‘Absolutely not. A few little pills. Washed down with vodka, and all is well. All is so, so well. Glad you caught me. I’m off to Ad Lib for the evening. It’s a happening, you know. I’m comforting Tom for the night. His bird left him and I’m the back-up.’

‘But what’s happened about the doctor, and your face? Are you really all right? Is there something you haven’t told me?’

‘Not a thing. Just waiting to be reopened and put back together again. Toast of the town, my scar. Are you going back there?’

‘What?’ Sarah was nonplussed by the sudden change of subject.

‘Kenya. Are you going?’

‘Of course I’m going. In fact, I was wondering if I could stay with you on my way over.’ There was silence on the line. Sarah tried again. ‘Camilla, did you talk to your father about funds for Langani? Is there something Piet should do to speed things along, someone he could contact in Nairobi? Or London?’

‘Daddy. Oh yes, I saw my darling daddy. He was in fine form, doing all kinds of amazing things. Surprised the hell out of me.’ Camilla’s laugh sounded hysterical and Sarah heard her take another sip of whatever she was drinking. ‘Maybe I’ll come.’

‘What? Come where?’

‘Back to Kenya. To Hannah and Piet, and Langani.’

A cold fear scraped its way into Sarah’s consciousness. ‘Have you heard from Anthony?’ she asked.

‘Anthony? That’s part of my impossibly romantic past. All over. History. But there are other lovely young heroes, waiting in the wings. Almost as good as your beautiful Piet. Well, maybe not quite up to his standard.’

‘But did you ask George about funds for Langani?’

‘I will, when I see him next. When I see him, I definitely will.’ Camilla’s voice sounded thick and muffled. As if she was crying. Or she’d had too much to drink, or too many little uppers or downers.

‘If I came over a couple of days early we could talk to George together,’ Sarah persisted. ‘Between the two of us, we could make a good case, don’t you think? And we could have some fun in London before I vanish into the bundu.’

‘Doorbell’s ringing, Sarah. Must fly. Talk soon. Maybe I’ll see you on the farm.’

‘Camilla—?’

‘Don’t make me feel bad. I’ve got things to think about too, you know. All kinds of things that would surprise you. Bye for now.’