An American Beauty: A Novel of the Gilded Age Inspired by the True Story of Arabella Huntington Who Became the Richest Woman in the Country

In a journal entry, Belle reflects on how her dreams of a grand home have turned into reality with her house in Manhattan, despite having to share with Johnny.

Collis arranges two houses just blocks apart: One for Belle and himself with Johnny on a separate floor, and one for Belle’s family. The latter arrive and are awestruck as they take in their new home, staff and all. While Belle’s sisters seem cowed, Belle notices that Catherine moves with confidence, as if this life is familiar to her.

Belle settles into her noisy new life. During good weather, she and Collis ride through Central Park together in a closed carriage. In the winter, Belle and her family go ice skating, and Emma meets an admirer: Mr. Thies Warnken from Texas.

Belle loves her new life with house and staff. However, while the latter are discreet, the neighbors are beginning to notice Collis and her relationship. Belle and Johnny are invited over for tea by the Harcourts, and Mrs. Harcourt makes a comment about Collis’s visits at all times of day. Johnny brushes this off saying that Collis is a family friend and like a father to Belle, but he calls them “bosom intimates.