The novel was based around the British colonization into India.

A young girl surviving life as a prostitute in London(I think) gets picked up by a foul smelling man who has syphilis. She goes with him back to his house were there is a strange boy and his servant. She realizes the demented mans plan but it is to late she becomes tabbed after she kills the old man but then gets stuffed into a trunk then thrown into the harbor left to die. Almost dead she was found and brought back to health by a brother and sister who live together and decide to adopt her. When things start to seam to good the past catches up when a man trying to court her recognizes the "fish shaped birth mark" of the girl who killed his father(I think). Who then blackmails her into marrying him, then moves her to India to a hopeful new trading route. Not to long after her arrival she finds out why her new husband hasn't found any interest in her.

Well I hope that's enough info I might not have it quite right but I'm hoping someone may know this book
Thanks

The Linnet Bird (http://www.curledup.com/linnetbi.htm)