Belinda. Volume 2, Chapters 16 and 17: Domestic Happiness and Rights of Woman Summary

Belinda finds the family at Oakly Park very welcoming and is extremely impressed with their way of life. She is convinced by their example that domestic bliss is the best kind of happiness. She writes to her aunt to explain firstly that the rumor is not true, and secondly that she will not accept Baddely's proposal as her aunt wishes, as she cannot love him. Her aunt angrily writes back that she will no longer help or care for Belinda if she does not marry Baddely. Belinda is upset to have to disobey her aunt, but will not marry a man she cannot love and respect.

At Oakly Park, Belinda meets Mr. Vincent, a Creole (white man born in the West Indies) who owns a...