In the 1830's in northern England, Riah Millican, a widow with three children, takes 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 laundress 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.
Bob Peck
as Percival Miller
Janet McTeer
as Riah Millican
Geraldine Somerville
as Biddy Millican
Jonathan Firth
as Paul Gallmington
David Hunt
as Laurence Gallmington
Brendan P. Healy
as Tol Briston
Jean Anderson
as Madame Gallmington
Christopher Benjamin
as Anthony Gallington
Wendy Williams
as Grace Gallmington
Aran Bell
as Stephen Gallmington
Louise Lombard
as Lucy Gallmington
Madeleine Moffat
as Jessie Hobson
