Elsie's Friends at Woodburn

A biting winter storm has finally eased, allowing Max Raymond and his cousin Evelyn Leland to make their way to the grand Oaks estate in a close‑drawn carriage. Their conversation drifts between the chill of the season and the anticipation of holiday festivities, peppered with fond memories of family and the bittersweet absence of a younger sister who cannot attend. As they glide past snow‑laden fields, the moonlight casts a soft glow that turns the landscape into a quiet, almost magical tableau.

When the mansion’s lights flicker on, Mrs. Dinsmore greets them with warm smiles, promising tea and cheer inside. The house is already bustling with familiar faces—cousins, friends, and the younger Travilla children—each poised to share stories and games throughout the Christmas season. In this cozy, snow‑kissed setting, old friendships are rekindled and new ones begin to blossom, setting the stage for a heart‑warming holiday adventure.