‘The lodge should bring in good money,’ Lars agreed. ‘It’s not going to cost that much to build. This Viktor Szustak is a clever architect. If we follow his plan we can find most of the construction materials here on the farm – stone, thatch, the wood for building. And we have our own labour. We could even make the furniture here, in the workshop. But your father wants you to delay the whole project, until we have something in the bank to keep us going in a bad year.’

‘Pa’s not here,’ Piet said decisively. ‘He can’t have a hand in running Langani from thousands of miles away. We have to make our own decisions as to how best to survive. The bank is backing the idea of the lodge, and Anthony’s investment money has helped. Plus, the place could also give Hannah something constructive to do, instead of being a headache.’

‘She’s all right, your sister. It was tough down there, and she’s broken out. She’ll get back on the straight and narrow if you give her a little time.’

‘Time is something we can’t afford,’ Piet said. ‘Hannah has to pull her weight every day, if she wants to stay here.’

‘Then you must tell her the truth.’ Lars stood up. ‘I’m going down to the dairy. There’s some shauri down there about missing milk. I think someone is selling off a few gallons every day, or giving it away to friends and family. Maybe both.’

It was almost dark when Hannah telephoned from Nanyuki Club, and Piet’s pent-up anger streaked down the line.

‘You’ll come home right now,’ he said. ‘You’re not going to spend all night at the club, running up bills and putting yourself in a dicey position at another crazy party.’

‘Ach, stop bellyaching, Piet. You’re so boring these days, always stuck on the farm, talking about work and so.’

‘I’m telling you to come home, Hannah. Now, this minute.’ There was a click as she cut him off, and he stood staring at the phone in disbelief.

He snatched up the keys of the farm truck and headed for Nanyuki. Rain began to patter on the windscreen as he drove. Soon the road became a slippery morass and Piet could barely see his way as the old wipers scratched at the windscreen. He was drenched by the time he had run from the car park into the club. One of his rugby friends slapped him on the back and ordered him a tankard of beer. There was no sign of Hannah, but several rowdy groups were already drinking and dancing. The party was in full swing.

‘Have you seen Hannah?’ he asked Jamie Pincott, the rugby captain.

‘I wouldn’t go looking for your sister right now, old chap.’ Jamie smiled knowingly.

‘Got it,’ Piet said, grinning back with effort. ‘Who’s her admirer tonight?’