The Middle of August 1822 Summary

Harriet is at Gordon's Tavern, where she will await Thad's arrival the next morning. So much has happened this day that she can hardly contain it all. The carriage ride is as easy as it could be, with Mr. Petit telling Harriet stories of when her mother was young and he accompanied her to Paris with young Maria, Jefferson's deceased daughter. When they reach the tavern, they share a supper, and Mr. Petit offers suggestions to Harriet to help her acquaint herself with this new world she has just entered.

When Harriet goes up to bed, a young chambermaid comes with her daughter to help Harriet dress for bed. Harriet has never been dressed for bed by anyone but her own mother and is delighted with the attention. The chambermaid tells Harriet what beautiful hair she has...