Ada and Mr Jarndyce joined us at Mr Boythorn's house for a final happy month, and the time passed very quickly. One evening Charley appeared and asked me to step outside with her.

'Excuse me, miss,' she whispered, 'you're wanted at the Dedlock Arms. It's a gentleman, miss. He sends you his good wishes and asks you to come to the pub without saying anything to the others. Mr Grubble came from the pub and gave me the message for you.'

I went to the pub to find out if there was some trouble or if someone needed my help. When I entered the main room, I saw Richard immediately.

'My dear Esther!' he said. 'My dearest, my best friend!'

I lifted my veil and Richard's friendly smile stayed the same. Our friendship was not affected by the changes to my face.

'Dear girl,' Richard said happily. 'My greatest wish is to talk to you because I want you to understand me.'

'And I want you to understand someone else,' I said.

'We must talk about Mr Jarndyce, Esther. I know that you want me to understand him. So, let me say first of all that I am twenty-one now, and I do not have to answer to Mr John Jarndyce or to anyone else for my actions.'

His attitude was painful to me and he saw that I looked upset.

'I am sorry - I did not come here to upset you. Let's talk of something else. Am I welcome at Mr Boythorn's house? I would love to see my dear Ada.'

'You are certainly welcome, as always. And how do you like your profession by now?' I asked.

'It is good enough for a time. I don't know that I shall care about it when our suit is decided, but then I can pay to leave the army. I have some free time now, so I have been to the Court of Chancery to look after my interests, but don't worry, I will not talk about our case tonight.'

We hurried back to Mr Boythorn's house and surprised Ada. I could see from her face that she loved him with all her heart. But I have to say that I was less sure about Richard's love for Ada. It seemed that it had to wait until there was a judgement in Jarndyce and Jarndyce.

***

I met Richard again the next morning and we two walked to my favourite seat. 'One day I would like to rest and relax in a place like this,' Richard said.

'Why don't you rest now?' I asked. 'You are on holiday.'

'There is no rest for suitors in the Court of Chancery.'

'My dear Richard,' I said, 'this is a bad beginning to our conversation. This suit is ruining your life.'