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, both of whom are caught up in the infamous suit of Jarndyce and Jarndyce.

Despite the grim discovery of Nemo's body, 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. Richard's inability to settle causes a rift with John Jarndyce, much to Ada's dismay.

Esther falls sick with smallpox; she recovers but is left badly scarred. George has to make an impossible decision when Tulkinghorn instructs the evil moneylender Smallweed to turn up the heat on his debts.

Richard's obsession with the Jarndyce case has grown to worrying proportions. John Jarndyce agonizes over whether to keep his feelings for Esther concealed. Meanwhile, Lady Dedlock tells Esther something that will change her life forever.

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?

Esther's feelings for Woodcourt grow stronger, despite her best intentions; Richard and Ada's news causes great concern for Esther and Jarndyce; Inspector Bucket investigates Tulkinghorn's murder and there is no shortage of suspects.

The moneylender Smallweed has evidence of Lady Dedlock's secret past and intends to use it against her. Cornered, Lady Dedlock makes a terrible decision. Meanwhile, Esther and Bucket try desperately to reach her before it is too late.

Esther is left shocked after Lady Dedlock reveals herself to be Esther's mother, but agrees to keep it a secret from Ada.