The First Ladies
by Marie Benedict
Contents
Chapter 22
Overview
On Inauguration Day amid a banking panic, Franklin Roosevelt takes the oath and delivers his "fear itself" message. Eleanor resolves to redefine the First Lady role, heeding Edith Roosevelt’s counsel and considering racial equality alongside women and children’s issues. That morning, Lorena “Hick” Hickok confessed love and gave Eleanor a ring, prompting cautious openness and renewed courage.
Summary
On March 4, 1933, Eleanor watches Franklin Roosevelt place his hand on a seventeenth-century Dutch Bible as Chief Justice Charles Evan Hughes administers the oath. Concerned by Franklin’s tremor and the need to project strength, she notes the nation’s deepening crisis: bank failures, market closures, and anxious crowds listening by radio.
Surrounded by family—Anna and her children, James aiding Franklin, Elliott with his bride, and sons Brud and John—Eleanor hears Franklin declare, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” The words land anew, shifting her focus from doubt to resolve. Remembering Edith Roosevelt’s advice to follow her conscience amid fickle public opinion, Eleanor decides she will fulfill expected duties yet refuse the traditional constraints that defined Mrs. Hoover’s tenure.
Eleanor commits to continuing her professional work—columns, radio, speeches—and advocacy for women and children, and she contemplates cautiously advancing racial equality informed by conversations with Mary. She accepts that she must maintain friendships with Marion and Nan despite relinquishing teaching and Val-Kill responsibilities.
Earlier that morning at the Mayflower, Lorena “Hick” Hickok visited under the pretense of an interview, then privately offered a sapphire ring and confessed romantic feelings. Acknowledging the complexities of her marriage and public position, Eleanor asked for time, uncertain but moved. She now wears the ring, recognizing a tender shift while keeping boundaries.
As celebrations loom—the parade, White House tea, fireworks, and the inaugural ball—Eleanor resolves to embody the fearlessness Franklin urges in the nation. She chooses to don a blue lamé dress despite lingering insecurities, signaling her intention to chart an independent, activist path as First Lady.
Who Appears
- Eleanor RooseveltNarrator; witnesses FDR’s inauguration, commits to an activist First Lady role, weighs civil rights, and responds cautiously to Hick’s confession.
- Franklin D. RooseveltTakes the presidential oath, delivers the “fear itself” address amid a banking crisis; leans on son James for support.
- Lorena “Hick” HickokJournalist friend who privately confesses love to Eleanor and gifts a sapphire ring; agrees to give Eleanor time.
- Edith RooseveltAdvises Eleanor to follow her conscience despite public scrutiny, shaping Eleanor’s approach to the First Lady role.
- James RooseveltEldest son; stands beside Franklin during the oath and assists him to the podium.
- Sara Delano RooseveltFranklin’s mother; attends proudly as Eleanor wonders if she will move into the White House.
- Lou HooverOutgoing First Lady; awkward car ride to the Capitol; her conventional approach becomes Eleanor’s counterexample.
- MarionClose friend present at the ceremony; will remain at Val-Kill as Eleanor resolves to stay connected.
- NanClose friend present at the ceremony; connected to Todhunter School; Eleanor intends to maintain the friendship.
- Chief Justice Charles Evan HughesAdministers the presidential oath to Franklin at the inauguration.
- Anna RooseveltDaughter; attends with her husband and children, part of the family gathering.
- Elliott RooseveltSon; attends with his new bride during the inauguration.
- BrudSon; home from school to attend the ceremony with family.
- John RooseveltYoungest son; home from school to attend the inauguration.