The House of Eve

William starts picking Eleanor up from Ware’s after her shifts, and they study together at the library. For Christmas, he gives her a book of Phillis Wheatley poems. He eventually takes Eleanor to brunch at his parents’ house, and she is overwhelmed by its grandeur. She is also surprised to see white people at the brunch and hear talk of “Country-ass Negros” (80). Eleanor then realizes that the people at the party are Black; they just look pale. The only dark-skinned people there are her and the servants.

William introduces Eleanor to his father, Dr. William Pride Sr., who is welcoming—but his mother, Rose Pride, is less accepting. Greta appears and asks William about getting together, but he politely refuses. Eleanor feels like she does not fit in, and Greta tells her to leave William alone if she wants to become an ABC. Later, Nadine tells Eleanor how important William’s family is in the Black community in Washington, DC.

Inez has yet to retrieve Ruby and does not get her a Christmas present. Aunt Marie helps with Grandma Nene, so Ruby is no longer late to her Saturday enrichment classes. Ruby has exams coming up, and must earn a certain grade in order to stay in the We Rise program.