The same day that Gemma is kissed for the first time by the age-appropriate (though abrasive) Todd, Mr. Sinclair walks into her life. The first encounter between Gemma and Sinclair closely mirrors that of Jane and Mr. Rochester, though the former is certainly more modernized. Instead of helping her employer/future husband from his fallen horse though, Gemma finds Mr. Sinclair beside his car trying to change his tire in the darkening evening. Gemma offers him a light by which to see. Rather than walking like Jane, Gemma comes upon him while riding her bike. Similar to Rochester's sprained ankle, Sinclair strains his finger (somehow).

Gemma and Sinclair's conversation also mirrors that of the hypotext. Sinclair pretends as though he's not the master of Blackbird Hall stating of it: "I've heard of it. There's a farmer there who breeds cattle" and then going on to ask Gemma if "[she's] part of the household" (Livesey 175). The revelation that the "inept tyre changer" is indeed Sinclair comes later when he's settled into Blackbird Hall, just like with Rochester (Livesey 179). In both novels, this first encounter is also the first example of these Byronic heroes being manipulative to the protagonist and lying by omission, two crimes they will both commit time and time again.

Livesey, Margot. The Flight of Gemma Hardy: a Novel. HarperPerennial, 2013.