In Hyde Park, Mary settles into a guest room at Val-Kill with Langston Hughes’s The Ways of White Folks when Eleanor visits late at night. After confirming Mary’s comfort, Eleanor shifts to an urgent, confidential matter. She reveals that Franklin intends to create an NYA division specifically for Negro youth and wants a colored director—then adds, “He wants you!” Mary is stunned, grateful, and agrees to keep the news secret until the announcement.

They mark the moment with gingerbread and vanilla ice cream, savoring both the victory and its promise for young people. Conversation turns to family: Mary explains being called “Mother Dear,” her joy as a grandmother, and Eleanor invites her to bring Albert Jr. to Val-Kill someday. The warmth underscores how personally meaningful the appointment will be for Mary’s lifelong mission.

Shifting topics, Mary asks about Eleanor’s friends Nan and Marion, who are visiting. Eleanor admits tensions over requests and distance since moving to the White House, then confirms the pair are in a “Boston marriage.”

Gathering her courage, Eleanor confides that she, too, is in a Boston marriage of sorts with Hick, a reporter she deeply loves. She notes Franklin largely ignores her outside work and family needs, and she tries not to dwell on his attentions from other women. Mary responds with steady, unconditional support, affirming Eleanor’s right to love and be loved with respect.

The night ends with renewed closeness. Mary holds the secret of her pending appointment and looks ahead to directing the NYA’s Negro division, while Eleanor’s trust in Mary strengthens their alliance for reforms that center Negro youth and dignity.