Mr. Havisham acts as the Earl of Dorincourt's solicitor, managing critical legal and familial affairs. He travels to New York to find Cedric Errol, inform him of his inheritance as Lord Fauntleroy, and conduct initial assessments of Cedric and his mother for the Earl.

During the Atlantic voyage to England, he observes Cedric closely, initially maintaining professional distance. Over time, he develops private amusement and fondness for the boy's unaffected manner and sage conversational style. He facilitates communication between Cedric and his grandfather while discreetly enforcing the Earl's directive that Mrs. Errol reside separately at Court Lodge.

When an impostor claims her son is the true heir, Havisham investigates. He interviews the claimant, noting her coarse manner, lack of education, and underlying nervousness. He accompanies the Earl to confront the woman at the Dorincourt Arms, witnessing the Earl's harsh dismissal of her claims.

Havisham continues handling legal procedures to verify the claimant's story, coordinating testimony that ultimately exposes the fraud through connections to Cedric's New York acquaintances. Throughout these events, his interactions with Cedric and Mrs. Errol show a gradual softening of his initially formal demeanor, revealing increased personal regard for their welfare beyond professional obligation.