‘Then it’s decided,’ Lady Joan said. ‘Come around for supper and choose your dog.’

‘It’s very kind of you,’ my mother said. ‘But we leave for Naivasha in a few weeks, and of course, there’s Christmas before that …’

‘And Race Week,’ I said, suddenly more awake. ‘Freddie’ll be showing us around then.’

‘Lord Hamilton?’ Sir Edward asked.

‘Yes.’

‘Did you know him before you came out?’

‘We met him the other night,’ my mother said, frowning at me.

Sir Edward raised his eyebrows. ‘That might be his fastest work yet.’

‘I’m sorry?’

‘The government officials have a name for that crowd,’ Lady Joan said. ‘The Happy Valley set.’

My mother looked helpless again. ‘I’m not sure I understand.’

‘The “Valley” is because they live in the Wanjohi Valley region. The “Happy” …’ She glanced at Maud and then me. ‘I wouldn’t really like to say.’

‘Freddie’s a decent sort,’ Sir Edward said. ‘He takes his farming seriously. And he’s going to be High Constable of Scotland when his father dies. That’ll force him to grow up.’

‘I liked him,’ I said.

‘He’s very charming,’ Lady Joan said, ‘and you’re very young. But he’s not a good friend to have.’

I fixed my gaze over her shoulder so I wouldn’t have to look at her properly. I’d changed my mind – she wasn’t pretty at all.

‘He’s her third husband,’ she continued. ‘And I’ve heard bad things about their new guests – the de Croÿs. I don’t believe Madame de Croÿ is a good influence.’

‘You don’t know her,’ I blurted.

Lady Joan gave me an odd look.

‘We shouldn’t keep you,’ my mother said, holding out her hand again. ‘And it’s very kind of you to invite us over. I know William will be delighted to meet you.’

Sir Edward touched his wife gently on the shoulder. ‘Come on, Joanie,’ he said. ‘We should be getting back.’

‘I’ll be in touch about the League,’ she said.

‘Please do.’

They headed off.

My mother turned to Maud. ‘Can you run out to the front of the hotel, darling, and see if your father is there yet?’

She waited until we were alone before beckoning me to her and twisting my ear viciously until it couldn’t go any further. I bit my tongue to stop myself from crying out. ‘Don’t be so stupid,’ she hissed, and shoved me away. ‘Do you want us to have a chance out here or do you want to ruin it?’

I pressed my palm against the ear, trying to stop it throbbing. ‘Why can’t we have a chance with Freddie and Sylvie?’

My mother started walking away. ‘You don’t understand people,’ she said over her shoulder.