Sarah stood looking at the telephone in disbelief as the line went dead. Camilla did not want to see her. And her casual dismissal of support for Langani was hard to stomach. Surely she did not expect Piet and Hannah to welcome her back, when she had not bothered to discuss their case with her father. And how would Piet react if Camilla came to him, looking for consolation? Sarah felt ill at the thought.

On her last day in Sligo, she stood on the terrace inhaling the scent of the sea and listening to the wind whipping the short grass on the dunes into a swirl of trembling emerald, while the gulls wheeled and screeched and danced in the sky.

‘Are you sure you have everything?’ Betty asked. ‘Paludrine – we don’t want another malaria victim coming home sick. And the creams for insect bites, and that new stuff for stomach upsets.’

‘It’s all right, Mum. Don’t fuss. I’m as loaded up as I could possibly be. Really.’

‘Time to go. All ready?’ Raphael had come out to join them.

She nodded, finding it hard to speak. Her bags were in the car. She was going away. Away from her family who had always loved and supported her, going to a future that seemed all at once hugely daunting.

‘Joy and success and everything you hope for, love. That’s what I pray for every day.’ Betty drew her close and hugged her and they wept together. She pushed Sarah’s unruly hair back from her forehead and kissed her. ‘Take care of yourself, now. And remember, if things don’t work out for any reason, if you’re not happy, your home is here for you. We’re always here. If you need us.’

‘Thanks, Mum. I’ll remember.’ Sarah’s words were choked. ‘I love you. I love you all.’

She threw her arms around her brother’s neck, tears streaming down her face. God, this was like the days of boarding school, the agonising farewells, the attempts to put on a brave show that always failed, trying to smile till your face ached. If only you could have everyone you loved in one place, always accessible. But she had made her choice. She had a whole new life and career in front of her. And Piet. In two days she would be seeing Piet. He had promised to pick her up at the airport, and she would begin her life beside him and let it take her wherever she was meant to go. Deirdre had come out to say goodbye, her pretty, earnest face alight with concern as she dished out last-minute homilies.

‘I’ll heed everything you’ve said,’ Sarah assured her, and for once the advice did not grate on her and she embraced Deirdre with affection. ‘Keep that brother of mine in order – he needs a firm hand.’

Tim made a pretence of glowering at her and then laughed.