It's Christmas Eve and as Amelia and Arthur Havisham gather to hear the reading of their father’s will their lives are left in turmoil by the unexpected contents. Elsewhere, a young boy makes a macabre discovery in an alleyway.

The news of a murder filters through the Christmas day celebrations and Inspector Bucket begins his investigation. At Satis House Amelia Havisham’s mysterious rescuer appears again.

Bucket goes to see his old enemy Fagin convinced he is involved in some way; following a lead he goes after Fagin’s henchman Bill Sikes – could his wooden cosh hold a valuable clue? Frances sees a way of scuppering her sister’s plans.

At the Havisham New Year’s Party, Amelia is delighted to see her brother but perturbed by the arrival of an uninvited guest. Frances Barbary rekindles an old friendship and allows herself to hope it might be more.

Compeyson goes to desperate lengths to make Miss Havisham notice him, and Martha Cratchit's wedding plans are thrown into turmoil by an unexpected knock at the door.