Catherine Cookson's The Tide of Life

Emily is happy in her work as housekeeper for the McGilbys and is able to keep an eye on her sickly sister Lucy while their father is away at sea.

Emily takes a job as a housekeeper for Burch and his wife. Mysterious happenings lead people to believe the house is haunted.

Left with nothing but a small allowance and deserted by Lizzie Rowan, Birch reluctantly latches onto Emily.