Sylvia marries Philip, believing Charlie to be dead. But chaos descends when Charlie returns, and Sylvia discovers Philip has lied to her.

Set in Yorkshire in the 1790's - the time of the Napoleonic wars, in Monkshaven (ie.Whitby), during the time of the Press Gangs, who intercepted the fishing boats, seized the men and pressed them into service with the Royal Navy to fight the French.

Conclusion of Elizabeth Gaskell last (completed) novel

Elizabeth Gaskell ..... Barbara Flynn
Sylvia ...... Jodie Comer
Philip ........ Graeme Hawley
Bell ....... Siobhan Finneran
Daniel ...... Paul Copley
Charlie ...... Chris Connell
Kester/Duncan ....... Jonathan Keeble
Molly ..... Nichola Burley
Hester/Mrs Kinraid ..... Verity Henry

Dramatised by Ellen Dryden

Director: Pauline Harris

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