Patsy Jefferson (Randolph)

Martha “Patsy” Jefferson is the eldest daughter of Thomas Jefferson, and she is the older sister of Polly and Lucy. Patsy is tall, thin, and beautiful, as well as incredibly intelligent and talented. To Patsy, there is no greater charge or duty in life than protecting the reputation of her father, her family, and her country. Everything in her life comes at the expense of loyalty. To this end, Patsy goes to extraordinary lengths. Martha (Patshy's mother) was dying when she asked Patsy to promise her that she would look after her (Patsy's) father.

While in Paris as a teenager, Patsy falls for the older William Short. However, she decides against marrying him in favor of protecting her father. Back in Virginia, Patsy protects her father's reputation, and she marries Tom Randolph. Patsy and Tom become parents of twelve children. Eventually, Tom becomes a jealous drunkard...