky, and you are so wealthy. Please, keep that in mind, she has had so many horrible rumors spread about her already, and your relationship is slightly unorthodox. It was difficult for James and me at first, to face his colleagues, for them to accept me. I don’t want that for Jane.”

  “I don’t want that for Jane either. What do you suggest? Shall we elope immediately or would you prefer that we wait?” Gray asked, hoping for elopement.

  “I ask that you be patient and wait.” She said and then chuckled, “Not the answer you wished for.”

  He sighed, “Well, no.” He looked up, “But I understand and I will be patient. My sister in law adores her, and so does my niece. Our marriage won’t be unexpected.”

  Mrs. Austen smiled, “Good. We shall have her family over to the house when I return.”

  “Thank you, I’d like that.”

  Jane returned with the doctor who got straight to the point. “Alright Mrs. Austen, we have you scheduled for eight tonight. You broke your pelvis; I’ll be putting a plate in and some screws. We need to discuss your after care. You’ll be up and walking tomorrow, and you’ll be transferred to the rehab hospital the day after that. You’re surgery and stay has been approved by your insurance already.”

  Jane waited until Dr. Owens paused for a moment. “Can she rehab at home with a nurse?”

  The doctor looked over at her curiously, “You’ll have to discuss that with the nursing coordinator, she’ll give you a better idea if your home is suitable. I would recommend she remain in the hospital for at least a few days post-surgery.”

  Jane looked at her mom, “A few days mom?”