Chapter 65

Contains spoilers

Summary

  • The chapter opens with Mary's return to the White House after a severe asthma attack that kept her away for months.
  • She reflects on her doubts about her continued role in Washington due to budget cuts to programmes she worked for and her failing health.
  • Mary revels in the warm reception from her dear friend Eleanor Roosevelt and they catch up on their lives during Mary's illness.
  • Eleanor has been on an international stage, while Mary has been on sick leave, leading to doubts and fears in Mary's mind about their continued partnership.
  • They also discuss Mary's health situation, her recovery, and the ongoing role of the FBI in her life, probing her associations with political figures.
  • Eleanor reveals that she has a new project in mind for them, regarding the arduous training of the Tuskegee pilots.
  • The Tuskegee pilots are a team of African-American pilots trained to a high level of proficiency, but unable to go to war due to racial discrimination.
  • With a recent law passed that enables African-Americans to be drafted without any restrictions, Eleanor proposes that they use it as a tool to put the Tuskegee pilots into active duty.
  • The idea is to draw attention to the pilots' skills and readiness and create public outcry at their being held back due to racial discrimination.
  • Being presented with this new project makes Mary feel revived and filled with purpose, and she eagerly agrees to join Eleanor in making a visit to Tuskegee.
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