The Middle of May 1820 Summary

Two weeks later, Harriet finally finds a chance to write again. Harriet says that things have been chaotic around Monticello. First, Mr. Bankhead has come back. Mr. Bankhead came to dinner with his wife, his father-in-law, Thomas Mann Randolph, William Thornton and Benjamin Latrobe. When Sally learns that Bankhead will be there, she gives orders to Burwell to keep the brandy from Bankhead.

Harriet is not feeling well, so Sally gives her a homemade concoction to cure her ills and has her sit quietly in the kitchen. Harriet falls asleep. When she wakes, Thruston comes into the kitchen. He sits to eat while Harriet watches and begins to nag her about her decision to take her freedom. Thruston says she should think about what will happen to her when Jefferson dies. When he dies, she will most...