This is my response to Charli Mills’
https://carrotranch.com/2018/03/01/march-1-flash-fiction-challenge/
Prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a raven. Respond by March 6, 2018, to be included in the compilation (published March 7). Rules are here. All writers are welcome!
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Marry Me, Jane!
‘Soon I shall be a bridegroom,’ said Mr. Rochester.
Jane looked down at her plain, governess dress and remembered Blanche Ingram’s extravagant clothes, noble features and glossy, raven hair.
‘I’ll leave at once. Miss Ingram will have plans for Adele.’
Jane refused to witness the man she loved marry a beautiful, yet unworthy gold-digger.
‘You would have me marry that frivolous woman?’ Rochester shook his head. ‘You think so little of me, Jane? I ask you to pass through life at my side as my best earthly companion.’
Rochester kissed her hand. ‘Jane, say Edward I will marry you.’
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It’s amazing how the mind works. I saw the picture of the raven and thought of Blanche Ingram’s hair! For those of you don’t remember, she was Lord Ingram’s daughter, who Mr. Rochester used to make Jane jealous, tease her and perhaps find out if cool Jane loved him…
I’ve tried to capture the moment Rochester asked Jane to marry him, which is no doubt one of the most dramatic and romantic scenes in the novel. Jane is convinced that he’s going to marry the awful Miss Ingram, but Mr. Rochester recognises gold when he sees it, even if it’s hidden under an ugly dress!
Rereading Jane Eyre 
I love that your mind went to Blanche Ingram’s hair. Was it typical of that era to describe the beauty of such deep black locks as the gloss of a raven’s wing? For some reason it makes me think back to other historical novels, too. To use flash to capture a moment is a powerful use of the art form. You captured it well, of course!
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Thank you, Charli❤ Bertha Mason, Mrs. Rochester (in the attic) was also a dark haired and dark eyed beauty, although her skin was darker than Blanche’s, and Celine Varens, his former French mistress and Adele’s mother was dark haired. Jane had ‘russet’ hair and green or hazel eyes. Rochester also had dark hair and eyes.
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