‘I don’t know why everyone makes sweeping assertions about how I feel, or what I want to do,’ she said. ‘As a matter of fact I plan to be in Kenya in August. To join Sarah, and hopefully Hannah, and celebrate the year of our big birthdays. We promised, that night in the sea at Watamu. Remember?’

‘I remember the sea. But I’ve filed away the rest of the evening with the other occasions when you gave me the brush-off, one more time.’ He was grinning at her. ‘Is this reunion at the coast? Am I invited?’

‘Probably and possibly, in that order. We’ll be at Langani too, so we can see the beginnings of Piet’s game reserve and the lodge. Your lodge too, I gather. He mentioned it at Easter when he was here. Has he started building?’

‘Any minute now. It should be well advanced by July, and you’ll love it. He found this terrifically talented architect. A mad Polish chap called Szustak who drinks like a fish, and writes dubious poetry in his spare time. But he’s a superb designer. It’s totally different from all the existing safari lodges – much smaller of course, and unique in its use of local materials. The buildings will be set into the side of a kopje, with the existing rocks forming part of the walls. There are great views across the plain, all the way to the mountain. Piet’s creating a permanent waterhole and a salt lick, to bring in elephant and buffalo, and even rhino. There’s nothing like it anywhere. He’s a fantastic guy, Piet, and he’s doing something extraordinary up there.’

‘That’s quite an accolade.’

‘He deserves it. I’m proud to be a part of it, and I think the whole project is going to set an example for other private landowners to do their bit for the wildlife.’

‘My father’s switched careers, you know,’ Camilla said. ‘He’s joined a fund that provides money for national parks and the environment. He’s going to be in Kenya a great deal, I think.’

‘Yes, I’d heard,’ Anthony said. ‘Conservation people in Nairobi are optimistic. It’s an organisation with plenty of money, and he already knows the country so well. Kenya’s crawling with two-year wonders these days, and although they’re well meaning they haven’t a clue how to cope with local problems. We need experienced hands like George. What about your mother?’