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.
as Percival Miller
as Riah Millican
as Biddy Millican
as Paul Gallmington
as Laurence Gallmington
as Tol Briston
as Madame Gallmington
as Anthony Gallington
as Grace Gallmington
as Stephen Gallmington
as Lucy Gallmington
as Jessie Hobson
as Annie Griston
as Doctor Pritchard
as Mr. Morgan
as Fanny Briggs
as Mrs. Fulton
as Older Davey Millican
as Younger Davey Millican
as Older Johnny Millican
as Younger Johnny Millican
as Younger Biddy Millican
as Parson Weeks
as Jean Bitton
as Mrs. Fitzsimmons
as Thomas Froggett
as Yarrow
as Lodgekeeper
as Florrie McNulty
as Madame Arnaud
as Beckett
