When their father dies, Martha and Penelope Merrivale are left almost penniless. Rather than submit to their cousin's charity, they find employment as teachers in a Lancashire mill town. Martha finds herself attracted to Ben Seaton, the youngest of the three mill-owners, and brother of one of her charges. When danger threatens Ben's sister, Martha offers to help, though this means putting herself in danger. Historical Fiction/Romance by Anna Jacobs; originally published by Severn House