In the 1830's in northern England, Riah Millican, a widow with three children, take a job as housekeeper to a reclusive former teacher, Percival Miller. Miller makes Riah the gift of a black velvet gown, and even educates her children. But when Riah discovers the reason behind Miller's gifts, she vows to leave his house, but Miller has a hold on her, even after his death, when he leaves his house to her on the condition that she never marry. Riah's daughter, Biddy grows up, and becomes a laudress in a large house, where her education keeps her from fitting in and makes her a target. But it also catches the eye of a son of the house, and with Miller's legacies, Biddy may yet find her way to happiness.

Starring:

Alan Hockey, Aran Bell, Bob Peck, Christopher Benjamin, David Hunt, David Oliver, Donald Bisset, Geraldine Somerville, Harry Herring, Ian Cullen, James Garbutt, Janet McTeer, Jean Anderson, Jon Croft, Jonathan Firth, Lizzie McKenzie, Louise Lombard, Madeleine Moffat, Margo Stanley, Roger Low, Val McLane, Wendy Williams

Genre:

Drama