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.

Jane wanders the moors, poor, starving, and heartbroken, until she is rescued.

A destitute Jane has found sanctuary with the Rivers family and has a new post as teacher at the local school.