The chapter is a narration by Eleanor Roosevelt dated October 14, 1927 taking place in New York.
Eleanor observes her mother-in-law, Sara Roosevelt, interacting with various guests. She notes her mother-in-law’s disapproval of her projects which fall outside the traditional women's roles and are unrelated to her husband Franklin's political work.
Eleanor recalls a painful incident when she found out about her husband's affair with Lucy Mercer. She decided to leave Franklin but her mother-in-law persuaded her to stay for the sake of their children and Franklin’s political career. The proposal was to remain married but live separate lives, which Eleanor agreed to.
Within the narration, Eleanor has a conversation with educational reformer Mary McLeod Bethune discussing the challenges of running schools and the importance of educating girls from various backgrounds.
Eleanor also shares her frustration with her mother-in-law’s controlling nature, recounting how, even after their marriage, Sara continued to exert control over her and Franklin.
Even though Eleanor and her mother-in-law share the same belief in empowering women, their views differ when it comes to Eleanor focusing on political work and areas beyond homemaking.
The chapter ends with humorous moment where, in the midst of the conversation, Mrs. Bethune refers to their difference not in their skin colors, but in their political affiliations - Eleanor being a Democrat and Mrs. Bethune a Republican.
Mrs. Bethune praises Eleanor for her courage, evident in Eleanor's decision to invite her, a black woman, to a primarily white gathering during an era of intense racial segregation.