Catherine Cookson's The Tide of Life

Emily is happy in her work as housekeeper to Mr & Mrs McGilby, and is able to keep an eye on her sickly sister Lucy while their father is away at sea.

Life at Croft Dene House is not easy. Birch's wife Rona is bed-bound, the couple are constantly at loggerheads, and household retainer Abbie is out to cause trouble. If that wasn't enough, a ghost is reputed to walk the house.

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.