Sir Leicester Deadlock, a British aristocrat lives in CheslyWold in rural Lincolnshire with his wife. The couple is rich and lives a wonderful life but Sir Deadlock's wife has hidden a deep secret from him. She gave birth to a child before she was married to the aristocrat and Captain Hawdon was the father of the child. She is unaware of the fact that her child is still alive and is now raised by her Godmother and after her death John Jarndyce takes care of Esther, the child. John Jarndyce is a man with a heart of Gold and raises up Esther with great love and care. Esther, Ada and Richard become good friends and Ada and Richard fall in love with each other. Lady deadlock once comes across some legal papers which belong to her husband but she recognizes the handwriting of her lover Captain Hawdon. Jarndyce and Jarndyce suit is emphasized in the middle of the book and Richard loses all his money and health fighting the case. He also marries Ada the love of his life secretly. Richard is incapable of settling in one occupation. Soon both Lady Deadlock and Esther come to know about their mother daughter relationship and are delighted to learn the fact.