Rochester’s Redemption: Opium Wars and Victorian Morality: A Jane Eyre Sequel

By Elizabeth K. Fong Ph.D.

Rochester's Redemption is a narrative description of Edward and Jane Rochester’s married life and the lives of their four children, up to Edward Rochester's death. The narration intertwines with 19th century Britain-China Opium wars. Attempts are made to promote understanding of the destruction of opium addiction. Holistic opium rehabilitation is illustrated. Renowned painter Simeon Solomon and playwright Oscar Wilde are high-lighted for the sexual morality of the Victorian age. Jane and Edward Rochester empower their family members in selfless contributions to humanity. Together with their children, the Rochester family members enshrine their lives with the torch of devoted love.
The novel, Jane Eyre, is a classic which has engaged readers for many generations, across time, boundaries and countries. Jane is the epitome of a strong woman, self-reliant and compassionate, who overcame her past as a tortured orphan child. Above all, Jane's will decide her destiny. Positive, loving and respecting herself are the characteristics of her personality. Many authors have written sequels to Jane Eyre, but I have found none that narrated Jane and Edward's family story. In my sequel, lovers of Jane Eyre will feel pride in their heroine. They will be able to follow the Rochester family members in their respective ways, and see their achievements and their stumbles as they make their journeys through life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665547802

Elizabeth K. Fong Ph.D.

Elizabeth K. Fong, was born in Southern China. She pursued graduate studies in the United States and earned her Ph.D. She had worked with Vietnamese refugee settlement. She practiced school psychology and psychotherapy until her retirement. Parental heritage: Elizabeth likes to acknowledge her scholar father who was a US Press scholarship recipient. She thanks her late father for the natural gift of written expression she inherited, and now enjoys in her avocation as an author.

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© 2022 Elizabeth K. Fong, Ph.D. All rights reserved.

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ISBN: 978-1-6655-4779-6 (sc)

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2021925657

Published by AuthorHouse 01/28/2022

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Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

PART ONE

Chapter 1 PROLOGUE: EDWARD ROCHESTER’S SOLILOQUY

Chapter 2 OUR PASSAGE TO INDIA

Chapter 3 INDIA PROFOUNDLY AFFECTED EDWARD ROCHESTER

Chapter 4 EDWARD Jr AND WILLIAM JARDINE

PART TWO

Chapter 5 DRUMBEATS OF WAR

Chapter 6 CONVERSATIONS WITH LEONARDO

Chapter 7 ED’S DECISION TO GO BACK TO CANTON

Chapter 8 LONDON COLLEGE OF SURGEONS

Chapter 9 DR ED ROCHESTER RETURNED TO HONG KONG

Chapter 10 OPENING HONG KONG COLLEGE OF SURGEONS

PART THREE

Chapter 11 ISABELLA

Chapter 12 LEONARDO AND SIMEON SOLOMON

Chapter 13 VINCENT KOK KONG CULTURAL TOURS

Chapter 14 2nd OPIUM WAR AND YUEN LOONG’S INJURIES

Chapter 15 VICTORIA, JEFFREY AND LYNETTE

Chapter 16 ADELE

Chapter 17 PRESIDENT FITZGERALD’S SPEECH

PART FOUR

Chapter 18 LEONARDO RETURNED TO ENGLAND

Chapter 19 LEONARDO CAMPAIGNED FOR MP OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Chapter 20 THE HONEYMOON

Chapter 21 LEONARDO AND OSCAR WILDE

Chapter 22 DR VINCENT KOK KONG MA RETURNED TO HONG KONG

Chapter 23 FERNDEAN REBUILT

Chapter 24 THE JANE EYRE ROCHESTER LEGACIES

Chapter 25 EDWARD ROCHESTER SR DIES

Afterword

Appendices

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Appendix 3

Appendix 4

Appendix 5

Appendix 6

Appendix 7

Appendix 8

Appendix 9

Appendix 10

ROCHESTER’S REDEMPTION

OPION WARS AND VICTORIAN MORALITY

A Jane Eyre Sequel

Synopsis

Rochester’s Redemption begins when Jane and Edward Rochester marry. The novel is a narrative description of the couple’s married life and the lives of their four children, up till Edward Rochester’s death. The narration intertwines with 19th century Britain-China Opium wars. Attempts are made to promote understanding of the destruction of opium addiction. Holistic opium rehabilitation is illustrated. Renowned painter Simeon Solomon and playwright Oscar Wilde are high-lighted for the sexual morality of the Victorian age.

