Richard and Ada [the cousins] marry. Lady Dedlock is revealed as Esther's mother. Many relationships are shown between characters otherwise thought to be unrelated. Richard dies because the Jarndyce and Jarndyce case is ended because the costs have taken up the whole estate. Esther marries Dr. Woodcourt and Mr Jarndyce remains a guardian to them all. Many twistings and turnings. A thoroughly enjoyable novel. Dickens pokes at society's problems but without a preachy attitude. ( )