After an NYA meeting at Hyde Park, Mr. Williams assumes Mary will return to Washington, but Mary announces she will stay, having been invited by Eleanor. Sara Roosevelt appears and warmly greets Mary, while Eleanor ushers the others to the special train, minimizing the social shock of hosting a Black guest overnight at the president’s home.

Later, following a garden tour, Eleanor brings Mary to Val-Kill Cottage. Marion and Nan greet Mary with enthusiasm that thinly veils their jealousy over Eleanor’s time. Conversation flows—Marion and Mary connect over girls’ schools, Mary and Nan over politics—giving Eleanor a rare sense of harmony. An aide summons Eleanor to Franklin; she leaves Mary to go to Springwood for dinner with Marion and Nan.

In Franklin’s study, he praises Mary’s persuasive NYA remarks about ensuring Negro youth are properly served by involving Black leaders in program management. Her argument prompts Franklin to consider a structural change: a dedicated NYA division focused on Negro citizens, overseen by Black leadership.

Franklin goes further, proposing that the new office be led by Mary Bethune. Eleanor, elated yet cautious, endorses the idea. The decision promises a senior federal role for a Black woman and moves their shared plan for meaningful Black influence within New Deal programs from aspiration to imminent reality.