The freedom she felt in riding the bicycle was incomparable. But it was odd. Had she felt alarmed by the rush of the breeze before? She couldn't remember. When had she become so anxious?

'It was wonderful. But it made me nervous. I don't remember being this frightened of a bicycle ride. Which makes me feel rather old' she confessed.

'You're only as old as you feel' shrugged Maria.

'I admit I am not as energetic or as limber as yourself. Not anymore.'

'That's why you need to cycle and swim as much as possible' declared Maria.

'I've forgotten most of my swimming. It could be much improved. Callisthenics was what we girls were given instruction in. Much more suitable.'

The Baroness was every inch a lady. Even when riding a bicycle. It was a fettered demeanour Maria could not hope to learn.

'I admire that you can make everything look so effortlessly elegant, Baroness.'

Elsa's laugh was sparkling. The breeze billowed her skirt and the sunlight caught careless strands of her hair. There was an artless flush to her face. Maria thought she was enchanting.

'Oh it takes practice. Many years invested in learning how to embody perfection. It becomes second nature to gauge a situation or a mood before responding diplomatically. Men think they are the only ones who know the art of diplomacy but it's an essential part of being a woman. Men just don't give us credit.'

A virtue Maria was sorely lacking.

'Did that make you happy?'

Elsa thought about it.

'I have enjoyed feeling safe and content. It's the most security a woman can have.'

It was a careful measured response. Was that years of training that was speaking or was she really incapable of experiencing pure delight?

'Haven't you ever woken up one day and felt so excited that you feel like you might burst? That the world is so marvellous that you want to run up to the mountains and jump for joy at the sunshine powering your soul? That first piece of bread at breakfast tastes like the best thing you have ever eaten?'

Elsa was looking at her with wide eyes, astounded at the enthusiasm the other woman was expounding. She'd rarely been in the company of spontaneous people. Joy was discreetly displayed in her circle.

'Why Maria, you make it sound so simple.'

'But is! That's what pleasures are, simple. And you need so little of it per day.'

Elsa looked at her like she had escaped from an asylum.

'It is usual to be so happy about everything, Maria?' She enquired.

'For me it is. I know that doesn't make me usual. I've been told so.'

'Yes. Quite.'

Elsa looked like she was reconsidering her acquaintanceship with Maria. Maria had expected that expression to have appeared much earlier on, perhaps on the same day as meeting her but Elsa was made of sterner stuff than that.

'The view is lovely. Thank you for this' she acknowledged. 'Although a view is always better with a drink, I find.'

Maria smiled and brought out a flask.

'Not what you're used to, Baroness but I hope it will do.'

Elsa sniffed it and smiled. She had begun to develop a taste for pink lemonade.

'You always manage to surprise me, Maria.'