Alva

Alva is a young lady of southern descent. She and several of her friends have fallen upon difficult times after the Civil War and have devoted themselves to charity work in New York City. Alva spends her time with her childhood best friend, Consuelo Yznaga. As Alva’s family hardships persist, she realizes that she will need to marry exceptionally well in order to improve her circumstances. Alva sets her sights on William Vanderbilt and they begin courting. Once they are married, Alva enjoys William’s company, but knows that she does not love him as a wife hopes to love a husband. Alva begins to have children, and she is happy with her role as a wife and mother while still desiring to use her intelligence to affect change in New York City.

She is devoted to charity work and elevating the Vanderbilt family. As rumors begin...