The novel’s thesis, Jane and Edward Rochester, through their commitment to social justice, empower their family members, in selfless contributions to humanity. The family move pass race and prejudices. They embrace racial and ethnic diversity in integrating with the Chinese people. They are shining examples for our 21st century racial divides. Together with their children, the Rochesters enshrine their lives with the torch of devoted love

Why I wrote Rochester’s Redemption: A Jane Eyre Sequel

The novel, Jane Eyre, is a classic which has engaged readers for many generations, across time, boundaries and countries. Jane is the epitome of a strong woman, self-reliant and compassionate, who overcame her past as a tortured orphan child. Above all, Jane’s will decided her destiny. Positive, loving and respecting herself are the characteristics of her personality. Many authors have written sequels to Jane Eyre, but I have found none that narrated Jane and Edward’s family story, together with those of their children and grandchildren who enshrined the Rochesters’ legacy. In my sequel, lovers of Jane Eyre will feel pride in their heroine. They will be able to follow the Rochester family members in their respective ways, and see their achievements and their stumbles as they make their journeys through life.

Preface

The mid 1800’s was a consequential time in Victorian England. The Opium Wars were fought between England, France, the U.S. and China, resulting in colonialism and the widespread legalization of opium in China. During this period, due to homosexuality, renowned painter Simeon Solomon, was dethroned from his position as a privileged child prodigy, and became a derelict in the prevailing morality of English society. Additionally, talented playwright Oscar Wilde was imprisoned for sodomy. Charlotte Bronte lived during these major international events and experienced the prevailing societal morality. Therefore, it was deemed a worthwhile endeavor to write a sequel to Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, to reflect these major historical events for reinterpretation in our 21st century.

My novel Rochester’s Redemption. Opium Wars and Victorian Morality. A Jane Eyre Sequel seeks to portray the novel’s characters through several major themes in our human attributes. The themes are: devotion, dominance, benevolence, pride, prejudice, independence, tenacity, achievement, integration, stress, personality dysfunction, rejections as well as transcendence.

Devotion is exemplified by the love of Jane and Edward Sr for each other and their children. Dominance is portrayed in the character of William Jardine, who spent his whole life in the accumulation of wealth, and the power thereof. Benevolence is demonstrated by both Edward Rochester Sr and Edward Rochester Jr who give away much of their fortune to deliver rehabilitation and medical services to the opium victims and wounded soldiers. Mandarin pride and prejudice are the characteristics of Professor Ma of China. Independence, tenacity and achievement mark Dr Yuen Loong Ma’s life, gaining recognition in British society. The inter-racial marriage of Yuen Loong and Isabella gives hope for greater societal integration. Stress and emotional destruction leading to personality dysfunction is portrayed in the life of Adele. Societal rejection is depicted in Simeon Solomon and Oscar Wilde’s lives of homosexuality. Transcendence is achieved in Leonardo, immersing himself in the creative life of a Shakespearean actor, thereby avoided confronting his own sexuality.

Later in his life however, when Leonardo returns to England, he reunites with his old girlfriend Marisa, who was abandoned by her husband. Further, Leonardo continues to befriend Simeon Solomon who is rejected by society, and tries to defend his friend Oscar Wilde in Parliament. Leonardo is portrayed as a compassionate man to whom family members and friends turn in their hours of need. Leonardo is also a colorful character who is talented, humorous, determined and a loyal friend.

I portray elements of the opium wars as an attempt to facilitate understanding of the destruction of opium addiction. Positive, creative means of rehabilitation are illustrated to restore opium addicts back to healthy living.

Included in my pages are Chinese as well as Indian cultural and historical mores. I encourage my readers to search for further cultural themes, wherever their interests may lead.

I hope my portrayal of the characters in Rochester’s Redemption does justice to Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.

Acknowledgements

The Covid-19 lockdown gave me the initial urge to find something creative to do. This search for a useful occupation eventually resulted in my completing a novel, Rochester’s Redemption. Writing a novel was a way for me to fill the days of isolation from neighbors, friends and normal activities.

