In April 1941 at the White House, Eleanor welcomes Mary for what begins as a friendly visit. After brief pleasantries with Eleanor’s secretary, Tommy Thompson, the conversation turns to A. Philip Randolph’s proposed March on Washington. Mary reveals she will quietly support the march and will schedule the NCNW conference for June 28–30 in Washington to enable members to attend the July 1 march.

Eleanor is stunned and hurt, fearing the action will be read as anti‑Roosevelt and could trigger violence. She challenges Mary’s motives, suggesting concern over influence in the Federal Council. Mary explains she tried to negotiate behind the scenes, but Robert Weaver, Bill, and even Walter rejected her approach as pandering; opposing the march would isolate her from her community and undermine future cooperation.

As Eleanor processes the news, she shares her isolation inside a wartime White House under Steve Woodburn’s scrutiny and the overwhelming focus on Lend‑Lease, Allied setbacks, labor strife, and national defense, which sidelines civil rights. She worries change at home is being eclipsed, even as she withholds concerns about the NYA. A lighter moment recalling Louis Howe helps ease the tension.

Resolved, Eleanor sets aside personal hurt. She accepts Mary’s bind but emphasizes the risk of bloodshed and political fallout. Eleanor asks what she can do to stop the march without tainting Mary by association, signaling a plan to pursue a safer alternative while preserving their alliance.