Bleak House: Chapter 51 Summary & Analysis

After his promise to Esther, Mr. Woodcourt makes a point of often calling on Richard in London. Before his first visit, he must call on Mr. Vholes to get Richard’s home address and finds that the lawyer is interested to talk to him. Mr. Woodcourt tells him curtly that he only wants the address, but Mr. Vholes insists that Mr. Woodcourt remind Richard that he cannot keep making use of legal services if he does not have the money to pay.

At last, Mr. Vholes reveals Richard’s address, and Mr. Woodcourt calls on the young man. Richard is very pleased to see him, but Mr. Woodcourt observes that his room is a mess and that he looks worn and distracted. He tells Mr. Woodcourt sadly that he cannot seem to do anything right and that he wishes he had his discipline.

Mr. Woodcourt commiserates with Richard and listens to his troubles. Richard tells him that he is not concerned for himself but that he is worried because Ada’s fortunes are bound up with his own. Mr. Woodcourt reports this to Esther and takes it as proof that, at heart, Richard is a good fellow.

One morning, Esther suggests that she and Ada visit Richard and is surprised to find Ada a little hesitant to do so. At last, she agrees, however, but she begins to cry as she dresses. On the walk there, Esther notices that Ada seems to know the way—though, Esther thinks, she has never been there before—and, when they arrive, Richard tells them that Mr. Woodcourt has just left.

Richard has been poring over his papers from Jarndyce and Jarndyce but is pleased to see Ada and Esther. He tells them that, with Mr. Vholes’ help, the case comes along well, and Esther thinks that his hopeful expression is transformed into something obsessive and horrible. He grows tired suddenly and sinks onto the couch. Ada kneels by his side and caresses him.

Ada begins to cry again and reveals to Esther that she and Richard have been married in secret. Esther sees that Ada has been hiding her wedding ring from her. Although she is delighted for the pair, who are clearly very much in love, she cannot help the strong feelings of foreboding in her chest. She keeps this to herself, however, and is bright and cheerful with the young lovers.

Ada intends to remain with Richard and not go back to Mr. Jarndyce’s house, and Esther agrees that this must be the case. She tries to part with them cheerfully, saying that she will return soon, but, on her way down the stairs, she bursts into miserable tears. She tells Charley when she arrives home and the pair walk out and stand for a time beneath Richard and Ada’s window. When Mr. Jarndyce arrives home, he sees that Esther is upset, and she tells him of the marriage, which he half expected. He tries to cheer Esther up, but she can see that he is worried, and she thinks that, for the first time, he doubts her ability to be everything he wants in a wife.