Mr Rochester's Proposal to Jane Mr Rochester's proposal to Jane Eyre in Charlotte Bront 's classic novel Jane Eyre is a key and emotionally charged moment in the story It takes place in Chapter of the novel when Jane is working as a governess at Thornfield Hall and her relationship with Mr Rochester has developed into a deep and complex connection During a moonlit evening Mr Rochester takes Jane to the garden where he suddenly and passionately declares his love for her He speaks from the heart expressing his desire and admiration for her intellect and character Rochester tells her she is his equal and wants to marry her even though he is significantly older and has a troubled past However Jane discovers a shocking secret on their wedding day that changes everything She learns that Mr Rochester already has a wife Bertha Mason with a mental illness hidden away