In July 1895, the upper crust of New York society has relocated to Newport, Rhode Island, to indulge in a season filled with lavish balls, elegant garden gatherings, and competitive yacht races. Reporting on these high-society events for the women’s section of the Newport Observer is Emma Vanderbilt-Cross, a bold and intrepid writer of twenty-one, who is connected by family to the affluent Vanderbilt lineage.