Young orphan Esther Summerson is brought to the High Court of Chancery, where she is thrown together with two wards of the court, Richard Carstone and Ada Clare.
Despite his grim discovery, Tulkinghorn remains undeterred from his ruthless inquiry into Lady Dedlock's past.
A chance encounter in the country raises intriguing questions for Esther and Lady Dedlock. Meanwhile, Tulkinghorn finally unearths the identity of the mysterious Nemo.
Esther falls sick with smallpox and is left badly scarred. Legal clerk Guppy, still besotted with Esther, makes a discovery about his beloved which shocks Lady Dedlock to the core.
Richard's obsession with the Jarndyce case has grown to worrying proportions. Meanwhile, John Jarndyce agonises over whether to keep his feelings for Esther concealed.
George's anger knows no bounds when Tulkinghorn breaks his promise and leaves him in financial ruin. A marriage proposal surprises Esther - but is it from the right man?
Anna Maxwell Martin
Emma Summerson
Denis Lawson
John Jarndyce
Patrick Kennedy
Richard Carstone
Carey Mulligan
Ada Clare
Gillian Anderson
Lady Dedlock
