Eleanor contrasts the joyous Hyde Park family weekend with the gravity of Franklin’s third-term inauguration. Despite celebratory gatherings with Anna, the grandchildren, and other family, she carries private turmoil, strained friendships, and unresolved tensions over a political appointment. She considers confiding in Mary but refuses to burden her, believing Franklin’s presidency best for the country.

At the Capitol, Eleanor forces a cheerful composure, even angling her stance so Earl blocks Steve Woodburn from view. James escorts Franklin to the podium. Franklin’s voice steadies the crowd, and he briefly adopts Eleanor’s framing that a nation, like a body, must be housed, fed, and educated. Eleanor notes Mary’s absence due to illness and reflects on their recent push to secure appointments and opportunities before war overtakes domestic aims.

Moving to the White House, Eleanor shares a tender exchange with Anna and John. She observes Anna’s supportive gesture and John’s independent, peace-leaning views. With the family assembled on a replica of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, Eleanor steels herself against tears, fearing war will divide them but insisting the nation is in capable hands.

The parade eschews spectacle given grim European news, including a Hitler–Mussolini meeting. As troops march, a Virginia colored cavalry regiment appears, a rare, symbolic integration alongside white soldiers. Eleanor hopes Mary will take heart, even as she recoils from celebrating preparations for war.

Concluding, Eleanor accepts that New Deal programs will be curtailed and resolves that she and Mary must adapt their tactics. She commits to continue their shared fight for equality, determined to win that battle even as global conflict intensifies.