‘She likes the little cottage in Burford, and she’s busy decorating,’ George said. ‘It’s good for her. She probably told you that she hasn’t been very well. Tired and anaemic. But she’s been to a specialist and some medicine should take care of that. She goes down to the country whenever she wants. To be quiet on her own, or with a couple of friends. I wouldn’t have been able to afford a second house in my old job. So that’s one immediate advantage. It would be nice if you could go down there one weekend, Camilla.’

‘Perhaps, when you’re home the next time. We could go together.’ Camilla wondered what kind of friends her mother invited to her Cotswold retreat. She did not want to refuse him outright.

‘I’ll tell her,’ he said. ‘I talk to her on the phone once or twice a week when I’m away.’

‘Why, Daddy?’

‘Why what?’

‘Why do you phone her all the time? Go on looking after her like this, living with her?’

‘We’ll talk about it one day, darling, but not tonight,’ he said. ‘Let’s turn in. We’ve had a terrific evening and I’m delighted to see you with your friends. They’re fine young people.’

‘No, wait. Sit for a moment or two longer. I have something to tell you. I’ve fallen in love, Daddy. Not with some suitably well-bred gent from Belgravia and Sussex, or a rich banker from the City. I’ve fallen in love with Anthony Chapman.’ Camilla was suddenly self-conscious, and she tried to laugh off her discomfort. ‘A bush baby from Nairobi. Mother doesn’t know. She’d probably have a fit.’

‘Oh my dear girl! No wonder you look so tremendously happy and beautiful. I knew there must be something, but stupidly I didn’t guess. So where is your young man? I like him very much, by the way.’

‘You know him?’ Camilla was surprised.

‘I’ve come across him on a couple of wildlife committees. He’s a balanced and dedicated conservationist, without being sentimental. He has a good head on his shoulders and a great deal of courage. Not afraid of anything, and very determined. Was he down at the coast with you?’