Based on the novel by celebrated writer Frances Hodgson Burnett (The Secret Garden), this is the story of the educated but penniless Emily (Lydia Wilson, South Riding).

During her duties as a lady's companion for Lady Maria (Joanna Lumley, Absolutely Fabulous), she meets her employer's wealthy widower nephew, Lord James Walderhurst (Linus Roache, The Wings of the Dove). Accepting his practical if unromantic marriage proposal, Emily finds solace in the company of Walderhurst's nephew Alec Osborn (James D'Arcy) and his glamorous wife, Hester (Hasina Haque), after Lord James leaves to re-join his regiment. Emily, alone with the Osborns in an isolated country estate, increasingly comes under their control and begins to fear for her life. Will Walderhurst return in time to save her?