A Woman of Substance

As her children plot the takeover of her retail empire, Emma Harte plans her own counter-moves against them. Emma started life as a maid in the home of Adam Fairley, the wealthy local mill owner. She works hard not only at the Fairley's but also in her own home taking care of her father, two brothers and a bedridden and dying mother. At the manor house, she is particularly attentive to Mrs. Fairley a depressive alcoholic who is unhappily married and whose sister has effectively replaced her in her marriage. Emma soon strikes a friendship with the youngest son Edwin but develops a deep dislike for the oldest boy Gerald. Mrs. Turner, the Fairley's cook warns her that working folk and the gentry don't mix but Emma doesn't care. When she becomes pregnant, she realizes just how far her friendship with Edwin goes and realizes that he will not do the right thing by her. She decides to take Blackie O'Neill's advice and heads for Leeds.

Now in Leeds, the pregnant Emma Harte learns that Blackie O'Neill has gone to Ireland to care for a sick friend. She finds a place to stay but has tried everywhere to get a job without luck.

As Emma Harte's empire grows, she arranges her assets in such a way as no one knows she is the buyer, noting that most men don't like dealing with a woman on business matters.