Speaking as an elderly author looking back, David reflects on what his life had been like at around the time he had attained the age of 21.
Financially, on account of his having mastered the art of reporting Parliamentary debates and on account of his success at freelance writing for magazines, David has achieved a sort of independence. Subsequently, David moves to a cottage, and Miss Lavinia and Miss Clarissa give Dora their consent to marry David. As preparations are made, Dora’s aunts make such a fuss over Dora that David and Dora hardly have a private moment. Meanwhile, Peggotty diligently cleans David’s and soon to be Dora’s cottage.
Presently, David attains his marriage license and gives it to Traddles for safe keeping. Guest arrive for the pending marriage ceremony, and David’s happiness is so great that he has a hard time believing that he is actually getting married to Dora.
David beholds Dora in her wedding gown on the day before the wedding. Still, David cannot believe that he is actually getting married to Dora.
On the day of the wedding, David escorts his aunt to the church. There everyone has assembled, including Mr. Dick, who will give Dora’s hand to David, Traddles’ sweetheart Sophy, who will be a bridesmaid and whom David sees as Traddles’ ideal mate, and Agnes, whose presence especially delights Dora.
The marriage ceremony is followed by a sumptuous meal at the end of which David and Dora go off on their honeymoon. And still David can’t believe that what has happened has happened.