I decided that Sunday was the best day to visit Wemmick at his home in Walworth. Sunday was a personal day, far away from the cold business of Mr. Jaggers’ office. When I arrived at the "Castle," the flag was flying, and the drawbridge was up. I rang the bell, and the Aged Parent let me in.
"My son told me you might visit," the old man said happily. "He is out for a walk, but he will be home soon. He is very regular, my son."
We sat by the fire. The old man told me that Wemmick had not always worked in the Law. Years ago, he had been trained to make wine barrels. I nodded a lot because the old man was very deaf. When I shouted the name "Mr. Jaggers," he just laughed as if I had told a funny joke. I didn't understand why, but he seemed very happy.
Suddenly, a small wooden door in the wall clicked open. It had the word "JOHN" written on it.
"My son is home!" the old man cried.
We went to the drawbridge. Wemmick was on the other side with a lady. He waved to me across the tiny moat. The lady was Miss Skiffins. She looked a bit like a wooden kite, and she wore a bright orange dress and very green gloves. She seemed like a kind person and was very friendly to the Aged Parent.
Inside, Wemmick showed me another mechanical door that said "MISS SKIFFINS." He was very proud of these inventions because they helped his father know who was at the gate.
While Miss Skiffins made tea, Wemmick and I went for a walk around the garden. I decided to ask for his "Walworth advice." I told him everything about my friend Herbert. I explained that Herbert was a good man but had no money and no clear future. I felt guilty because my own expensive habits had led Herbert into debt.
"I want to help him," I said. "I want to use my money to find him a job or a partnership in a business. But he must never know the money came from me. Can you help me find a way to do this?"
Wemmick was silent for a moment. Then he looked at me and said, "Pip, this is very kind of you."
"Will you help me, then?" I asked.
"Yes," he replied. "This isn't my usual business, but here in Walworth, I can help. Miss Skiffins has a brother who is an accountant. I will talk to him and see what we can find."
I thanked him many times. It felt wonderful to do something good with my money.
We went back inside for tea. The Aged Parent was busy making a huge pile of buttered toast. We had a wonderful meal, and the house felt warm and safe. After tea, the old man read the newspaper aloud to us. Wemmick was very patient and gentle with his father, making sure he didn't lean too close to the candles.
As they sat by the fire, I noticed Wemmick trying to put his arm around Miss Skiffins' waist. Every time he did, she calmly took his hand and put it back on the table. She didn't seem angry; she just did it very carefully, as if she were moving a piece of furniture. This happened several times, and it was very funny to watch.
In the end, the Aged Parent fell asleep. We had a warm drink together, and then I said good-night.
Over the next few weeks, Wemmick and I met several times in secret. He found a young merchant named Clarriker who needed a partner with some capital. I paid half of my five hundred pounds to Clarriker, and we signed a secret agreement. Herbert was to be given a position in the company, and eventually, he would become a partner.
Herbert had no idea I was involved. One afternoon, he came home with a bright, happy face.
"Pip!" he cried. "I have wonderful news! I met a man named Clarriker, and he wants me to work with him. I think I finally found my opening!"
As the days went by, Herbert became more and more excited about his future. He thought he was just lucky, but I knew the truth. When he talked about his success that evening, I went to bed and cried tears of joy. For the first time, my "expectations" had done some real good for someone I loved.
But now, a great event was about to happen. It was the turning point of my life. Before I tell you about it, I must tell you more about Estella.