sixwordstories | (no subject)

Really? For me?

*she smiles just a little bit, running her hand over the pretty wrapping paper*

Can I open it right now? Please?

[He can't help but smile a little at her reaction]

You know I don't go on a trip without bringing you back a gift. [He nods] Open it.

*she nods, carefully opening the package, not wanting to wreck the nice paper or the bow on top. When she's finished she opens it and gasps a little, pulling the dress out of the box and holding it up against herself*

C'est beau, et ma couleur préférée aussi!

*she looks up at him, quickly reverting back to english*

Can I go and try it on right now, I want to see how it looks on me.

[He just sits in his usual position by the window, watching her as she opens her gift. He looks away as soon as she starts to speak in French but then turns back to her.]

What have I told you about speaking in English, Adele. You are in England now. [He nods, waving a dismissive hand] Yes, yes go and try it.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do it. *she looks vaguely guilty for a minute, but nods her head slowly* I'll try to remember not to anymore, I promise.

*she nods again and clutches the dress to herself, walking off out of the room to go find a nearby bathroom to get changed in*

[It's just hard for him when it reminds him of her mother. He sighs a little, looking at her expression.] It's okay Adele. Just make sure you do.

[He watches her leave, picking up a book which was sitting beside him.]

*she gets herself dressed as quickly as she can, leaving the clothes she was wearing neatly folded on the counter behind her. She walks back into the room, stepping forward to stand in front of him so he can see her*

What do you think? *she smiles tentatively* I like it ever better now that it's on, it looks even prettier!

[Jane stands quietly in the doorway, watching the scene unfold with a small smile on her face. It's good to see Adele happy... and Mr. Rochester, too, seems less severe this evening.

Technically, she supposes this is eavesdropping, but she means no harm by it, so she lingers, regardless.]

[He does seem to be doesn't he? That might even be a small smile on his lips. Only a small one mind you. She takes out her dress then notices Jane. She gets up rushing over to her, enthusiastic about her new dress.]

Why don't you try it on Adele. Give Miss Eyre some room to breathe. [Adele hesitates a moment but then nods, running off to try on her dress]

C'est très jolie, Adèle. [Jane smiles at the little girl and watches her depart. Only when she looks up does she realise that Rochester is watching her]

[He does not avert his gaze as she notices him. He simply says] I would ask you to remind Adele to speak English at least in my presence. We are in England, not France.

[Of course she can speak French with Jane but it just reminds him too much of Adele's mother]

My apologies, sir. I will bear that in mind.

[He nods]

Yes, make sure that you do... [After a pause he speaks again] How are you finding your new home, Miss Eyre?

It's a very impressive estate, sir. [She manages a small smile]