Summary Chapter 21

During David’s one week sojourn at Highgate, he gets used to the presence of Littimer, the Steerforths' house servant who is the model of reliability and respectability. Littimer is also advanced in his years, making David self-conscious of his youth and of his relative inexperience in the various sports Steerforth introduces David to. Indeed, while Steerforth teaches him how to fence, box, and ride a horse, David senses Littimer’s presence which never betrays the propriety expected of a servant.

By and by, David and Steerforth depart for Yarmouth, and upon arrival, they book rooms at a local hotel. The next day, while having a late breakfast, they make arrangements to rendezvous at Mr. Barkis’ house which would allow David to have a private moment of reunion with his old nurse.

On his way to Mr. Barkis’ house, David stops at all-in-one draper/tailor/haberdasher/funeral furnishing shop. David recognizes Minnie, Mr. Omer’s daughter, and correctly deduces she has married Mr. Joram, which accounts for the child she is supervising. Presently, David asks for Mr. Omer. When Mr. Omer emerges, David greets him with a friendliness that confounds Mr. Omer. David reminds Mr. Omer of his—David’s—mother’s funeral. By degress, Mr. Omer recognizes David. He tells David about his daughter’s marriage to Mr. Joram and then about Emily. Apparently, for some time, Emily had rubbed many people the wrong way on account of her wish to be a Lady. However, she has made up for it since, apprenticing herself in Mr. Omer’s shop and proving herself able and diligent. Would David like to meet and greet her now? Though David can’t resist taking a peep, he defers their meeting for later.

Presently, David arrives at Mr. Barkis’ residence and comes face to face with his old nurse. Peggotty doesn’t recognize David, however, and no wonder as it has been 7 years since they last met. David milks his stranger’s role for what it’s worth, but it doesn’t take Peggotty long to recognize David. They share tears and hugs. David is brought before Mr. Barkis who is bed-ridden on account of rheumatism. They share remembrances of old times. Then, on a pretext of needing some rest, Mr. Barkis has David leave the room only to recall him and give him a guinea which he has removed from his cache.

When Steerforth arrives, he is warmly welcomed by Peggotty. Steerforth partakes of dinner and then suggests that David stay the night at the Barkis’ residence, as Peggotty would insist on it, while Steerforth will remain in his hotel quarters. At first, David is reluctant to go along with the plan but eventually agrees.

As evening descends, David and Steerforth make their way to Mr. Peggotty’s boathouse. They have decided to drop in unannounced, and it proves to be a boon. When they walk in, they behold Mrs. Gummidge clapping her hands, Emily and Ham holding hands, and Mr. Peggotty in the throes of an immense happiness. By and by, Ham recognizes David and a hearty welcome is extended to David and Steerforth. Emily scampers into a room. Presently, Mr. Peggotty explains the happy circumstance that David and Steerforth have walked into. For some time, Ham had been out of sorts. When Mr. Peggotty found out that the cause of it was that Ham had fallen in love with Emily, he had urged Ham to speak of it to Emily. Too bashful to do so, Ham seemed to have decided to keep it to himself. Meanwhile, there was more than one occasion when Mr. Peggotty thought how secure he would feel to know before he died that Ham would be Emily’s beloved and be there to take of her. Incredibly, his wish had come true tonight. Ham and Emily have decided to get married.

The rest of the evening passes pleasantly. Overcoming her shyness, Emily joins the company. Steerforth proves himself to be the most amiable and gallant fellow, captivating Emily, Mr. Peggotty, Ham, and Mrs. Gummidge alike with his stories and sensitivity. However, as David and Steerforth head back to their respective lodgings for the night, Steerforth alludes to Ham in the most unflattering of terms. David dismisses it as an aberration, and praises his friend as the most capital fellow in the world.