Episode 1
Emma Harte returns to London and discovers that her sons are plotting to have her removed from the hugely successful company she built with her own hands. She liquidates £9m in assets and heads for her home in Yorkshire to prepare for her 80th birthday. While looking through some family albums she recalls her early days working as a maid for the Fairley family.
After taking care of her sick mother, she heads for Fairley Hall and makes friends with Blackie, an Irishman who has come to work for the squire. He tells her that she could make her fortune in Leeds. Mrs Fairley has taken to drink, and rarely leaves her room. Her sister Olivia comes to stay and take over the running of the house. The Hall is understaffed, and Emma creates a work schedule that impresses Olivia.
Both of Mrs Fairley's sons Edwin and Gerald are attracted to Emma. Gerald kicks at Edwin's horse during an argument and nearly makes him fall. Mrs Fairley is furious and slaps Gerald. Edwin and Emma become good friends. Emma helps Mrs Fairley prepare for a party, adjusts her dress and suggests what jewellery she should wear. The party is a great success, but Mrs Fairley realises that her husband is having an affair with Olivia.
Emma's mother Elizabeth dies. Going through her belongings, Emma finds a locket inscribed from 'A to E', dated 1885. Edwin and Emma explore a cave on the moors and find more inscriptions, making it clear that 'A' is Adam is Edwin's father. After a sudden rainstorm they return to the cave and make love. They continue their affair in secret. Mr Fairley goes on a business trip and accompanies Olivia back to London. When Mrs Fairley criticises Gerald's managing of the Mill, he angrily points out that Olivia always goes back to London when his father has to go away on business. Mrs Fairley goes back to drinking, and during the night is killed falling down the stairs.
Emma tells Edwin that she is pregnant. He panics and suggests she get rid of the baby. When she refuses he makes it clear he won't marry her for fear of a scandal. Emma leaves, vowing to never see him again.
