In May 1933, Eleanor Roosevelt confronts the domestic expectations of the First Lady’s role and restructures her days to protect time for public work. She formalizes daily meetings with housekeeper Mrs. Henry Nesbitt, the usher, social secretary Mrs. Edith Helm, and her key aide, Malvina “Tommy” Thompson, to support her writing, travel, and outreach tied to New Deal explanations.

Recalling Hick’s counsel, Eleanor embraces a bold innovation: her own press conferences, reserved for women reporters, to share her plans and bolster female journalists’ employment. The memory underscores Eleanor’s growing confidence and her deepening, carefully contained intimacy with Hick.

That morning, Mrs. Helm interrupts to flag an unscheduled tea and hesitates because the guest is “colored.” Eleanor insists all visitors are welcome and official, directing that the guest be shown up. Mary McLeod Bethune arrives, and after warm greetings, they settle in for tea and pastries prepared by Mrs. Nesbitt.

They exchange updates: Mary, strained by Depression-era fundraising at Bethune-Cookman, and Eleanor, regretful about leaving her beloved teaching at Todhunter and trialing economical menus in the White House. When Eleanor asks about Mary’s trip, Mary describes the Rosenwald conference’s disappointing turnout and her concern that Black Americans may be excluded from New Deal opportunities.

Eleanor states her desire to shape the First Lady role toward helping women and Black communities and asks for Mary’s guidance. Though Mary says she came only to check on a friend, she accepts Eleanor’s offer as FDR’s early New Deal bills pass swiftly. The meeting ends with mutual resolve to collaborate on ensuring the New Deal serves everyone.