As I searched for ideas, Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel, Jane Eyre, even though written in the mid-1800’s, echoed for me current issues. Some of the issues pertained to the Hong Kong unrest of recent days, with Hong Kong Chinese people searching for democracy. Subsequent to the unrest in Hong Kong, Western nations like Britain and Australia began to open their doors for Hong Kong citizens to immigrate to their countries. This led me to think about the roots of Hong Kong. It was ceded as a Crown Colony to the British Empire of Britain in the mid-1800’s, as a result of the Opium War. The confluence of 19th century and present-day East-West relations, as well as societal morality, continue to be relevant in the 21st century. I decided a novel could bring forth uncharted theses and propositions, to stimulate fresh thinking from old ways. Therefore, the stage was cast for me to venture forth.

I owe my creative attempts in writing a novel to my long-time friend Yuet Ming who suggested, You want to write a Jane Eyre Sequel, why not?

Yes, why not? So, I sat down to plot and write. Slowly, ideas took shape. Words continued to stream into my consciousness as I transferred my ideas into written pages.

Today, I humbly present to readers, this new novel ‘Rochester’s Redemption. Opium Wars and Victorian Morality. A Jane Eyre Sequel’.

Before I continue, I would like to acknowledge my faithful friend, Mrs. Yap Yuet Ming. As I conceptualized each chapter, Ming read them and offered invaluable critiques and suggestions. Without Ming, this novel might never have been written. I would like to thank Ming for her friendship, her time and her contributions.

I want to thank my nephew David Fong in London, who read these drafts when he was very busy working on his post-graduate study. Additionally, I wish to thank my colleague Cathy Murphy and her husband Tom Murphy, Ms. Flo Conway and Mrs. Tonya Neuweiler who all helped in reading my manuscript. In particular, I gratefully acknowledge my college friend, Ruth Sachs, who reviewed British historical details and cultural mores for me.

I wish to acknowledge British MP Samuel Warren’s publication on ‘The Opium Question’. This publication helped me understand Britain’s issues at the time of the First Opium War. Further, the internet was an invaluable tool for me to research into the many questions I needed answers to, as I continued writing. From the internet, I was able to find articles on opium wars that added to my comprehension of 19th century Victorian England and the Qing Dynasty. Additionally, I studied Chinese history, Confucianism, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, Indian culture, the life and times of William Jardine, Simeon Solomon, Oscar Wilde, and more, that added awareness for my novel. Here I acknowledge the Internet, this 20th Century modern tool, which has aided my writing to eventual fruition.

Introduction

Rochester’s Redemption begins when Jane and Edward Rochester marry. The novel’s thesis is that Jane and Edward Rochester, through their commitments to social justice, empower their family members, in selfless contributions to humanity. The family moves past race and prejudice. They fully embrace racial and ethnic diversity in integrating with the Chinese people. They are shining examples for our 21st century racial divides.

The first half of the novel is set against the background of Britain’s Opium Wars in the mid 1800’s with China, and the subsequent annexation of Hong Kong Island as reparation. Rochester’s oldest son Ed Jr meets Surgeon William Jardine at a medical conference in London, and William Jardine offers him employment in his Canton Trading Company. Ed Jr stays three months and returns to England because Jardine’s company trades in opium. After the Opium War, Dr Ed Rochester returns to Canton and learns acupuncture from Professor Ma. Why?

Rochester’s younger daughter Isabella falls in love with Mandarin medical doctor Yuen Loong Ma. They encounter racial prejudice. The father of Yuen Loong, Professor Ma, forbids his son to marry Isabella. Isabella sacrifices her love to return to England, while Yuen Loong goes to America to pursue post-graduate studies. After his studies, Yuen Loong comes to England to marry Isabella, and they have a son. Elder Ma accepts his grandson into the Ma clan.

During the 2nd Opium War, Yuen Loong is conscripted to the front line and he loses a leg. Yuen Loong is fitted with a prosthesis and he continues his work at the London College of Surgeons.

The second half of the novel deals with Victorian morality, in particular, the homosexual lives of renowned painter Simeon Solomon and playwright Oscar Wilde.

In his encounter with renowned painter Simeon Solomon, Leonardo confronts his own sexual identity. The shock of this revelation leads him to reject marrying Marisa, the girl friend of his youth. Instead, Leonardo transcends his energy into a successful theatrical career.

Edward’s ward, Adele, led a sorrowful life in her maturing years and dies during childbirth. She bears a baby girl whom Leonardo adopted.

