Summary

Part Three: Mistress of Monticello

Chapter 32 – It is now the winter of 1812. War with Great Britain is on the horizon as Great Britain continues to attack American vessels and force American sailors to serve in the British Royal Navy. Patsy is happy the entire family is at Monticello. Tom has quit Congress, while their son has quit the University of Pennsylvania, devoting himself to working alongside Tom on the various properties the family owns. Their hard work finally yields good crops. Thomas Jefferson, meanwhile, is more famous in retirement than as President of the United States. He has many visitors, guests, and people seeking favors or money.

Between this and Jefferson’s lavish tastes, Patsy worries for the family’s finances. Jefferson and his grandchildren love one another deeply, and Jefferson always takes time in the evenings to play with them or spend...