America's First Daughter

In July of 1789, the Bastille falls. Paris is in chaos, and the Jefferson family must flee back to Virginia. William begs Patsy to stay with him in Europe. He fears that once she’s home, Jefferson will never let her go. Patsy protests that she only needs a little time to get her father settled. William says, “You can be a wife and mother or you can be a devoted daughter all your life. You can’t be both. Not when Thomas Jefferson is your father” (213). Patsy insists she’s going to Virginia. William tells her he won’t wait for her return.

Patsy is surprised to learn that James and Sally are going back to America too. Jefferson has offered them an incentive. James will be freed once he’s taught another slave all he knows about French cooking. Sally will be provided for as long as Jefferson lives. Her children will all be freed when they turn 21 years old. Patsy is furious because her own sacrifice is in vain. Her father would never be alone even if she married. After they all return to a dilapidated Monticello, Patsy finds no letter from William waiting for her.