July 13, 1822 Summary

Harriet has passed her twenty-first birthday, and she is nervous about her future. On this night, Harriet finds the paper from Beverly. It is clear that Peter Carr cannot be either her or Beverly's father because he simply was not at Monticello when they were conceived. Harriet is happy about this, but she is sad because the appearance of the paper means that Beverly is leaving.

Harriet waits until very late before she slips out of the house to meet Beverly. Beverly is waiting in the orchard, dressed in gentlemen's clothing with one of Jefferson's horses. Harriet is surprised by all this. Beverly says that Sally got him the clothes, and he figured the horse is the least Jefferson owes him. Beverly tells Harriet that Sally got the freedom papers for Beverly. Beverly also wants Harriet to know something about Jefferson. He has...