They staggered around the perimeter of the ice clinging together, laughing helplessly, aware that they were every bit as funny as those they had been laughing at earlier. They were behind Beth and her partner now. Matthew gave Esther a little push that sent her sprawling on to the ice and sliding into the couple. Beth shrieked and clung to Robert Eland but he was even more unsure on his feet than she and he fell on to his back, clutching at Beth so that she fell on top of him. Matthew, the only one left standing, could hardly hide his mirth at the flailing legs of the other three, the tangled bodies and petticoats fluttering.

Matthew was beside them, holding out his hand to Beth to help her to her feet, leaving Esther to scramble to hers as best she could unaided. As for Robert Eland, Matthew paid no attention to him whatsoever.

‘Whatever did you make me go an’ do a thing like that for, Matthew Hilton? I’ve never felt such a fool in all me life!’ Esther hissed angrily, but Matthew was paying no attention to her either now.

‘Come on, Beth,’ he was saying, ‘let’s show ’em how it should be done.’ Before Robert or Esther had a chance to make any protest, he put his arm firmly around Beth and skated off with her.

‘Well,’ Esther gasped indignantly, ‘would you look at that?’ she demanded of no one in particular.

‘Aye, I see it,’ said Robert Eland, having now regained his feet. ‘I see it all too well.’

Esther saw the look of anger and jealousy in the man’s eyes as together they watched the other two skating quite expertly. Round and round they went, faster and faster, until the other skaters, most of them still unsteady on the ice, began to move out of their way and to smile and nod towards Matthew and Beth in admiration.

‘I’m no judge of skating, mester,’ Esther said grimly. ‘But I’d say them two’s done this afore – and together!’

She glanced up at the man at her side and saw such an expression of hatred as he glowered at Matthew that she was quite startled. That look was far more than just pique because Matthew had stolen his skating partner. Then, just as she heard Robert mutter, ‘What’s the point of stayin’ here any longer?’ she saw Matthew propel Beth to the side where they were standing and come to a halt in front of them with a flourish and a shower of ice.

They were breathless and laughing. ‘There, didn’t I say we’d show you how it was done?’

‘Showing off, more like,’ Esther said cuttingly.