Jane Eyre - happy end

Jane has not had any news from Mr Rochester since she ran away from Thornfield Hall after her non-wedding - finally, she goes to find news of him, only to realize that Thornfield Hall has burned down, and Rochester is now blind and crippled - but also a legitimate widower.

He now lives in his father's former hunting abode, a much more modest house than Thornfield, hidden deep in a wood. Jane leaves the carriage at the nearest village and walks the rest of the way on foot - it is evening, sullen skies and drizzly rain, and the path through the thick forest winds on and on until she fancies she's lost her way - when she finally sees the house, and Mr Rochester, hatless and disoriented, just stepping out of it to get some air. She halts her steps, almost as if she was afraid to be discovered...

Done for the Lover's month at john-howe.com

oil on canvas