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

After Elizabeth’s death, Clara realizes one day that she can now open the curtains and let the light into the house. She feels exhilarated when she does so.

Belle journals about how Collis is finally sleeping better again. She thinks it is because he is spending more time with her and Archer, after weeks of mourning Elizabeth and staying away. Despite how much she loves her house, she thinks it important to now leave it behind and move on.

After some months, Collis finally invites Belle to walk with him at Central Park, and Belle emerges out of the shadows for the first time by his side. He invites her and Archer to join him and Clara on an extended work trip to New Orleans the following month; Belle joyfully agrees, though she feels some trepidation when she learns that Edward will be there, too.

In New Orleans, Belle and Clara shop extravagantly and Archer buys books while the Huntington men attend work meetings. On the last day of the trip, Collis proposes marriage. Belle accepts, even as she thinks about Edward and her promise to Elizabeth.

The group travel back to New York by train. Edward approaches her on the second night aboard.