WhenDorcasandEmmaeachwanttogiveLaurathesamegiftforChristmas,anoldfamilywoundisopenedupandLaurafindsherselftornbetweentwomothersAstheinhabitantsofLarkRiseandCandlefordprepareforthefestivities,loyaltiesaretestedand,amidthegiftgivingandcarolsinging,tensionsarebuildingHowever,thearrivalofaragged,barefootedyoungwoman,whogoesbythenameofCinderellaDoe,introducesanoteofChristmasmysteryDorcasalsoreceivesaChristmasletterfromSirTimothy