The discussions about Richard's future profession continued, but unfortunately every suggestion seemed equally attractive to him. One day he decided to go to sea, and the next he was thinking about becoming a lawyer.

'I am worried about Rick's character,' Mr Jarndyce said to me one day in the Growlery. 'He delays making decisions because he is always expecting a result in Jarndyce and Jarndyce. The case is affecting his judgement.'

'I am sure I don't want to go into the Church,' Richard said that afternoon, 'but anything else would suit me.'

'Medicine -' suggested our guardian finally.

'Yes!' shouted Richard enthusiastically. 'I am sure I would like to be a doctor!'

I doubt if he had ever had this thought before, but at that moment Richard was certain that his path was now clear - he would become a doctor.

With Mr Jarndyce's help, Richard agreed to become a student of Mr Bayham Badger, a well-known doctor with a good practice in London.

Before Richard left for London, Ada surprised me one evening after a dinner party with a few guests, including one or two doctors, by rushing into my bedroom and whispering, 'My dear Esther! I have a great secret to tell you! My cousin Richard says - I know it is foolish, we are both so young - but he says... that he loves me with all his heart.'

'Does he really?' said I. 'Dear Ada, I realised that weeks ago!'

'You are so clever! And I love him, too! With my whole heart!' She looked so pretty and so happy that my eyes filled with tears.

The next day, Mr Jarndyce talked to Ada and Richard about their news. 'My dear cousins, you and Esther have made my house bright and happy. From early days, I began to think that you two cousins might decide to go through life together - but it must be a plan for the future.'

'We are in no hurry, sir,' replied Richard.

'That is sensible because you are very young,' continued Mr Jarndyce. 'Things may change, and you may decide that you are happy as cousins and nothing more. If that is your decision, please don't be afraid to talk to me. Your love is strong, but for a successful future you must be serious about your medical studies, Rick, and prepare yourself to be a good husband. And that is enough advice for today! I am very happy for you both!'

'Sir,' replied Richard again. 'We will always want your advice, and we will always be grateful to you for everything you have given us.'

'Dear cousin John,' said Ada sweetly, 'I give you all the love and duty I could have for a parent.'