This dramatic romance, set in northern England in the 1830s, centers around Riah Millican, a strong-minded miner's widow who takes a job as housekeeper to the reclusive Percival Miller. He gives her gifts - even educates her children - until Riah finds out the perverted motive behind his generosity and vows to leave his house forever. Miller, however, still exerts a hold on Riah. Will Biddy Riah's bright but willful daughter ever find the happiness and freedom that have eluded her mother as she catches the eye of a wealthy young man? Janet McTeer, Bob Peck, Geraldine Somerville, and Louise Lombard star. Extras include Cookson biographer Piers Dudgeon interview, producer