Having run into his old friend Steerforth, David meets his family and in turn invites Steerforth to accompany him to the seaside to visit the Peggottys. Seaforth is well received and they learn that Ham and Emily are engaged. Steerforth seems to have taken a particular interest in the girl, however. David takes a major step in life when he decides to enter the legal profession as a proctor. He is apprenticed to Francis Spenlow, thanks to the generosity of his Aunt Betsey, and soon has spacious rooms in London. He has the pleasure of renewing his acquaintance with Micawber, but is distressed to learn that Uriah Heep may soon become Mr Wickfield's partner.