Jane is baffled and fascinated by her employer, Mr. Rochester, who seems more than usually interested in her.

Mr. Rochester is entertaining guests and Jane is perturbed by his evident fondness for Blanche Ingram.

Summoned by her dying aunt, Jane returns to Gateshead Hall, scene of her unhappy childhood.

Mr. Briggs interrupts the wedding of Jane and Mr. Rochester with the claim that the marriage cannot proceed, as Mr. Rochester has a wife.