A Well-Behaved Woman 3 (Pages 124 - 189)

 WK's grandfather, the Commodore, died. Cornelius Vanderbilt (May 27, 1794 – January 4, 1877), nicknamed "the Commodore", was an American business magnate who built his wealth in railroads and shipping.

He left most of his fortune to only one of his sons, and a million to his grandchildren, so Alva and WK found themselves well-heeled.

Around this time Alva was pregnant, and she had a daughter she named Consuelo after her best friend.  She was born on 2 March 1877

Consuelo Yznaga Montagu also had a son. He was born on 3 March 1877, just a day apart from Consuelo Vaderbilt. 

Jenny, Alva's sister, become engaged to Fernando Yznaga, and they marry. 

Alva realises that marriage has nothing romantic, and the physical side is a turmoil. Yet, we discover how she feels drawn to her husband's friend, Oliver Belmont. He was an American banker, socialite, and politician.

Alva and WK decide to have a summer house built in Oakdale. In 1878, Alva and William Kissam Vanderbilt began building a lavish, wooden 110-room home known as Idle Hour on the Connetquot River. The building, initially completed in 1882, was designed by Richard Morris Hunt. 

Alva's second child is a son, named after his father. He was born on October 26, 1878.