Once the river freezes over and the guests stop coming, Miranda feels much happier, thinking that Nicholas is more aware of her presence once again. One morning the maid, Magda, summons her to Joanna's bedroom, which had never happened before. After criticizing the girl's appearance, Johanna tells her that she must take Katrine into Hudson to see Dr. Hamilton because of a sore finger. She is disappointed, because she had plans to go skating with Nicholas and is looking forward to it. When Nicholas comes in, he decides to go along on the trip because Miranda wouldn't be getting home until after dark and the threat from the tenant farmers is growing.
Their day in town with Katrine proves to be a magical one, and while Miranda feels very much at ease with Nicholas.....
