Belinda Portman, living in the care of her aunt, Selina Stanhope, reaches age 17. By social convention, she is ready now to be married. Mrs. Stanhope, accomplished in the art of “rising in the world” (3), is familiar with the strategies for successful matchmaking. She has already secured suitable matches for her other six nieces. Mrs. Stanhope determines Belinda will relocate to London to live with family friends, Lord and Lady Delacour, in their mansion in Berkeley Square. In London, Belinda can take advantage of the Delacours’ prominent social standing—the couple is known for throwing lavish, stylish parties—and ultimately find a suitable husband.

Initially Belinda is impressed by the Delacours, their well-appointed home, and their lavish lifestyle. Lady Delacour takes a particular interest in Belinda, and the young girl is deeply appreciative of the care Lady Delacour takes to introduce her to the ways of London’s high society. Gradually, however, Belinda comes to see how much of Lady Delacour’s behavior masks a profound sadness. The Delacours have little real money but nevertheless spend lavishly on a lifestyle designed to impress their social circle. Lord Delacour is a distant and unloving man, a reprobate who drinks to excess and largely ignores his wife.