Chapter 43- 47 Summary

Esther fears for her mother. She avoids all contact with her that can expose her, worried also that she may never see her again. She is preoccupied with Richard, negatively influenced by Mr. Skimpole. Mr. Jarndyce wants to even offer Mr. Skimpole money to stop seeing Richard.

They visit Mr. Skimpole, meeting his three daughters, and then they all travel to Bleak House. Unexpectedly, Sir Leicester arrives. He heard that Mr. Skimpole has an interest in art, which he also shares, but fears that they are discouraged from visiting him by Mr. Boythorn.

Esther thinks that such visits may expose Lady Dedlock and reveals everything about her background to Mr. Jarndyce. She learns that it was Boythorn who was in love with Ms. Barbary, her godmother, who rejected him to raise Esther.

In Chapter 44 Mr. Jarndyce gives advice to Esther, fearing...