Gideon's spirits soared right alongside Billie's, then fell flat as Miss Robins did. He skated over. It crossed his mind that perhaps he ought to let her get up on her own, as this was hardly a dignified position for a young woman to be in — but Billie was already in her face, not allowing her much dignity anyway. He gave her a sympathetic look and offered a hand.

"You did nearly have it, that time," he said encouragingly. "Now getting up can be a bit of an ordeal. Dig your skates in, so you don't slip." He bit his lip, trying but mostly failing to stop the smile that had started to creep in as he remembered the rather splendid way she'd fallen. "And next time you might try turning a bit sooner and slower."