The February wind is bitter as we leave the school grounds on Saturday morning. There is still frost on the ground because the girls insisted that we leave straight from breakfast. It's not even nine am and we're well on our way up the drive.

Ben and Alex are squabbling about some game they were playing last night. Abby seems to find their behaviour entertaining. Melody is quiet, but she doesn't seem unhappy as she walks beside me. She shivers even though she looks snug, wrapped up in ...