At Mary’s home in Daytona at dusk, Eleanor asks for privacy to discuss a troubling matter. Over tea, Eleanor reveals that Steve Woodburn confronted her in a White House hallway, ordering her not to visit Bethune-Cookman and citing warnings from Florida Democrats. Eleanor immediately informed Franklin, who dismissed the concern and refused to discipline Steve, emphasizing Steve’s importance in managing presidential press optics.

Eleanor explains that Steve escalated the warning, claiming her visit could create a perceived conflict of interest that would invalidate Bethune-Cookman’s New Deal funding application. Fearing harm to the school, Eleanor had tried to downplay the trip and even considered canceling, which prompted her earlier evasive call to Mary.

Mary is hurt that Eleanor withheld the threat but accepts the apology. She argues Steve may have fabricated the political pressure, noting other institutions with Roosevelt ties also seek federal funds. Regardless, Mary refuses to be cowed, affirming that the celebration should continue and expressing faith they will find resources even if the government does not.

Resolute, Mary reframes the evening as a chance to honor their shared history. She reveals she has arranged a concert by Roland Hayes, inviting Eleanor to attend together—fulfilling the plan they made at their awkward first luncheon years before and reaffirming their partnership despite political risks.