Chapter 21 Summary

Back in Kentucky, Tom's letter has been received at the Shelby plantation and Mrs. Shelby once again raises the issue of buying Tom back so he may return to Aunt Chloe and the children. Unfortunately, Mr. Shelby's financial situation has not improved enough that this is possible, so Mrs. Shelby declares she will make efforts on Tom's behalf and give music lessons for a fee. Mr. Shelby will not consider the disgrace of having his wife earning money and flatly denies the request.

Aunt Chloe is moved by Mrs. Shelby's attempts and learns there is an opportunity for her to earn some money by being employed at a confectioner's shop not far away. Mrs. Shelby makes the arrangements so that Aunt Chloe can leave and Aunt Chloe is buoyed at the thought of earning money, which will help return Tom to the Shelby...