Personally, JOANP, I have quite settled in my own mind that Capt. Hawdon was Esther's
father. And I don't think it was anything in the document that made Lady Dedlock faint,
simply that she recognized the handwriting of a man she had thought was dead.
Skimpole and his cake, fruit and wine...just further proof that he is always ready
to indulge himself. It is unlikely that any of those have yet been paid for, or ever
will be, but Skimpole doesn't consider that to be his problem.
BARB, I think you are right; it was Bucket who urged Jo to leave London. I believe
he was concerned for Jo's safety; the boy knew too much of Tulkinghorn's 'secrets'. I
thing the vague threat was an attempt to insure the boy would stay away.
Oh, thank you,LAURA! I was wondering when someone would take up the very important and
dramatic Letter and Answer. Mr. Jarndyce did seem matter-of-fact about his proposal,
but I think that was to make it easier for Esther to refuse if she wished. It seemed
to me that his intention was to assure that she would be safe and provided for. There
is no question in my mind that he loves Esther, but he is not an infatuated young swain.
Esther's love for him is based on respect, gratitude for his kindness, and a recognition
of his goodness. She is not 'in love' with him as she may be with Alan Woodcourt, but
that dream appears doomed, and she has shown that she can be happy in her present way
of life.
Seeing as the subject of povery and reform is paramount in Bleak House, you might find this
link interesting. I did think 'debtor's prison' was a thing of the past!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/23/lisa-lindsay-breast-cancer-survivor-debtors-jail_n_1446391.html