Mrs. Reed looked frightened; her work had slipped from her knee; she was lifting up her hands, rocking herself to and fro, and even twisting her face as if she would cry.
– Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre, Chapter 4. After the powerful confrontation with Jane, Mrs. Reed shows signs of fear and panic. She is clearly taken aback and is worried over how her young niece stood up to her. This marks a turning point in their relationship, when Mrs. Reed loses control over Jane.