"When her family's farm fails, Barbary Whiteside is forced to find employment in a cotton mill in Preston, where she finds things difficult. After an unfortunate incident, Barbary is dismissed by the owner's son, Daniel Townsend, who then offers her the post of companion to his mother. Barbary loves working for Mrs. Townsend. She also finds herself becoming more and more drawn to Daniel, but she has to accept that he belongs to another or so it seems."--Back cover.