Esther is entrusted with the running of Bleak House.

Lady Dedlock ceases the case, Esther refuses an offer of marriage and Miss Flite collapses after a court hearing.

Esther becomes ill with smallpox, while Smallweed inherits Krook's property.

Esther, severely scarred, has recovered from smallpox. She meets Lady Dedlock, who confesses that she is her mother. Jo has been found desperately ill and living rough, but dies soon afterwards. The lawyer Tulkinghorn, has been murdered in his rooms.

Richard, now married to Ada, continues the legal cause of Jarndyce.