The freezing temperatures persisted, and the next day, Jane left her mother and sister-in-law sewing baby bonnets to head off to the pond with Frank. The pathways were laden with frost, and the smoother sections of the street were patterned with the tread of boots. A buzz of voices grew louder as they neared the skaters, and they walked into a hearty gathering. The fresh air had made everyone rosy-cheeked and they were greeted by an array of hats, gloves and capes in every colour of the rainbow. The fresh air was sharp, but neither Frank nor Jane minded that, and they could not help smiling.

Frank tied some straps around the blades he had brought with him and fitted the razor-sharp metal onto the soles of his boots. He took to the ice like a swan to the water, turning and twisting fearlessly to build up speed. He joined with the experienced skaters on the outer edges of the ice whilst the middle of the pond was clogged with novices clinging on to one another and laughing. Jane strolled along the path around the edge, nodding at the other women in fur hats who were doing the same. She chatted for a while with the owner of a boat who was there as a means of rescue if the ice should splinter, but he assured her it would be safe for several days to come. They laughed together when someone fell with a bump and sprawled across the ice.