The First Ladies

Back at Mary’s house, Eleanor explains to Mary that Eleanor was warned many times not to come to Daytona. Steve Woodburn warned her that he got a call from Democrats in Florida saying she’d face “unfortunate” circumstances if she visited. When she told Franklin about Steve’s commanding behavior, he said Steve was too valuable to fire, as he’s a large part of why the press doesn’t photograph Franklin in his braces or wheelchair. Steve also threatened that since Bethune-Cookman College applied for grant money through the New Deal, a public relationship between Eleanor and the school would present a conflict of interest for the administration, and the school’s request for money would be void. Eleanor apologizes profusely for not sharing the truth sooner, but Mary was insistent she come visit. Mary calms her, as she knows Eleanor was trying to support her and the school. Mary also says the threats about the Democrats could be fake, and she always finds funding.

In Baltimore, Maryland, in 1940, Mary is in the hospital. She thinks her years of working so hard have caught up with her as she’s experiencing severe bronchitis and sinus infections. She is recovering well, but Albert Sr. fusses over her.