# XLIV: The Letter and the Answer explained — Bleak House

> Chapter companion for Bleak House by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Esther and her guardian discuss the secret of Lady Dedlock and the dangers posed by Tulkinghorn and the French maid. Mr. Jarndyce then reveals he has something to say to Esther and asks her to trust him completely. He writes her a letter proposing marriage, asking her to become the mistress of Bleak House. Esther reads the letter, struggles with her emotions, and eventually decides to accept, burning old flowers associated with Allan Woodcourt. Over the following days, Mr. Jarndyce does not mention the letter, and Esther finally resolves to write her answer.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Mr. Jarndyce's proposal is selfless and cautious, prioritizing Esther's happiness and freedom of choice.

### Secrets and Identity

The chapter revolves around the secret of Lady Dedlock's identity and the need to protect it from exposure.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Esther's inner turmoil contrasts with her composed outward demeanor as she prepares to accept the proposal.

## Character check-ins

### Esther Summerson

Receives Mr. Jarndyce's marriage proposal, struggles with her emotions, and decides to accept.

### Mr. Jarndyce

Writes a letter proposing marriage to Esther, asks for her trust, and patiently waits for her answer.

### Charley

Sent by Esther to retrieve the letter from Mr. Jarndyce.

### Ada Clare

Mentioned as sleeping in the next room; Esther kisses her and places withered flowers on her lips.

### Harold Skimpole

Prolongs his stay at Bleak House during the week after the letter is sent.

### Lady Dedlock

Discussed in the context of her secret and the danger from Tulkinghorn.

## Key lines

> You have wrought changes in me, little woman, since the winter day in the stagecoach. First and last you have done me a world of good since that time.

You have changed me for the better, Esther, ever since we first met in the stagecoach that winter day.

_Mr. Jarndyce expresses gratitude for Esther's positive influence on his life._

> It asked me, would I be the mistress of Bleak House. It was not a love letter, though it expressed so much love, but was written just as he would at any time have spoken to me.

The letter proposed that I become the mistress of Bleak House; it was not a typical love letter, but it conveyed deep affection in his usual straightforward manner.

_Esther describes the nature of Mr. Jarndyce's proposal letter._

> I took the withered flowers out and put them for a moment to her lips. I thought about her love for Richard, though, indeed, the flowers had nothing to do with that. Then I took them into my own room and burned them at the candle, and they were dust in an instant.

I took the dried flowers, touched them to Ada's lips, thinking of her love for Richard, then burned them in my room, reducing them to ashes instantly.

_Esther symbolically destroys the flowers associated with Allan Woodcourt, signifying her acceptance of Mr. Jarndyce's proposal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bleak_house_se/chapters/xliv-the-letter-and-the-answer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bleak_house_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bleak_house_se/chapters