After Jefferson retires, Monticello becomes a destination for a variety of visitors seeking to meet the former president. Patsy’s oldest daughter, Ann, marries Charles Bankhead who proves to be a wastrel with a fondness for drink. One evening, in a drunken rage, Charles nearly kills Patsy when she denies him access to any more liquor. Tom arrives on the scene and splits Charles’ head open with a poker.

When war with Britain is declared, Tom and his eldest son, Jeff, volunteer. Before he departs, Tom shows Patsy his will, leaving her everything. Patsy tries to have Tom reassigned to a non-combat role. Tom is furious at his wife’s interference. This issue creates a rift between them that will not heal for years. Tom goes off to lead a regiment of Virginia cavalry while Jeff is assigned to an artillery company. Patsy watches them go, unsure if she will see either one alive again.

Once the war with Britain ends, Jeff returns home and announces he’s found a bride named Jane. Patsy and Ann go to call on the girl’s mother. She disapproves of Jane marrying a planter instead of a merchant.

On the return trip, Ann’s drunken husband intercepts their carriage.