In the last episode of the series, Barbara confesses her troubled marriage to Jennifer, but also senses something wrong between her mother and Ted. Dr. Wincott cautions the Rileys about the limits of rehabilitation. Brian wants to make Christmas plans with an ambivalent Jane. Barbara reaches a very important decision about her future. At the Hammond staff Christmas party, Ted and Jennifer wonder if they can survive. Brian encourages Merroney to follow April to Barbados, and he finally chooses between his wife and his career. David realizes that all he really wants is Jill. Jane and Brian ponder marriage. Mary confronts Merroney over the end of Hammond Transport and, possibly, the end of the Hammond family.
In the 1830's in northern England, Riah Millican, a widow with three children, takes a job as housekeeper to a reclusive former teacher, Percival Miller. Miller makes Riah the gift of a black velvet gown, and even educates her children. But when Riah discovers the reason behind Miller's gifts, she vows to leave his house, but Miller has a hold on her, even after his death, when he leaves his house to her on the condition that she never marry. Riah's daughter, Biddy, grows up and becomes a laundress in a large house where her education keeps her from fitting in and makes her a target. But it also catches the eye of a son of the house, and with Miller's legacies, Biddy may yet find her way to happiness.
