In 18th century London, John Jarndyce takes in two young cousins, Ada Clare and Richard Carstone, two of the many claimants in the case of Jarndyce v. Jarndyce. His forbear, also John Jarndyce, has left several wills and the resulting claims are in the Chancery Courts. The current John Jarndyce, who lives at Bleak House, also hires a companion for the young Ada, Esther Summerson who was orphaned at a young age and knows little of her background. Other claimants in the case include Lord and Lady Dedlock, represented by Mr Tulkinghorn. On one of Tulkinghorn's visits to brief them on the case, Lady Dedlock takes notice of a particularly flowery script on one of his many documents and promptly faints. An intrigued Tulkinghorn makes inquiries and learns that the document was prepared by a transcriber by the name of Nemo. Esther meanwhile receives a wholly unexpected offer of marriage.
—garykmcd