In 1917, a young, recently orphaned heiress, accidentally knocks over an urchin foraging in one of her factory's trash bins. Before she can apologize, the urchin makes his escape, disappearing behind vines growing against the stone wall surrounding a great wooded estate. Overcome by curiosity, she follows, discovering a surprising land of wild animals, woods, river, lake, and a grand English manor. When a second urchin leads her deep into the woods where they secretly observe a band of quarreling urchins who at night make the woods their home, she vows to return the very next day, not realizing the dangers looming ahead: the serenity of the Great Woods is about to be shattered by intrigue, clandestine attempts to murder the Lord of the Great Woods, and she has become the focus an attempt to gain possession of her fortune and freedom.