16 December, 2005

Months have passed since Lady Dedlock's (Gillian Anderson) death. Richard's (Patrick Kennedy) obsession with Chancery has left him seriously ill. When Esther (Anna Maxwell Martin) visits Ada (Carey Mulligan), she finds her desperately concerned for Richard's health. Ada also reveals she's pregnant, but doubts Richard will live to see his child.Woodcourt (Richard Harrington) tells Esther that Jarndyce (Denis Lawson) has found him a position as a medical practitioner in the North. He plans to take the job, but first declares Esther the love of his life, and proposes. He wants to take her with him to Yorkshire. However, Esther has to turn him down, admitting she's not free to marry since she's engaged to Jarndyce.Esther's left very upset, but pulls herself together and asks Jarndyce the next morning to set a date for their wedding. They will marry in a month.Meanwhile, Smallweed (Phil Davis) discovers an important document amongst Krook's (Johnny Vegas) many papers – a will from the original John Jarndyce. The impossible finally happens – a result in Chancery.Richard's the true heir to the inheritance - but all the money goes on court casts. The only victor is Chancery itself. It's the final blow to Richard who dies shortly afterwards.Jarndyce breaks off his engagement to Esther. He realises she's in love with Woodcourt, and leaves the pair free to marry.

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