Leonardo makes a major change later in his life, leaving Italy and returning to England. Can we anticipate the unfolding stories in the lives of actor Leonardo, and singer Marisa?

Back in England, Edward Rochester dies. With his dying eyes, he sees the redemptive grace before him, the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Jane sees her journey of devotion with her husband Edward, as she rises from his body.

PART ONE

CHAPTER 1

PROLOGUE: EDWARD

ROCHESTER’S SOLILOQUY

1

My name is Edward Rochester, the youngest son of a wealthy land owner in Victorian England, towards the middle of 1800’s. My father was owner of Thornfield Hall. During my youth, my father arranged for me to marry in Jamaica. I was not told my wife was from a lineage of insane Jamaican women. My wife soon inherited this insanity after we were married. I could not live with her. In order for her not to be abused in an asylum, I took her back to Thornfield Hall. I hired a woman to take care of her, away from all knowledge of anyone else in the community. In my utter marital disappointments, I roamed wildly throughout Europe, searching but not finding love and belonging I so yearned for. Later, I met my ward’s governess, Jane, a saintly girl to whom I proposed marriage. I loved Jane so much. I was too afraid to tell her I was married, for fear she would never accept me. I planned to live abroad with her. Yes, I deceived Jane then. I was hoping someday after our marriage, Jane would understand and would be able to forgive me. My brother-in-law, however, caught wind of our union. He charged into our marriage ceremony, just before we were about to exchange our vows. We were thus painfully prevented from marrying. My Jane left Thornfield Hall all alone in the dark of night. I searched everywhere. Jane could not be found. I feared she was dead as she left me without any money. Later that year, my lunatic wife set fire to Thornfield Hall in the night. She jumped from the roof and killed herself. In trying to rescue her, a burning beam collapsed on me. I was blinded and my left hand was amputated. I dwelled in that utter darkness and despair for a year, until Jane returned to find me. We became married. I regained sight in one eye. My Jane and I were flesh of one flesh, and bone of one bone. We were immensely happy with each other.

2

Edward and Jane Rochester Family

Ferndean was an antiquated manor situated deep in the forest. My father bought this property for his yearly gaming parties. I had gone there a few times. It had since fallen into disrepair. I came to live in Ferndean after Thornfield Hall was burned down. My old servants George and his wife Mary came to live with me. I had dismissed all my staff of Thornfield Hall, except Mrs. Fairfax. I set her up with a lifelong annuity.

Jane and I continued to live in Ferndean the first two years after we were married. I was treated by London’s best-known oculist, and I regained my sight in one eye. I could now walk about without having to be led. I could also read with the aid of a desk magnifying glass. With a grateful heart, I gave thanks for mercies in my life.

Jane became pregnant with our first baby. Looking at her robust waistline, I said, Jane dear, I think we should rebuild Thornfield Hall. Ferndean is too remote for us to bring up our child. Jane nodded in agreement. The next week, George drove us into London to meet with Mr. Bloomfield who was the owner of an eminent architectural firm. Mr. Bloomfield accompanied us to drive by stately homes in London. We stopped outside Kensington Palace. Mr. Bloomfield told us Queen Victoria had moved to Buckingham Palace.

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19th Century depiction of Kensington Palace

We were also shown the interior of the palace. Jane was especially excited for this rare opportunity to view the paintings of 45 intriguing courtiers from the Georgian court. Seeing our interest, Mr. Bloomfield gave us a brief history of the palace. He told us Kensington Palace was originally a two-story King James mansion called Nottingham House. It was built by Sir George Coppin in 1605. When Queen Mary assumed the throne, she bought the mansion for 20,000 pounds in 1689. The dry location of the palace was good for her husband William who suffered from asthma. Princess Alexandrina Victoria lived in Kensington until she became queen. The new queen and her husband Prince Albert promptly moved to Buckingham Palace. Mr. Bloomfield also told us Kensington Palace was presently occupied by minor royals like Princess Louise who was a talented sculpture artist. She had a studio where she sculpted the stature of Queen Victoria.

The following Monday, Jane’s cousins Diana and her husband Captain Tom Fitzjames accompanied Jane and me to London to meet with Mr. Bloomfield. Tom was then on leave from the Navy. We sat down with Mr. Bloomfield to discuss the architecture of our new manor. Mr. Bloomfield inquired how many rooms we would like. He asked Jane with a twinkle of his eyes, How many children do you think you would like, Mrs. Rochester?

