Belle van Zuylen, Madame de Charrière plot
When Belle van Zuylen (Wil van Kralingen) stays in Paris in 1787 to escape the oppressive environment of her husband De Charrière (Kees Hulst), she meets the much younger Benjamin Constant. A fierce friendship develops between them, which is abruptly cut short when Benjamin leaves for England, on the run from creditors and his father. The friendship between Belle and Benjamin is forced to continue by letter. Unexpectedly, as in a dream, he suddenly stands in front of her. Their friendship deepens, but not for long. It seems that Benjamin is afraid of the consequences, and flees her. The friendship comes to an end when Benjamin meets Germaine de Stael. He chooses a new life, a political career in Paris, together with Germaine. Belle stays behind in Switzerland. But she continues to write.