Six sisters, referred to as princesses, live in a nursery under the care of a governess, Miss Burton, who is strict and lacks understanding of their need for play and imagination. The eldest, Helen, and the youngest, Baby, along with their four other sisters—Ginevra, Agatha, Elspeth, and Belinda—struggle with their limited toys and books. Ginevra, or Jinny, takes the lead in their imaginative play, often lamenting their dull existence and dreaming of a doll to play with. The sisters discuss their situation, comparing themselves to imprisoned princesses. Jinny devises a plan to acquire a doll, believing that a true princess would take matters into her own hands. She enlists the help of a boy from next door, known for his red hair, who agrees to buy a doll with money he can gather from selling a silver mug that Jinny possesses. The sisters eagerly anticipate the arrival of the doll, each expressing their preferences for its appearance. As Christmas approaches, Jinny's excitement builds, but she struggles to keep her plan a secret. When the boy returns with the doll, the sisters are initially disappointed to find it is a dressed china doll, not the beautiful, interactive doll they had envisioned. Despite their initial dismay, they resolve to make the best of the situation, showing affection for the doll and planning to create new clothes for it. On Christmas Eve, they receive a letter from their Aunt Ginevra, announcing her return and promising gifts. The sisters are overjoyed when a large box arrives containing six exquisite dolls, each more beautiful than the last. They celebrate their newfound happiness, but Jinny feels guilty about her earlier actions and worries about the fate of her old doll. Ultimately, Aunt Ginevra is understanding and compassionate, assuring the sisters that they will be happy together. The story concludes with the sisters embracing their new life, with Jinny learning the value of patience and the importance of family. The old doll is repurposed as a maid for the new dolls, symbolizing the sisters' growth and the joy of their reunion with their aunt.
By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1890 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure