‘No, it certainly is not about Tim,’ Betty said defensively. ‘In fact, he’d probably do better going to a big hospital in England, working towards a specialty. This way he’ll have a ready-made practice, it’s true. But he’ll be there to give Dad a hand. Don’t be jumping to wild conclusions, Sarah. Your father’s health is the most important thing. If we stay on in Kenya for another five or ten years, it will be too late to make a major change before he has to retire altogether. This is a good time for him to make a new beginning. You’ve always loved the house, although you haven’t been there since Grandpa died. I think you’ll see immediately why it’s the perfect place for us all. There’s a huge amount to do, but we’ve already made some of the rooms comfortable, while the builders are at work.’

Sarah backed away from any further discussion on the last part of the journey. She did not want to spoil their reunion, and she felt guilty that she would soon be returning to Kenya, while her parents had been forced to leave that part of their lives behind.

The old house was several miles outside the town of Sligo, and overlooked Donegal Bay. A sweep of lawn led down to a long white strand and the dunes of Streedagh. Behind them loomed the massive bulk of Ben Bulben, flat-topped, with its summit jutting out towards the sea like the prow of a great ship. Betty had inherited the large, ramshackle house in Sligo when her father died. It was a fine Georgian building with extensive grounds and a stable yard, but inside it was damp and had been neglected over the years by uncaring tenants. Now it would become the base for a whole new life. Sarah was astounded by the suddenness of her parents’ decision, and deeply hurt that they had not waited to discuss it with her. During the brief period that she had been away, Raphael had terminated his overseas contract on the grounds of ill health, accepted a golden handshake and made up his mind to go into general practice in Ireland. Or had his mind made up for him.

Sarah finally revealed her own plans four days after her arrival. She had spent a long day in Dublin discussing her future at the university, and putting her case to the dean for a delay in starting her masters degree. It had not been easy.