Four, two boys and two girls are my ideal, Jane blushed as she answered, the men around her were all looking at her.

I told Mr. Bloomfield we would like our manor to be built as two separate buildings. Jane and I would occupy the main building. Our cousins Diane and her husband Captain Tom Fitzjames would live in the next building. They would have a three bedrooms suite with separate kitchen facilities in their building. This way, Diana and Tom would be able to live independently without our intrusion into their lives. Of course, they were most welcome to be with us for as much as they would like. Half of the second building would house our residential staff.

I like to defer the design of this apartment to Diana and Tom. Jane turned to Diana.

Diana told Mr. Bloomfield, Tom is a Navy Captain. We do not have children. I accompany my husband at sea a good part of the year. My cousins Jane and Edward have generously offered us a suite in their new manor.

We are most grateful, Tom said. This way Diana will be able to stay on land more often. I would not worry over her safety because she will be with cousin Jane and Edward. At our London meeting, Tom and Diana contributed to the design of their suite.

Jane and I named our new manor ‘Eyre-Rochester Hall, in short, Eyre Hall.’

2.jpg

Artist’s Drawing of Our Eyre-Rochester Hall

Hundreds of workmen were hired for the building of Eyre Hall. The workmen broke down the ruins of Thornfield Hall. They cleared the debris and promptly started building. These workmen labored from early morning till the fall of night. Mr. Bloomfield sent his associate to personally supervise the construction.

The main section of Eyre-Rochester Hall was completed in 7 months, a record time to complete such an enormous project as ours. It was in time for the birth of our first born. Jane’s cousins Diana and Mary came to Eyer Hall to help Jane. Our infant son weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz., a bouncing baby who made loud cooing noises. We named our son Edward Jr, or Ed Jr.

Jane and I were beyond happy carrying in our arms the creation of our new life.

It was just a week before Christmas when Edward Jr was born. Eyre Hall was all lit up with candles, bells, adorned with fresh wreaths, and live trees in all the rooms. With marshmallow toasting, joy bells ringing, Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Cross singing. Eyre Hall was beaming. Our lives were filled with warmth and love, bursting with joy. After Edward Jr, Jane and I have three more children: a girl Victoria, another girl Isabella and our youngest boy Leonardo.

Now to our Eyre Hall staff: Mrs. Sylvia Brown, a widow, became our new house keeper. A young man Don came to be our butler. I reengaged many of my old staff. Grace, Sophia and Leah came back. The kitchen staff as well as the ground keepers also returned. There were seasonal helpers to tend to harvest and special occasions.

Mary’s husband Elijah Wharton graduated with a doctoral degree from seminary. Do you have plan, now you are a Doctor of Theology? I inquired. I would like to teach if I can find an appointment. Dr Elijah Wharton answered.

The Vicar of Millcote just told me the other day they have a vacancy in their seminary. But it is a part-time appointment though. I am thinking, Elijah, I will rebuild the Parish Church with a manse in the ground of Eyre Hall. Would you be interested to be our parish minister, as well as teach in Millcote? I asked my cousin-in-law Elijah.

Oh, yes. Mary will be so delighted to be located in Eyre Hall. Our family will all be together. Wonderful brother. Rev Doctor Elijah Wharton reached out to give me a big hug. At that moment, my heart was filled with pride. I succeeded in restoring for my Jane her natural family. The family would all be living within the compound of Eyre-Rochester Hall. How wonderful! Jane remarked when I told her of the news of her cousins Mary and Elijah coming to live with us in Eyre Hall.

My Jane was very deprived growing up an orphan. She yearned for family. I understood how much she deeply wished for familial connectedness. This deep yearning came to the surface when Jane regarded restoring her cousins to her, was more important than being an heiress with 20,000 sterling. Jane immediately divided the money her uncle bequeathed to her into four equal parts, and Jane gave one part to each of her cousins. She recognized the ultimate value in her life: her filial relationships with those who were hers.

Having lost Thornfield, I deprived Jane and my children of the manor house they were entitled to from my forefathers. Today, I have rebuilt Eyre-Rochester Hall for posterity. The Whartons moved in to our Parish Manse with their little girl Miriam. Our families and extended families were thus complete.

My God heard my PRAYER. The driving force of my whole life from this point onwards was to