WhenDorcasandEmmaeachwanttogiveLaurathesamegiftforChristmas,anoldfamilywoundisopenedupandLaurafindsherselftornbetweentwomothers.AstheinhabitantsofLarkRiseandCandlefordprepareforthefestivities,loyaltiesaretestedand,amidthegift-givingandcarol-singing,tensionsarebuilding.However,thearrivalofaragged,barefootedyoungwoman,whogoesbythenameofCinderellaDoe,introducesanoteofChristmasmystery.DorcasalsoreceivesaChristmasletterfromSirTimothy.
