“I’ll kiss you and welcome; bend your head down.” Bessie stooped; we mutually embraced, and I followed her into the house quite comforted. That afternoon lapsed in peace and harmony; and in the evening Bessie told me some of her most enchaining stories, and sung me some of her sweetest songs. Even for me life had its gleams of sunshine.
– Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre, Chapter 4. Bessie is the only person in Jane’s childhood that treats her with any kindness. She is the closest thing Jane has to a mother figure, while Jane lives at Gateshead.