Who Lady Dedlock is
Lady Dedlock lives amid wealth and social ceremony, but her controlled manner hides something troubling her. Her private past forms part of the family mystery that develops alongside the novel's inheritance lawsuit.
Lady Dedlock and the others in the story
Tulkinghorn is her husband's lawyer, and he notices her interest in a piece of legal handwriting. He gathers information quietly, treating other people's secrets as a source of power. His attention makes Lady Dedlock's guarded past a source of danger in her present life.
Esther Summerson's story becomes increasingly connected with Lady Dedlock's private life as the novel moves forward. Their connection belongs to a wider story linking powerful households with lives beyond their comfort and protection.
Questions
Who is Lady Dedlock in Bleak House?
Lady Dedlock is a wealthy woman whose guarded life conceals a troubling private past.
How is Lady Dedlock connected to Tulkinghorn?
Tulkinghorn is her husband's lawyer, and her interest in legal handwriting attracts his scrutiny. He uses knowledge of other people's secrets to control them.
Is Lady Dedlock connected to Esther Summerson?
Yes, Esther's story grows increasingly connected with Lady Dedlock's guarded life. That connection is part of the novel's family mystery.