Emily is living a happy life as the housekeeper for the McGilbys. After the death of Mrs. McGilby, she and Sep grow closer. Back at her family home, while her father is away at sea, her stepmom takes in a tenant with tragic consequences.
Emily takes a job as a housekeeper for Burch and his invalid wife. Mysterious happenings lead people to believe the house is haunted. Lucy's cough worsens. Con is blamed for getting a girl with child.
Left with nothing but a small allowance and deserted by Lizzie Rowan, Birch reluctantly latches onto Emily. He makes it clear that he will never marry her, but she happily moves into his rundown cottage and the pair become lovers.
