Mr Jarndyce, Ada and I were in London again to celebrate Ada's twenty-first birthday. Mr Jarndyce invited Mr Allan Woodcourt to join our party to mark the fact that Ada was now an adult and could make her own decisions.

Before our trip to London, I felt that Ada was not her usual cheerful self, and, not wanting to keep any secrets from her, I decided to tell her that I was going to become Mr Jarndyce's wife and the lady of Bleak House. She was so pleased and happy for me that I became ten times happier than I had been before, and as we left for London, I felt that everything was as it should be.

The birthday dinner was very pleasant, but I know that the four of us felt sad because Richard was absent from our table. After that day Ada and I saw less of each other than usual because I was helping a sick friend. Mr Woodcourt was this friend's doctor, so I saw him quite often during those weeks. He was so gentle and skilful with his patient that I admired him more than ever. He was also helping Mr Badger in his medical practice, but he had not yet found a position with good pay for himself.

When my friend was better and I had more time at home, I began to notice a change in my dear Ada. I saw signs of worry and sadness on her face. I wondered if she was unhappy about the idea of my marriage to Mr Jarndyce and the changes that this would bring to Bleak House. Sometimes I was certain that Ada wanted to tell me something, but she always stopped herself.

One morning I suggested that Ada and I should visit Richard. It surprised me that she did not agree immediately.

'Ada, have you and Richard argued?'

'No, Esther, there is nothing wrong between us.' But I could see tears in her eyes as she said these words.

Soon we were out of the house and looking for Richard's rooms, which I knew were near the Court of Chancery, very near his lawyer's office. I had never been there before and was surprised when Ada found the place with no trouble. We were soon at his door and Ada entered without knocking.

'Ada! Esther! How wonderful to see you,' he said. 'You have just missed Woodcourt - he is the best friend that a man could have, and visits me often.'

'He has kept his promise to me,' I thought to myself.

There were books and papers everywhere, and many had the words Jarndyce and Jarndyce on them. I also noticed that Richard's eyes appeared large and sunken, his lips looked dry, and his body was very thin.

'Do you think this is a healthy place to live, Richard?' I asked.