Page 48 of Zenith
Edward stood at the head of the room, a picture of strength and authority, his shoulders squared and his gaze level. He only wore casual clothes, but it did not matter. He carried himself with complete authority, his power and strength in his position evident. If I were not privy to what was happening behind closed doors, I would think he was impervious to harm.
I suppose the years he’d spent wearing all manner of masks had trained him well. This was the Edward Rochester I had first met on the road to Thornfield all that time ago. Brooding, changeful, and not to be trifled with.
“By now, I’m sure you all know the truth of what has been happening under this roof,” Edward began, his voice booming in the hushed room. “And many of you will agree that it cannot be allowed to go on as it has, especially where your continued safety is concerned. Taking this into consideration, I have decided that from this moment forth, Thornfield is to be closed permanently.”
Everyone present erupted in riotous conversation at this, and Alice stood, hushing them.
“It will no longer operate as a hotel, but a few will remain in residence, and thus, a household staff will be needed,” Edward went on. “I would welcome as many of you to remain as I am able, but I cannot hold it against a single soul if any wish to leave. You shall be taken care of with generous severance packages, though you will be required to sign a nondisclosure agreement…which will be strictly enforced.” The room filled with low murmurings as the staff turned to one another to discuss this new revelation. “You must make your decision today. Mr. Briggs here has been kind enough to assist with the proceedings and will attend those of you who wish to depart.”
Upon making this declaration, he retreated from the room, leaving myself and Mr. Briggs to converse with the staff about their options.
Hours later, once the sun had dipped low in the sky, we returned to the study.
“Two-thirds of the staff have opted to accept severance,” Mr. Briggs said. “The paperwork is in order.”
I glanced at Edward uneasily. His chair was facing the windows, and his gaze was fixed to the skyline beyond. He seemed completely disinterested, but I understood his tendencies enough to know he was deep in thought, puzzling out this new turn of events.
“Thank you, Mr. Briggs,” I said to the lawyer. “Your assistance is greatly appreciated. You must be tired after the proceedings. Shall we reconvene in the morning?”
“I think it is best. It has been a long day for all involved.” He handed me the list of employees and their current status and let us be, casting the master an anxious look on his way out.
Suddenly animating, Edward turned and plucked the paper from my fingers. He stared at the names for a long time, remaining tight-lipped about his opinion.
Leaving him alone, I poured him a dram of whiskey, placed it on the desk, and waited. He would dismiss me if he wished to be alone to ponder the changes to come at Thornfield, but he had said nothing, so I remained. His inclusion of my person was alien, but it warmed my heart. After such a long time wishing it to be, I was now part of his heart, mind, and soul.
“So many,” Edward finally mumbled.
“Do not take it to heart,” I said, laying my hand on his shoulder. “Alice and Bessie have chosen to remain, as well as the cook, two girls in housekeeping, one of the porters, four kitchen hands, and the groundskeeper. It is plenty of staff to keep the household going. Most importantly, they are good and loyal people.”
“Eleven out of thirty-five,” he said. “Is that good odds, Jane?”
“You cannot fault them for wanting to secure steady employment. They do what they must.”
“You are right, Jane,” he said, discarding the paper and pulling me down onto his lap. “They do what they must.”
I placed my head on his shoulder, winding my fingers around his jumper. “Everything will be all right, Edward.”
“I have doubts,” he murmured.
“That is natural. I have them, too.”
“What happens when Blanche declines your evidence? For it is when, not if. I do not believe she will back down from this, not after everything we have been through. My family had a long-standing feud with hers. It wasn’t until my father died and I was left as the sole Rochester that things calmed. It has always been precarious. This business is the final blow, I fear.”
He was right. I hoped Blanche would withdraw, but it had always been a slim chance. Her hatred ran deep, and there may be no digging it out.
I sighed, closing my eyes. “Then we will face the outcome and accept it, no matter what it may be.”
“What a very Jane-like thing to say,” he whispered.
