Sylvia Dobson's cousin, Philip, lives for her, he loves her totally but Sylvia is in love with seafaring whaler, Charlie Kinraid.

Set in 1790s Yorkshire - the time of the Napoleonic wars. It takes place in Monkshaven (ie.Whitby).

The Press Gangs were always lurking when the whale boats were returning from Greenland with their cargo. They intercepted the boats, seized the men and pressed them into service with the Royal Navy to fight the French.

Elizabeth Gaskell's last (completed) novel dramatised by Ellen Dryden

Elizabeth Gaskell ...... Barbara Flynn
Sylvia ...... Jodie Comer
Philip ...... Graeme Hawley
Charlie Kinraid ...... Chris Connel
Bell ...... Siobhan Finneran
Daniel ..... Paul Copley
Kester/Donkin ...... Jonathan Keeble
Molly ...... Nichola Burley
Mrs. Corney ....... Olwen May

Director: Pauline Harris

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2016. Show less