In Bleak House, Dickens weaves together the fortunes and desires of several characters whose fates are tied to the obscure court case of Jarndyce v. Jarndyce, while endless litigation slowly devours an inheritance in legal costs. Ada and Richard are two young orphans who stand to inherit and wish to marry when they do. Another player is the worthy John Jarndyce, their voluntary guardian while the case is pending. And finally there is Esther Summerson, Jarndyce's protogee, whos romance is complicated by torn loyalties and whose heritage is shrouded in mystery and scandal.