Great Aunt Eliza's ninetieth birthday is approaching. She is still in good health for her age. She is also young at heart. In the continuing disagreements between the Ward sisters, Janet wants to hold an intimate family dinner to mark the occasion, whereas Abigail wants a more formal and dignified tea for a larger group. Abigail unilaterally makes arrangements for such at the White Sands. The sisters also disagree about inviting Eliza's cousin, Winifred Ward. With Winifred being even older than Eliza, Janet feels the trip for Winifred from Charlottetown will be too difficult for her to handle, but again Abigail unilaterally decides to invite her, she who does come to Avonlea. Upon Winifred's arrival, it is obvious to all that she is verging on dementia, which Dr. Snow confirms. Stories emerge of a man named Owen Briar, who Winifred and Eliza both loved when they were younger. Winifred still owns a silver keepsake box from him. Although Eliza and Winifred have always loved each other, the issue of Owen has always placed a wedge between them. Regardless, Eliza vows to keep a pledge to Winifred that someday the two will go back to England together.
—Huggo