I’ve always been fascinated by the Gilded Age, and all of the stunning displays of wealth. No place in the U.S. better showcases the excess of that time than Newport, Rhode Island. The sheer size of the mansions (oh, pardon me, summer cottages) along the eastern coast is enough to take your breath away, but touring one of the mansions is guaranteed to stun you. We toured Marble House, which was the 39th birthday gift to Ava Vanderbilt from her husband, William. Because that’s how the really rich live…