Robert Leaven

Robert Bessie Leaven is a man of steady character who works as a coachman, having been employed at Gateshead during Jane Eyre's childhood. He has since married Bessie Leaven, the servant who was kind to Jane Eyre, and has built a family of his own—the couple now have three children together. When Mrs. Reed's health fails and she calls for Jane Eyre, it is Robert who is sent to bring Jane Eyre back to Gateshead. He is reliable, respectful, and demonstrates genuine concern for both his wife and for Jane Eyre's willingness to respond to Mrs. Reed's summons.